Digital Art as Medicine: My Journey from Veteran to Digital Creator

In 2015, when I began intertwining the wisdom of Adler and the Stoics into my healing journey, I discovered something unexpected: digital art became my meditation. As a veteran navigating the complexities of PTSD, I found that traditional art materials sometimes felt overwhelming. But the gentle hum of my iPad and the forgiving nature of digital creation opened a new path to healing.

Research confirms what I've experienced firsthand: engaging in creative activities can significantly improve mental well-being by reducing anxiety and increasing feelings of relaxation (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010). But this isn't just about statistics—it's about finding your way back to yourself, one pixel at a time. Whether you're a veteran like me, someone dealing with anxiety, or simply seeking a new form of self-expression, I want to share how digital creativity can become your companion on the road to recovery.

Finding Peace in Pixels: The Healing Power of Digital Creation

Remember those days when making a mistake meant starting over? I do. But digital art changed that for me. Every stroke became an opportunity, not a commitment. Every "mistake" became a chance to discover something new. Studies back up what I've learned through experience: digital art can be just as effective as traditional art therapy in promoting emotional resilience (Kaimal, Ray, & Muniz, 2016).

What I love most about digital art is its forgiving nature. On days when my hands shake too much for traditional brushes, or when the thought of cleaning up art supplies feels overwhelming, my iPad becomes a constant companion. There's something deeply comforting about knowing you can't "ruin" a digital canvas—you can always undo, restart, or transform what isn't working.

For those navigating PTSD, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, digital art offers a space to explore creativity without pressure. Whether it's creating intricate designs, abstract compositions, or AI-assisted imagery, the process itself can be just as valuable as the final product.

My Digital Art Journey Begins: Discovering Affinity Designer

When I first transitioned from military service to civilian life, precision and structure were my comfort zone. Perhaps that's why Affinity Designer became my first digital art love. Like the disciplined environment I knew from the RAAF, this powerful software offered both structure and freedom. It's a more affordable alternative to Adobe Illustrator, making it accessible to anyone starting their healing journey through art.

What drew me in was how Affinity Designer mirrors military precision while allowing for creative expression. Just as we had protocols and procedures in service, the software offers:

• Vector and raster layers that remind me of mission planning – different layers for different purposes
• Custom brushes that feel like traditional art but with the precision of digital tools
• Typography tools that helped me express words when speaking felt too difficult
• Precision tools that appeal to my military-trained eye for detail and accuracy

Research confirms what I discovered through experience: working with digital design tools can improve cognitive functions and boost self-esteem (Huss, 2019). But beyond the research, I've seen how starting with simple mandala patterns can be like meditation in motion. It's about finding that sweet spot between structure and creativity, between control and letting go.

For beginners, starting with simple mandala patterns or colour therapy-style illustrations can be a great way to ease into the medium.

Affinity Designer is also available for iPads with a one-time purchase or subscription, making professional-level digital art accessible without requiring a full computer setup.

Recommended Tutorials and Books:

• Affinity Designer for Beginners - Free YouTube Course
• Affinity Designer Workbook by Serif (Official Guide)
• Affinity Designer Tutorials - Official Website

Finding Freedom in Simplicity: My Experience with Canva

Sometimes, the simplest tools can lead to the most profound healing. That's what I discovered with Canva. After years of working with complex systems in the RAAF and teaching intricate web development, there was something liberating about Canva's straightforward approach. Research backs this up, showing that even simple creative activities can significantly reduce stress and increase happiness (Bolwerk et al., 2014).

For those days when Affinity Designer feels too demanding (we all have them!), Canva offers a gentler path. Its drag-and-drop interface reminds me of the importance of starting where you are. In my journey of healing and self-discovery, I've found Canva perfect for:

• Creating visual journals that help process military memories and current emotions
• Designing uplifting quote graphics featuring wisdom from the Stoics and other philosophers who've guided my healing
• Crafting digital collages that blend service memories with new civilian life experiences
• Starting with templates when the blank canvas feels too overwhelming (just like how having a mission brief helped structure our military operations)

Canva's accessibility makes it a great starting point for those new to digital creativity, allowing users to design with minimal learning curve while still producing visually compelling pieces. Additionally, Canva has a dedicated iPad app, enabling users to create from anywhere without needing a desktop.

Recommended Tutorials and Books:

• Canva Design School - Free Online Courses
• Canva for Beginners by Christi Carter
• Canva YouTube Tutorials

Embracing the Future: My Dance with AI Art

In my journey from loading telex machines in the RAAF to exploring cutting-edge technology, I've learned that innovation often brings unexpected healing tools. When I first discovered AI art tools like MidJourney, Stable Diffusion, and NightCafe, I was skeptical. Could a machine really help with creative expression? But just as I've witnessed the evolution of military technology throughout my service, I've come to embrace these AI tools as powerful allies in the healing process.

