When you tell people you’re working on a paint by numbers kit, someone always jokes, “Isn’t that cheating?” But here’s the thing, it’s not. It’s actually one of the best ways to grow your creativity without the pressure of starting from a blank canvas. The so-called paint by numbers stigma is outdated. For Gen Z in South Africa, these kits are less about “colouring inside the lines” and more about building confidence, experimenting with style, and unlocking real painting skills.
The myth of “too easy”
The biggest misconception about paint by numbers is that it’s lazy or “too easy.” In reality, anyone who’s tried one knows it takes focus, patience, and a steady hand. From blending colours to controlling brush strokes, you’re learning the fundamentals of art. That’s what makes it such a powerful creative practice. Instead of freezing up at a blank canvas, you have a guide that helps you level up while still ending with something beautiful.
Why creative growth needs training wheels
Think of it like learning to skate. No one expects you to drop into a halfpipe on day one. You start small, build your balance, then progress. Painting works the same way. Paint by numbers gives you the training wheels to practise technique without the stress of “messing up.” Over time, these small wins add up to genuine creative growth.
Practising the skills that matter
Every kit is a low-key lesson in art. You practise brush control, patience, and colour matching, all of which feed into bigger painting skills. Even professional artists warm up with exercises before tackling bigger projects. The only difference is that with paint by numbers, your practice looks cool enough to hang on your wall.
Breaking the paint by numbers stigma
Gen Z is already rewriting the rules of creativity. We don’t buy into the idea that art has to be complicated to be valuable. Just like journaling, knitting, or photography, paint by numbers is a legit creative practice that helps with stress, focus, and self-expression. The old paint by numbers stigma belongs to a time when creativity was gatekept. Now it’s about enjoying the process and giving yourself space to grow.
From hit to canvas: The creative payoff
Once you’ve finished a kit or two, you’ll notice the shift. Your brush feels steadier. Your colour choices become bolder. You start experimenting with freestyle painting or customising your kits. That’s where the magic happens — when a guided activity transforms into your own style. It proves that far from being “cheating,” paint by numbers is training you for bigger creative leaps.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, art isn’t about proving yourself to anyone else. It’s about the joy of creating. And if paint by numbers makes that journey less intimidating, then it’s not cheating, it’s smart. For Gen Z, these kits are more than just a fun hobby. They’re a path to genuine creative growth and a reminder that every masterpiece starts with practice.