THE SPARK


Watercolor paints, crayons, and pastels scattered on a table with children's artwork
By Becky Murdoch July 29, 2025
Struggling with writer’s block and burnout, I turned to messy, playful art with my kids—and found creative freedom again. Here's how it helped me heal.
Creative artist imagines bold, impossible projects with no limits
By Becky Murdoch July 22, 2025
Discover how to pursue bold creative dreams—even the impossible ones. In this inspiring piece by Steven W. Alloway, learn how to break big ideas into real steps, grow through failure, and stay rooted in your creative purpose. Perfect for artists, dreamers, and makers.
Person playing in garden, representing creativity and joyful learning through play
By Becky Murdoch July 16, 2025
Discover how integrating play into your creative life enhances learning, well-being, and innovation. Backed by neuroscience and insights from “The Artist’s Way,” this post explores how playful practices—from gardening to joyful collaboration—fuel creative breakthroughs and strengthen skills.
Stacked building blocks symbolizing the process of overcoming creative blocks
By Becky Murdoch July 8, 2025
Discover why artist dates matter for your creative health. Learn practical strategies to overcome blocks, release perfectionism, and find ideas everywhere. Written by an experienced creative professional, this article offers insight, encouragement, and actionable advice grounded in real-life examples.
Uplifting playlist for sunny days and feel-good, serendipitous moments.
By Becky Murdoch July 1, 2025
Discover a curated playlist that captures the feeling of sunshine, unexpected joy, and perfect timing. Whether you're driving with the windows down or riding the wave of a lucky break, this soundtrack is designed to amplify the best days. Created with care to lift your mood and celebrate life's bright moments.
Zach Hammill discusses filmmaking, inspiration, and creative challenges
By Becky Murdoch July 1, 2025
Filmmaker and editor Zach Hammill shares his creative journey from LA to Minneapolis, his inspirations (including the Coen Brothers and PTA), and the balance of artistic ambition with everyday life. A thoughtful interview offering insights into storytelling, resilience, and what it means to create from a deeply persona
Person brainstorming ideas at a desk, breaking through creative block
By Becky Murdoch June 25, 2025
Struggling with creative block? Writer and creator Steven W. Alloway shares honest, real-world solutions for breaking through the blank-page blues. Drawing from over a decade of professional writing experience, Alloway offers tested methods like talking it out, working out of order, and crowd-sourcing inspiration to he
Gonzo, Fozzie, and Kermit illustrate how artists can face rejection with resilience and humor.
By Becky Murdoch June 11, 2025
In this edition of The Spark, writer and theater director Steven W. Alloway draws wisdom from the Muppets to explore how artists can navigate negative feedback. Through insightful parallels with characters like Gonzo, Fozzie, Miss Piggy, and Kermit, Alloway shares honest reflections and expert perspective on resilience, creative leadership, and the value of community. A must-read for any creative seeking encouragement amid critique.
By Becky Murdoch June 4, 2025
Check out our June mixtape, ALL ABOUT THAT BASS to SPARK your creativity!
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HEALING the soul of the artist masterclass

Do you ever wish you could simply fulfill the vision in your head – without the nagging voices of doubt, worry and criticism? Now is the time to focus on your healing!

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