Let’s be real—being a beginner can feel awkward as hell. It’s messy, frustrating, and sometimes a little embarrassing. But here’s the thing: being a good beginner is an actual skill. And once you get better at it, you unlock an entirely new world of creativity and confidence.
There was a time when I thought learning gel printing would be easy. I mean you just put paint down on the gel plate and put paper on top…right? Spoiler: it wasn’t. I spent years trying to get those beautiful layered textures I saw other people making, only to end up with muddy messes. The turning point? When I stopped beating myself up for “not getting it” and started treating every attempt like an experiment. And that’s when the learning really started.
So, let’s talk about how to get better at being a beginner and how to actually enjoy it. even. Because if you can make peace with the friction of the learning process, you’ll open the door to all kinds of creative breakthroughs.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this email:
How admitting “I don’t know” makes you a stronger learner
Why awkwardness is a sign of progress (not failure).
How to track your growth and celebrate small wins
Let’s dive in.
1. Recognize That It’s OK Not to Know
I used to think that admitting I don’t know how to do this was some kind of personal failure. But you know what’s actually a failure? Pretending you do know, never learning anything new, and choosing to stay stuck.
How to Get Comfortable with Not Knowing:
Treat every attempt like an experiment. Ask, “What happens if I try this?” instead of “Why can’t I get this right?”
Use non-precious supplies. You’ll feel freer to experiment when you’re not worried about wasting expensive materials.
Write down what you learn. I keep a Daily Pages journal where I jot down what worked, what didn’t, and what I want to try next.
Engage all your senses. Think about what something feels like, what it looks like, what it smells like, what it sounds like—throughout the full process (probably don’t taste your art supplies).
Not knowing isn’t a flaw—it’s the first step to knowing more.
2. Learn How You Learn Best
Some people learn best by reading. Others need to watch a demo. Me? I have to do the thing.
For years, I read tutorials and blog posts, thinking I’d magically understand a technique. But it wasn’t until I started putting mini-books together by hand—messing up, trying again, adjusting—that things started clicking. That’s when I realized: I’m a hands-on learner.
Figure Out Your Best Learning Style:
Visual learner? Watch videos, study step-by-step photos.
Hands-on learner? Jump in and experiment as soon as possible.
Audio learner? Listen to podcasts or have someone talk you through it.
If the usual methods aren’t clicking for you, try a different approach. Even if it’s the method that usually works for you, if it doesn’t work, switch it up. There’s no “right” way—only the way that works for you.
3. Embrace Awkwardness
Being a beginner feels awkward because you’re doing something new. That’s normal. It’s actually a sign you’re growing.
I remember my first scrapbooking meet-up where I was easily 20 years younger than everyone else in the room. Most of them were making pages about their kids and grandkids. Meanwhile, I was documenting my selfies, favorite tv shows, and random college adventures. I felt so out of place.
But here’s the thing: awkward moments don’t last forever. Over time, I found my people. And now? The idea of scrapbooking yourself has become a huge movement.
How to Get Comfortable with Feeling Awkward:
Reframe it. Awkwardness means you’re trying something new—which is a good thing.
Find your people. Even if your in-person community isn’t a perfect fit, the world is full of folks on the same creative journey.
Laugh at yourself. Seriously. It helps.
Lean into the awkwardness. It’s proof that you’re stretching beyond your comfort zone.
4. Seek Out Mentors and Role Models
One of the best ways to level up? Learn from people who’ve been where you are.
Way back when I lived in North Jersey, I followed this amazing artist on Instagram. She made the most epic altered book journals, mixed media prints, and all around cool stuff. Eventually, I reached out to her and took a workshop she was teaching locally. And that small act changed everything—I got encouragement, advice, and most importantly, a reminder that no one figures it all out alone.
How to Approach a Mentor (Without Feeling Weird About It):
Do your research first. Check out their website and socials and soak in what they’ve already put out there.
