Wondering how to become a better artist? Listen to the latest episode of The Adventures in Arting Podcast for tips and tricks all about the power of artistic frameworks.
As we discuss on the podcast, becoming a better artist isn’t about waiting for inspiration to strike. It’s about building a sustainable, repeatable, and joyful art practice. One of the most powerful ways to do this is by using frameworks.
Before you start picturing rigid rules and creativity-stifling structures, let’s redefine what a framework actually is: a flexible, supportive tool that helps you start, evolve, and refine your artistic process. In other words, it’s the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed to unlock your full potential.
What Is an Artistic Framework?
A framework is a structured approach to making art. It could be a set of principles, steps, or techniques that guide you through idea generation, execution, critique, and iteration. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just discovering your creative voice, a good framework helps you focus, make confident decisions, and grow intentionally as an artist.
You probably already use frameworks in everyday life—laying out clothes the night before, prepping your gym bag to work out, or using a recipe to make dinner. These little systems help remove decision fatigue and ensure you follow through. The same goes for art.
Why Frameworks Work (and How They Make You a Better Artist)
1. They Eliminate the Fear of the Blank Page
That intimidating blank canvas? Frameworks help you leap over it. A structure that tells you to start with “three colors and two dots” makes the beginning manageable. Instead of asking “What should I create?” you can ask “How can I apply this framework today?”
Frameworks don’t tell you what to make—they tell you how to begin.
2. They Give You Direction
Ever gotten halfway through a piece and felt lost? That’s where frameworks shine. A good framework provides a roadmap, helping you make consistent, confident decisions from start to finish.
For example, the P.E.E. Method—Practice, Experiment, Embrace—is a simple cycle that encourages skill-building, playful risk-taking, and accepting (then learning from) unexpected outcomes.
3. They Replace Doubt with Confidence
When you have a system in place to analyze your work, you don’t have to rely on gut feelings alone. Frameworks give you a language for self-critique. Tools like the elements and principles of design or the rule of thirds help you identify what’s working and what’s not—empowering you to make changes with intention.
Frameworks also help you filter outside feedback. Once you know what you want your art to say, you can more easily decide whether critique aligns with your goals—or not.
4. They Turn Growth into a Repeatable Process
Progress in art doesn’t happen by accident. Just like training for a marathon, getting better at art means showing up, practicing specific skills, and reflecting on your progress. Frameworks help you do that systematically.
They support iteration, letting each piece build on the last. For instance, a workbook like the one used in the Carve December Workbook class leads artists through idea refinement and creative development step-by-step.
Choosing the Right Framework for YOU
Not every artist thrives with the same approach. To find the right framework, ask yourself:
- What’s my biggest struggle right now?
- Starting? Try prompt-based or constraint-driven frameworks.
- Skill-building? Look to technical frameworks like color theory or value studies.
- Feeling stuck? Choose play-based methods like collage warmups or daily drawing games.
- Unsure how to finish? Use critique frameworks based on design principles.
- What are my goals?
- Want to build a daily habit? Pick a consistency-focused framework.
- Planning a cohesive body of work? Try ideation-to-completion methods.
- What’s my personality and workflow?
- Do you like structure, or do you prefer freedom with light guidance?
- Do you need external accountability, or can you self-direct?
Your answer will help you find or even create a framework that fits your creative style.
A Few Favorite Frameworks to Explore
- P.E.E. Method: Practice – Experiment – Embrace. Simple, cyclical, powerful.
- Art Parts: Create components separately—backgrounds, embellishments, shapes—so you can design freely with pre-made materials.
- Elements & Principles of Design: A go-to toolkit for analyzing and improving your art.
- Rule of Thirds: A classic framework for strong composition and visual balance.
- Color Theory & Limited Palettes (like the Zorn palette): Guides for impactful color usage.
- Daily Prompt Challenges (e.g. 100 Day Project): Consistency and exploration in one.
- My Art Practice: Learn how to build a personal framework for your art practice.
- The Carve December Workbook: A framework for iteration in thinking and planning.
Final Thoughts: Frameworks Are Everywhere
Frameworks are not only in your art—they’re in your life. Parenting, cooking, running errands—these tasks are full of unconscious frameworks that help you function better. When you apply that same intention to your art, everything shifts.
So if you’re wondering how to become a better artist, the answer is simple:
Use a framework.
Tweak it.
Test it.
Make it yours.
It’s not about boxing yourself in. It’s about giving yourself a supportive structure so your creativity can flourish.
