Creative endeavors are inherently uncertain. Consequently, it is not surprising that when engaging in such efforts one will encounter obstacles, setbacks, and failures along the way. Such setbacks are emotionally laden and can elicit such profoundly negative emotions that people may experience a state of creative mortification. Creative mortification results in people abandoning or indefinitely suspending their creative efforts and aspirations. The aim of this chapter is to explore an alternative and more adaptive outcome to creative setbacks, even emotionally painful setbacks. Specifically, this chapter will outline how creative curricular experiences can serve as a vehicle for students to learn how to navigate uncertainty and difficult emotions toward creative expression and development. In particular, we will introduce a process model that can help researchers and educators conceptualize the roles creative self-beliefs and emotions play in shaping different pathways that students can take when they encounter uncertainties and setbacks and in their movement toward creative expression and development. Implications and future directions for research and practice will also be discussed.