The Power of Creative Limits

6 Surprising Ways Creative Constraints Can Help You Thrive

At the end of March, I left for England in a rush. I packed light: a few clothes, my laptop, and a journal. No paints, no scissors, no half-finished art projects carefully chosen for travel. I was going to be with my mum, and creativity wasn’t on my radar.

But one evening, after a long day at the hospital, anxiety started to bubble up in my chest. I knew I needed to make something—anything—with my hands. A quick search around the Airbnb turned up a pair of kitchen scissors and a stack of old magazines. Soon, I was cutting out colors, textures, and snippets of words. The next day, I bought a glue stick and found some copier paper. I began gluing small collaged houses. The effect was almost immediate: I felt calmer, focused, and even playful.

That moment reminded me of a quote I heard from Chase Jarvis:

“Constraints are arguably the creator of our creativity.” – Chase Jarvis

It turns out that less can actually help us do more. There’s power in creative limits. Here are six ways creative constraints have helped me feel more focused, more inspired, and more grounded in difficult times.

1. Constraints Reduce Overwhelm

Too many choices can stall me out. I think that’s why those first magazine collages felt so liberating: I didn’t have to decide between twenty types of paper or dozens of paint colors. I had scissors, a glue stick, and three magazines. That was enough.

2. Constraints Calm My Nervous System

When I’m feeling anxious or scattered, I need simplicity. Repetitive tasks like sorting, cutting, and arranging slow my thoughts. Limiting materials means I don’t waste energy deciding where to begin.

3. Constraints Help Me Focus

Zentangle is my go-to when I need to quiet my mind. Its simplicity—just a black pen, a white tile, and slow, meditative lines—is part of the appeal. I often explore a single pattern to see how many variations I can find. Monotangles, where one pattern is repeated, are especially satisfying.

4. Constraints Invite Creative Problem-Solving

When I make collage books, I intentionally limit my paper choices. I might choose just a handful of scraps based on color, texture, or contrast. The result? The book comes together more quickly, feels cohesive, and doesn’t get stalled halfway through. Watch this YouTube video of me creating one of these books.

5. Constraints Clear Mental Clutter

I spent over a year stitching a cross-stitch sampler. One color. One stitch. I worked on it in five different countries. But I didn’t start another until I finished this one. Having just one stitching project meant I didn’t have to choose. It traveled easily, and I had the satisfaction of seeing it through. The final piece is 12” x 14.5” (30cm x 37cm), and I love knowing every stitch has a story.

6. Constraints Create Intensity and Presence

I’m drawn to haiku for the same reason I love working small: the form is tight, and each word must carry its weight. There’s no room for filler—only carefully chosen words. Haikus capture moments. Here’s one I wrote during autumn:

Logs burn, pages crack
Crows remain, geese bid goodbye.
Us wrapped in soft wool.

Your Turn

Where have creative constraints helped you most? Have you ever been surprised by what you could make when you had fewer choices? I’d love to hear your story of finding power in creative limits—drop it in the comments. Sometimes the magic happens when we say: this is enough.

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