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Genna Blackburn

[The Palette] Edition No. 58

Published about 1 month ago • 3 min read

EDITION NO. 58
​March 3, 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,

On Sunday, I was listening to an Audible Original by Gabrielle Bernstein called 7 Habits of a Super Attractor, and it turned out there was a chapter on creative flow — something I didn't realize when I chose the book. It felt serendipitous. I want to share one of my takeaways from that chapter with you. She said to ask yourself these questions every morning, either to yourself or in a journal:

  1. How can I have fun today?
  2. What can I do to ignite joy today?
  3. What’s one small creative act I can do today?

This really got my gears turning. Rarely do I wake up and think any of these things. I usually wake up and am immediately thinking about all the things I need to do, like make breakfast, get the kids out of bed, give the dog and cat their medicine, and on and on. But this idea of asking myself something like "What can I do to ignite joy today?" — that feels like a completely different headspace. It feels like a very good way to get out of bed in the morning. Maybe it's making a special latte, or taking an extra moment in the morning to laugh with my son instead of just worrying about getting him dressed and fed. I believe the reason this was mentioned in the creative flow chapter is because creativity and joy and fun are all linked. Our most creative flow comes from finding the joy.

And number 3, well, creativity can be expressed in small yet powerful ways, and so I like the idea of thinking about something small I can do today, instead of feeling like I need to do a huge scary creative thing. Maybe this list of questions resonates with you too and feels like something you'd like to try?

Oh and that illustration above — I wanted to share this page of kids that I drew last week because the girl in the top right, there's just something about her that makes me so happy. I can't explain it, I just feel so much delight when I look at her. So this is your reminder that delight is waiting for you on the other side of whatever feelings of doubt and uncertainty you might feel while making art if you just keep going.

xoxo, Genna

SIGNATURE STYLE TIP — Pay attention to what you love.

Your voice starts with what lights you up. The colors you can’t stop using. The motifs you keep sketching in the margins. The textures, patterns, and shapes that just feel right when you’re in the flow. The more you create from a place of curiosity and joy, the clearer your style becomes. You don’t need to force it. Just keep showing up and notice what you naturally repeat.

Pro tip: Take screenshots, save Pins, or keep a visual journal of the things you’re drawn to. Over time, a pattern will emerge, and it’s probably more you than you realize.

Caran d'ache Neocolor II Pastels

I have loved their colored pencils for a while and had to check out these pastels! I'm realllly digging these.

"As a self-taught illustrator, I chose to do Drawn to Art because I was struggling with all the techniques and options out there. I needed a 'filter' for all the information on style development. In addition, I wanted to find my joy back in illustrating. The course exceeded my expectations. It gave me the focus I needed to move forward."

 

MARLIES NIEMEIJER, 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.​

From Creative Slump to Confident Style

Cat had tried many online art classes but says Drawn to Art was completely different. It helped her cut through overwhelm, embrace what makes her art unique, and build the confidence to keep creating with purpose.

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.

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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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