Artists often describe losing track of time while creating, and during International Creativity Month, professional hypnotist Jesse Lewis says many artists naturally enter trance states without labeling them as such.
“When artists are fully absorbed, attention narrows and self-consciousness fades,” Lewis explains. “That’s a trance state, even if no one calls it that.”
Lewis says hypnosis relies on the same attentional shift. In trance, the mind becomes less concerned with evaluation and more engaged with process. For artists, this allows ideas to flow without interruption from doubt or overthinking.
“Trance isn’t about being unconscious,” Lewis says. “It’s about being deeply engaged.”
As creativity is highlighted this month, Lewis notes that artists often access trance states through repetition, rhythm, and sustained focus. Whether painting, writing, performing, or composing, these conditions guide attention inward and reduce distraction.
“When attention stays with the work, time behaves differently,” Lewis explains. “That’s one of the clearest signs of trance.”
Having spent more than two decades performing live comedy hypnosis shows across Canada, Lewis says this is why creative work can feel both effortless and intense. “Artists aren’t forcing ideas,” he says. “They’re staying out of the way.”
By recognizing trance as a natural part of the creative process, Lewis believes artists can better understand their own focus. “You don’t have to chase trance,” he says. “You enter it by staying engaged.”
Pull Quote:
“Artists enter trance when attention stays with the process instead of the outcome.”
About the Expert
Jesse Lewis is a professional stage hypnotist with over 20 years of experience performing live comedy hypnosis shows across Canada. His work focuses on attention, audience engagement, and the psychology of suggestion.
Website: https://hypnotistjesselewis.com
Media Kit: https://hypnotistjesselewis.com/media-kit/
Media Contact
Jesse Lewis
Professional Hypnotist & Commentator
Email: jesselewishypnosis@gmail.com