The Self-Care Benefits of Painting by Numbers: How My Hobby Turned Into a Business Supporting Local Artists

For the past decade, I’ve embarked on a daily journey of self-care through painting by numbers. It all started as a simple way to unwind at the end of the day, but over time, it has evolved into so much more—a therapeutic escape, a creative outlet, and, eventually, a business that supports local artists. Today, I am proud to not only share the benefits I’ve personally experienced but also how this passion has blossomed into a business that highlights the stunning landscapes of the Sunshine Coast, and soon Western Australia and Tasmania, while giving back to the talented artists who make it all possible.

A Therapeutic Escape from Daily Stress

When I first was gifted a paint-by-numbers kit by my aunty, I never expected it to have such a profound impact on my well-being. Life was busy, and like so many others, I was juggling work, family, and the general stresses of everyday life. The idea of sitting down to focus on something so simple—a numbered canvas, a set of colors, and a brush—seemed almost too easy to be effective. But in those early sessions, I quickly realized that this repetitive, mindful activity offered me a peaceful moment in my otherwise chaotic routine.

Painting by numbers allowed me to switch off my mind from all the “noise” of the day. The predictable nature of the activity, paired with the slow and steady rhythm of brushing paint onto the canvas, helped me practice mindfulness. In many ways, it felt like meditation—helping me become more present, more focused, and more relaxed.

The Creative Spark That Took Me Further

Though painting by numbers is often seen as a simple task, it also provides an incredible opportunity to tap into creativity. The joy of seeing a blank canvas transform into something beautiful with every brushstroke inspired me to push my artistic boundaries further. It was through this process that I found the courage to experiment with different techniques and even create my own pieces, beyond the realm of the numbers.

This newfound creativity didn’t just stay on the canvas—it began spilling over into other aspects of my life. I felt more confident in expressing myself, more willing to embrace new challenges, and more appreciative of the small, beautiful things that life offers.

The Growing Desire to Support Local Artists

As my love for painting by numbers deepened, I realized there was something missing in the experience: the connection to the real world around me. I was painting beautiful scenes, yes, but they were often abstracted or generic. It was during this time that I began dreaming about painting the real, vibrant landscapes I saw daily—the ones I could actually visit and feel connected to.

I live on the Sunshine Coast, a place brimming with breathtaking scenery, from sun-kissed beaches to lush rainforests. Why not capture these real places in my paint-by-numbers sets? I wanted to paint locations that held personal meaning, not just generic landscapes. But there was another realization that followed closely behind: Many of these landscapes were created by incredibly talented local artists who deserved to have their work seen and supported. That’s when the idea for my business was born.

Turning a Passion Into a Business to Support Local Artists

It was clear that my daily ritual of painting by numbers wasn’t just benefiting me—it had the potential to benefit others as well. I envisioned a business where I could curate paint-by-numbers kits featuring authentic, real-life locations, and collaborate with local artists who captured the beauty of these places in their work. The goal was simple: I wanted to bring together the calming experience of painting by numbers with the appreciation of genuine, local artistry. At the same time, I wanted to support the artists themselves, who were often underrepresented in the broader art scene.

The concept quickly gained traction, and before long, I found myself collaborating with talented artists on the Sunshine Coast to create custom paint-by-numbers kits that featured iconic local scenes. The excitement grew as I expanded my reach beyond Queensland to include Western Australia and Tasmania, bringing more artists into the fold and helping even more people enjoy the therapeutic benefits of painting by numbers.

A Business That Brings Joy to Others

Now, every time I sit down to paint, I’m reminded of why I started. It's not just about the relaxation or the joy of creating something beautiful; it's about connecting with my community and giving others the chance to experience the same peace and mindfulness that I’ve enjoyed for the past decade. With every kit that gets sent out, I know that someone else will be able to sit down and immerse themselves in the same calming, creative process I once stumbled upon. And, by painting real places, people are gaining a sense of connection to those locations, whether they've visited them in person or dream of one day doing so.

But the best part? Supporting the local artists who pour their hearts into capturing these scenes. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about giving artists a platform to showcase their work while making a real impact in the local economy.

The Future: Expanding to Even More Locations

The journey doesn’t stop here. As the business continues to grow, I’m excited to expand to even more regions—sharing the beauty of landscapes from across the country and supporting a wider variety of talented artists. In the future, I hope to inspire even more people to take up painting by numbers as a means of self-care, offering them a moment of peace in their hectic lives while giving them the opportunity to support real, local talent.

Final Thoughts: A Decade of Self-Care, Creativity, and Community

What began as a simple daily practice of self-care has transformed into something much larger than I ever imagined. Over the past ten years, I’ve experienced the calming benefits of painting by numbers, discovered a passion for supporting local artists, and created a business that helps others find the same peace I’ve found through art.

If you’re looking for a creative outlet that provides relaxation, mindfulness, and a sense of accomplishment, I highly encourage you to give painting by numbers a try. You never know—what starts as a quiet hobby could lead you on a path to discovering new talents, supporting meaningful causes, and transforming your life, just as it did for me.