Both of my folks were into art. My dad was an art collector, my

"Both of my folks were into art. My dad was an art collector, my mom had a little kiln in our basement, and we would make pottery. I think from about age five on, they sent me to art classes, and I was a huge colorer." – Lisa Frank

In the grand narrative of human creativity, the seeds of artistic expression are often sown in the early years, nurtured by those who see the value of creation not just as a skill but as a way of understanding the world. Lisa Frank, the creator of iconic, colorful imagery that has captured the imaginations of millions, speaks of a childhood immersed in art—a world where the color of life was expressed not just in words, but in forms, shapes, and materials. Her story is a testament to the power of early exposure to creativity and the importance of environment in nurturing one’s artistic soul. From her father’s collection of art to her mother’s pottery, and the classes she attended from a tender age, Frank’s immersion in art was not just a hobby, but the beginning of a lifelong journey into the realm of the creative spirit.

This idea of early exposure to the arts has ancient roots. In the times of ancient Greece, it was believed that the gods themselves imbued certain individuals with the gift of creation, whether in the form of sculpture, poetry, or music. The great philosopher Plato spoke often of the value of the arts in shaping the soul, teaching young minds not only about beauty but about the very structure of the world. In his Republic, he argued that a well-rounded education for the youth should include the study of art and music, as these were seen as vital to understanding both the harmony of nature and the harmony of the self. Similarly, Lisa Frank’s upbringing in an artistic environment was an offering to her soul—a deliberate shaping of her own creative faculties, just as the ancient Greeks believed that the arts were essential for the formation of the character.

Her early childhood experiences—pottery with her mother, coloring as a child—are not mere pastimes, but moments of initiation into a world of expression that transcends the ordinary. The act of coloring, often seen as a simple task for children, becomes a powerful metaphor in Frank’s narrative. Coloring is not just filling in spaces on a page, but an act of bringing life to something that was once blank. It is a creation, a transformation. To color is to participate in the act of making the world your own. Just as artists of the Renaissance, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, spent countless hours sketching and coloring to hone their craft, so too did Lisa Frank’s early obsession with color shape the artist she would become—a creator of vibrant, bold worlds that reflect her inner vision.

Indeed, Frank’s journey is reminiscent of the myth of Hephaestus, the god of craftsmanship and creation. Hephaestus, though born with physical deformities, was a master artisan, skilled in the creation of beautiful and powerful objects. His forge, like Frank’s early experiences with her mom’s kiln, was a place of transformation—where raw materials became something much greater than their original form. Hephaestus was not hindered by his limitations but, instead, used them to fuel his creative fire. Similarly, Frank’s exposure to the world of art, from a young age, allowed her to forge her own path, turning what might have been simple childhood activities into the very foundation of her creative empire.

The wisdom embedded in Frank’s words is profound. To be immersed in creativity from an early age is to be given a gift—one that shapes the way you see the world and your place within it. It is not just about developing a skill; it is about learning to see beauty in the everyday, to find expression in the simplest of acts. Like Frank, who transformed the art of coloring into a lifelong pursuit, we, too, must understand the importance of nurturing creativity in our own lives and in the lives of others. In a world often consumed by the pressures of productivity and success, it is easy to overlook the quiet power of creative expression.

The practical lesson here is clear: nurture creativity in whatever form it may take. Just as Lisa Frank’s parents provided an environment rich in artistic exploration, we too must create spaces for creativity to flourish, whether in our homes, our schools, or our workplaces. It is through these small acts of artistic engagement—be it through coloring, drawing, crafting, or any form of creation—that we foster the imagination and individuality that are essential to personal growth. Just as the ancient world knew, and as Frank’s life has shown, creativity is not just a skill but a way of life—one that is passed down, nurtured, and celebrated for generations.