Acclaimed designer Valicia Evans is using her platform to advocate for everyday creativity as an accessible tool for improving mental wellbeing, productivity, and emotional connection. Evans, known for her work on television productions including Family Time and Love That Girl, emphasizes that creativity extends beyond professional skills to become a life skill anyone can cultivate. Research supports Evans' perspective on creative benefits. According to the Journal of Positive Psychology, people who engage in small creative tasks experience higher levels of positive emotion the following day. A Stanford study found that walking—a simple form of creative stimulation—boosts creative thinking by up to 60%. Evans observes these benefits through her work in design, television, and event creation, noting how simple changes can transform environments and moods.
"When people change something simple—like moving a chair, cooking a new recipe, or adjusting lighting—they feel different," Evans explains. "I've seen entire rooms come alive with one change. And people come alive with it." She advocates for creativity as an accessible starting point for wellbeing, particularly relevant given rising stress levels. The American Psychological Association reports that 76% of adults experienced health impacts from stress last year, including anxiety, fatigue, and lack of motivation. Evans shares her personal creative habits, including setting aside "quiet hours" without digital distractions, periodically reworking her living space, and using cooking as a grounding practice. "I'll chop vegetables until my mind slows down," she said. "Cooking reminds me that creativity doesn't have to be big or fancy. It can be simple, calming, and grounding." She encourages people to practice creativity in ways that feel natural, emphasizing that no special training or supplies are necessary.
Her practical suggestions include rearranging one part of your space monthly, trying one new recipe weekly, walking without headphones for five minutes daily, keeping a notebook for ideas, and building small rituals that spark joy. Evans' upcoming lifestyle and cooking series, V's Vittles and Vibes, premieres in 2026 and will blend food, design, and storytelling. "You don't have to change your whole life," Evans says. "Just change one tiny thing today. Creativity grows from small steps." This approach matters because it democratizes creativity as a mental health resource, making wellbeing practices accessible without requiring artistic expertise or significant resources. The implications extend to workplace productivity, community connection, and individual resilience against widespread stress documented by organizations like the American Psychological Association. By framing creativity as daily micro-actions rather than grand achievements, Evans addresses barriers that prevent people from engaging in self-care, potentially influencing how mental health is approached in mainstream culture. Her television work and upcoming series further normalize these concepts, suggesting that integrating creativity into daily life could become a sustainable alternative to more intensive wellness interventions.
