soul craft for artists
soul|makers is a nine-month spiritual and creative challenge
designed to shape the kind of inner life that makes genuinely
courageous, truthful, and hopeful work possible.
in a fractured world the arts help us
imagine
what else is possible
9 Months
7 Catalysts
1 Transformation
The soul|makers challenge unfolds through seven catalysts over nine-months. Each catalyst challenges you to confront a deeper question about your calling, your imagination, and the responsibility your work carries in the world. These experiences are designed to reshape how artists see, create, and live.
Most programs teach artists how to make better work.
soul|makers helps artists become the kind of people their work requires.
Become the kind of person
your work requires.
The challenge begins September 2026.
We live in a moment of cultural fragmentation, technological acceleration, and spiritual longing.
A moment that requires creatives to see clearly, listen deeply, and create courageously.
Yet, too many of us are trained to produce not to discern.
To build platforms not wisdom.
To chase visibility instead of truth.
To react out of outrage or insecurity instead of creating out of hope.
Our deepest problem isn’t technique, platform, audience, or opportunity -
The problem is that our loves and longings are disordered.
If art is self-expression - then, it matters what “self” you’re expressing.
If the inner life of the artist is driven by fear, ego, or insecurity,
the work will reflect that. If the inner life is shaped by attentiveness, humility, courage, and love, the work will reflect that too.
soul|makers is not just about making better art -
It’s about the reorienting of our hearts, minds, and souls so that the work of our hands reflects the longings of God's heart.
This is the work of soul|makers.
The question is not what will you make?
but who must you become
to do the work you were created to do
with courage, wisdom, and joy.
Now accepting applications for the
September 2026 soul|makers challenge.
Art isn’t easy
Neither is life.
We all want it to be easy and simple.
We want audiences to recognize and value our work.
We want to know we’re doing something meaningful.
We want money to follow the effort.
And we believe if we get it “right” it should be easy.
But deep down we all know easy doesn’t cut it.
Hard is good.
The really good stuff - the work that has deep soul level value rarely comes the way we think it will.
And it’s never easy.
The wise-hearted creative genius of soul|makers comes when we’re willing to do the work.
Put a little muscle into it.
Wrestle to find the right solution.
Heck, a good challenge is even fun.
And it’s certainly how character is shaped and the good life is lived.
Put Teresa of Avila, Brother Lawrence, St. Benedict, Ignatus of Loyola, Gregory of Nyssa, a boot camp instructor, a camp counselor, and a bunch of artists, makers, performers, and creatives in a blender and you get:
the soul|makers challenge.
Sound weird? Maybe.
Sound like fun? You betcha!
What people say about soul|makers
“Going forward with a changed mindset, I can see some differences already.
Healthier boundaries over studio time. Trusting more in God's revealed vision than market-based projects. Not conflating making money with making art. More resistant to doubting my abilities and more trusting of God's equipping. More resistant to imaginary people not liking it. I can -hardly wait- to get into the studio and Make, each day!”
— Spiritual Collective Participant
“Participating in the Spiritual Collective was one of the most spiritually nourishing practices I’ve ever experienced. At the beginning I was in a place of struggling with unbelief, having put God on the back burner for several years. By the end of the six weeks, I felt the beginnings of a renewed sense of connection. I’m really looking forward to the next one.”
— Spiritual Collective Participant
“I loved the environment. It felt safe to share what was on my heart, without worrying about judgement or critique, or someone else's "counsel"
— Spiritual Collective Participant
Listen up!
Check out the podcast
What does it mean to be an artist of faith in a world where “content” shapes reality? The Be. Make. Do. podcast is an invitation into contemplative formation, responsibility, and the quiet work of creating evidence that another way of being human is possible.
3 Ways to Warm Up for the Challenge
Spiritual Collectives
Spiritual Collectives are intimate, six-week formation groups for artists to practice Holy Listening: learning to listen and discern God’s voice in Scripture, daily life, and community. You don’t need polished answers. You bring what is stirring: a question, a tension, a clarity still forming. The group listens with reverence and restraint, creating gentle accountability without commentary or performance.
These free groups are held online and in person. Our next round begins May 4, 2026
Sunday Nights at convergence
Each week on Zoom, artists, creatives, musicians, writers, performers, and makers gather to explore Scripture with depth and curiosity, allowing it to reshape our imagination and faithfully spark bold new creative work.
This free gathering meets on Zoom each week at 5PM EST. Click below to get the link and more information.
Discernment resources
The Threshold Course is a series of resources and exercises for creatives discerning, returning or testing their call. If soul|makers is sounding really good to you but need a little space warm up, affirm your calling, connect with others, and gain confidence, this is the place to begin.
This course is $150 and includes special curated training on the Artists Spiritual Archetypes, Vocation Traps, Wise-Hearted Way and a one-on-one coaching call with Lisa Smith.
Stay connected to the soul|makers community and opportunities through our email newsletter!