Studies support what I've experienced: AI-assisted creativity can provide genuine psychological benefits, including increased confidence and emotional release (McCormack & d'Inverno, 2020). But the real magic happens in the practical application. Here's how I've found AI art particularly powerful for veterans and others on their healing journey:

• Visual storytelling – When words fail (and many veterans know this feeling well), AI can help translate our experiences into images
• Processing memories – I use AI-generated art to explore and reframe military experiences in a safe, controlled way
• Daily emotional check-ins – Just as we had daily briefings in service, I use AI art prompts for regular emotional "check-ins"
• Building bridges – Combining AI-generated elements with personal photos helps connect past and present selves

What particularly excites me about these tools is their accessibility. Just as I transitioned from complex military systems to teaching web development, I've found that AI art platforms offer a gentle entry point for creative expression. NightCafe, my personal favorite, works beautifully on tablets – perfect for those days when sitting at a desk feels overwhelming. It's like having a creative companion in your pocket, ready whenever healing moments arise.

Recommended Tutorials and Books:

• MidJourney Beginner's Guide - Official Documentation
• Artificial Intelligence and the Arts by Penousal Machado & Juan Romero
• Stable Diffusion - Free Guide
• NightCafe Beginner's Guide - Official Guide
• Stable Diffusion Tutorial on NightCafe
• Editing AI Images in NightCafe
• NightCafe YouTube Tutorial for Beginners
• Advanced AI Art Techniques in NightCafe

Charting Your Course: From Military Precision to Creative Freedom

My military training taught me the importance of standard operating procedures, but my healing journey has shown me the value of creative flexibility. Whether you're a veteran like me or anyone seeking healing through creativity, here's what I've learned about finding your path:

• Schedule creative briefings with yourself – just like mission briefings, but for art exploration
• Begin with basic training in digital tools – start with simple shapes and patterns, then advance when ready
• Treat AI prompts like reconnaissance missions – explore safely, gather intel about what resonates with you
• Create a daily creative ops routine – combine your art practice with meditation or journaling, just as we combined different elements in military operations

Mission Debrief: The Journey Continues

Looking back at my journey from the structured environment of the RAAF to the flowing creativity of digital art, I'm reminded of a fundamental truth: healing rarely follows a straight path. Just as my military service taught me to adapt and overcome, my exploration of digital creativity has shown me new ways to navigate life's challenges.

The digital art tools we've discussed here—from Affinity Designer's precision to Canva's accessibility and AI's innovative approach—are more than just software. They're companions on the road to recovery, each offering unique ways to express what sometimes feels inexpressible. Like the different roles I've embraced throughout my life—veteran, teacher, digital creator—these tools allow us to explore multiple facets of ourselves.

What makes these digital tools particularly powerful is their accessibility. Just as I transitioned from military service to civilian life, you can transition from complete beginner to confident creator at your own pace. Whether you're working with an iPad in your favorite coffee shop or exploring AI art from the comfort of your home, the entry point is wherever you are right now.

To my fellow veterans: I understand the challenge of finding new ways to process our experiences. Digital art might seem far removed from our military training, but I've found it draws on many of the same skills—attention to detail, dedication to practice, and the courage to face the unknown.

To everyone on a healing journey: Remember that every stroke, every design, every AI-generated image is a step forward. As the Stoics taught us, it's not about the destination but how we handle the journey.

I'd love to hear about your experiences with digital art and healing. What tools resonate with you? How has creativity helped you navigate your own path? Share your story—because just as we supported each other in service, we can support each other in healing.

From Theory to Practice: My Digital Art in Action

If you've visited my website (helenburgess.id.au), you may have noticed some of the artwork and graphics displayed there. Many of these were created using the very tools I've discussed here. Through AI generation and Canva, I've been able to create visuals that reflect both my journey and my message. It's been a practical way to bring together my technical skills, creative expression, and desire to connect with others through visual storytelling.

This real-world application of digital art tools has not only enhanced my website's visual appeal but has also become part of my ongoing healing practice. Each image represents a moment of creative exploration and personal growth.

A Personal Note

The experiences, tools, and approaches I've shared here reflect my personal journey and shouldn't be considered medical advice or treatment. The software and platforms mentioned—Affinity Designer, Canva, NightCafe, and others—are simply the tools that have worked for me in my healing journey. They're not the only options available, and what works for one person may not work for another.

I encourage you to explore different digital art tools and find what resonates with your own path. There's a vast landscape of creative software out there, and new options emerge regularly. The key is finding what feels right for you, just as I found my way through these particular tools.

Remember: your journey is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to healing through creativity. Always consult with healthcare professionals about your specific needs and circumstances.

References

• Bolwerk, A., Mack-Andrick, J., Lang, F. R., Dörfler, A., & Maihöfner, C. (2014). How art changes your brain: Differential effects of visual art production and cognitive art evaluation on functional brain connectivity. _PLoS One, 9_(7), e101035.
• Huss, E. (2019). _What we see and what we say: Using images in research, therapy, empowerment, and social change_. Routledge.
• Kaimal, G., Ray, K., & Muniz, J. (2016). Reduction of cortisol levels and participants' responses following art making. _Art Therapy, 33_(2), 74-80.
• McCormack, J., & d'Inverno, M. (2020). AI and creativity: A role for imagination in computational design. _Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Computational Creativity._
• Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The connection between art, healing, and public health: A review of current literature. _American Journal of Public Health, 100_(2), 254-263.