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Genna Blackburn

[The Palette] Edition No. 56

Published about 1 month agoΒ β€’Β 3 min read

EDITION NO. 56
​February 17, 2026

It's The Palette y'all! Your weekly dose of inspiration, tips, and a reminder that you have creative treasures hidden inside you waiting to come out. So let's jump in!

INSIDE THIS EDITION:

  • What's Up
  • Genna's Gem
  • Recommended Resource
  • Student Shoutout
  • What to Do Next
  • Calendar

Hi friend,

Yesterday was another great 75 Art live drawing session and I must tell you about it. πŸ˜› The prompt was "mystery" and I didn't know this until I sat down for the live session. I don't plan anything for these sessions so we can work through the fear of the blank page together. And I truly had no ideas when the call started. But one thing led to another, and we ended up with a pig gardener with crazy big flowers, and UFOs in the background. Watch this short video I made on Instagram for the whole story. The common misconception that you have to have inspiration BEFORE you sit down to draw is keeping your creativity from pouring out. It's really really counterintuitive, but I promise you, if you just get your butt in the chair and start moving your hands (or flipping through a magazine with a solid prompt in mind in this case) the ideas will come.

Creating something out of nothing comes with uncertainty. That's just part of it. But there are tools to deal with that uncertainty so you can uncover the creative treasures hidden inside you. Drawn to Art is where I share those tools, and it's opening April 15, so put it on your calendar if you're ready to make the art that wants to come out of you!

xoxo, Genna

MINDSET TIP β€” Make "bad" art on purpose.

One of the best ways to beat creative fear is to intentionally create something bad. By removing the pressure to make something "good," you free yourself up to explore, take risks, and discover new ideas. After you get that first thing out there, and you're not staring at a blank page anymore, you will feel liberated and you can continue creating after your "bad art" cleanse.

Join Bonnie’s Free Workshop

Replays expire February 24

Create a repeating pattern, see it on a real product, and begin pursuing a creative career in a moment made for pattern.

"This is the first art course that I have taken that made me rethink the way I go about being creative. It pushed me to continue being creative everyday, even on the 'bad' art days. I feel encouraged and ready to grow in my style."

 

KATHY SANDERS of Tickled Peach Studio, student of Drawn to Art​

Do you have a success story to share after taking one of my courses or reading one of my free guides? I'd love to hear it! Tell me about it here.​

Trading Self-Doubt for a Unique Creative Voice

After years of experience as a graphic designer, Esther Longmore was still searching for the value of her art. In this interview, she shares how she was able to recognize her creative strengths and shape her unique creative voice.

Signature Style Week​
​April 13-17, 2026
​A free 5-day workshop to find the art that is unmistakably you. Registration opening soon!

​Drawn to Art​
​Open April 15, 2026
​An interactive, 6-week live course for any artist, illustrator, or surface designer ready to finally find clarity in your style, build a confident creative practice, and make artwork that actually feels like you.

I hope you enjoyed this edition of The Palette! Happy creating!

See all past issues here.

Please note, some of the links in this email may be affiliate links, which means I may get a commission if you purchase. But I want you to know, I only recommend things I truly believe in.

Hey there, Reader β€” I'm so grateful you are part of my email club!
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Happy creating and I hope you have a wonderful day!
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xoxo, Genna

4925 Cadieux Rd, Studio D, Detroit, MI 48224

Genna Blackburn

Illustrator, Surface Designer & Educator

Genna is a licensed artist with work on products like baby clothes, puzzles, diapers, and fabric with companies including Target, Hello Bello, Papyrus, and Little Sleepies. She loves sharing what she knows about making the art that only you can make, finding your unique creative voice, and how to put your work into a beautiful portfolio so you can confidently send it to your dream companies.

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