Be specific. Instead of Can you help me? ask, I’m struggling with X—any advice?
Express appreciation, not apologies. Saying I love your work and appreciate any tips you have feels way better than Sorry to bother you.
Start small. Follow their work, engage with their content, and build a connection naturally.
Most people want to help others. You just have to ask.
5. Track Progress and Celebrate Small Wins
You know what’s really motivating? Looking back and realizing how far you’ve come.
When I first started doing Daily Pages, I wasn’t even doing them on a regular basis. But, when I got to the end of one of the notebooks, it was so easy to celebrate finishing. Now, years later, I look back on those pages I created at first and see a huge difference in my storytelling and my creative skills. That progress felt slow in the day-to-day, just a random page here or there, but when I zoomed out? It was massive.
Ways to Track Your Progress:
Keep a journal. Write about what you’re learning and experimenting with (consider the notes app on your phone).
Take process photos. It’s easier to see improvement when you compare yourself over a longer time horizon.
Celebrate small wins. Did you finally get a technique to work? Tell your friends. Give yourself a sticker Great job.
Progress doesn’t always feel obvious in the moment—but it adds up.
The Real Secret to Being a Beginner
Being a beginner is supposed to feel uncomfortable. But if you can embrace that discomfort—if you can make peace with the process—you’ll unlock a lifetime of learning, experimenting, and creating. And best part? It’ll feel great the whole time.
So, what’s something new you want to be a beginner at? Pick something. Start small. Embrace the awkwardness.
You got this.
Weekly Resource List:
The Basic Guide to Daily Pages (7-minute read): Everything you need to get started with Daily Pages.
Free Mini Book-of-Me Printable Zine (instant download): Tell your story on a single sheet of paper!
Getting Started with Gel Printing: A Complete Beginner's Guide: (5-minute read): Everything you need to know (as a beginner) to get started with gel printing.
Start Your Creative Practice Small & Watch it Grow (4-minute read): How to get started with your own creative practice, even if you’re a complete beginner.
The Beginner’s Mindset (8-minute read): Article from Making Lemonade on understanding the creative process and how to be a beginner.
7 Steps I’d Take if I Was Starting My Creative Project from Scratch in 2025 (2-minute read): Post from Andy J. Pizza with tips for what’s important when you’re beginning a creative practice.
Sponsored by: Book of Me—Artist Inspiration
Book of Me is my annual All About Me epic scrapbook album. This year, I want to invite you on a guided creative experience that blends personal storytelling with artistic inspiration. Each month, we explore a female artist’s work, dive into creative themes, and use prompts to document our own lives in meaningful ways.
With our supportive community and a mix of hands-on projects, Book of Me is designed to help you tell your story in a way that feels authentic and inspiring.
Start your creative journey today—learn more at rukristin.com/bookofme and explore what’s possible with Book of Me. 🎨📖✨
Here’s what we covered today:
Why admitting “I don’t know” makes you a stronger learner
How embracing awkwardness helps you grow
The importance of tracking progress and celebrating small wins
Action step: Think about something new you’ve been wanting to try. What’s one small step you can take today to move past the hesitation and into action? Whether it’s watching a short tutorial, gathering supplies, or simply telling yourself it’s okay to be a beginner, take that first step.
Talk to you next week!
xoxo,
Kristin
P.S. If you’re enjoying these newsletters, please consider sharing this edition with a friend who might need a little creative boost today.
And if you’re a beginner (or new around here), there are 3 ways I can help you build your creative habit:
Upgrade here on the newsletter and join me Monday-Friday at Noon ET to join us on the first Saturday of the month for our live masterclasses, with a new topic each month on building and sustaining your own Daily Pages creative habit. See the full archive here.
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TY for the affirmation, I’ve been struggling with gel prints on and off for months.
I really enjoyed this post with all the resources! Pushing past that initial phase of frustration is something I’m struggling to help my teenage son with! Thank you