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Cultivating Creativity: You Are Not Alone

February 17, 2015

15_KerciaJane_CC_Alone-01With that past weekend being Valentine’s Day, I got to thinking about being alone. Not so much in the terms of being single, but how being a blogger, having a side hustle, or even dreaming of a freelance career can make us feel alone. We strive every day to curate our content, perfect our photography, and expand upon our education…the list goes on, and some days are just hard and leave us with seemingly no where to look and wondering if anyone else feels the struggle. There are many reasons we may feel alone. Below is a short list of things that have made me feel lonely along my creative journey.

1. I didn’t feel part of a creative community or part of the blogging community.

2. I felt like I had to figure it all out on my own but was too scared to ask for help.

3. I felt like a beginner when it seemed as though everyone else knew exactly what they were doing. And it looked like they were doing it perfectly to boot. (This is also known as the thief of joy – comparison).

4. I was way too concerned about following the rules

5. I didn’t have a mentor or some one with more experience and knowledge help me along with my passions and creative goals.

I am sure there are many other reasons we may feel alone during our creative journey, but I think it could be summed up to connection. When people aren’t connecting with us, it’s not hard to fall prey to feeling alone and we may tend to take that as a reflection of our work and its value. However, there’s something I’ve learned recently: We are not alone. We are all struggle. None of us have it all figured out. If you are feeling alone, remember this. Also try some of my tips for curing creative loneliness.

1. First up is so important: Remember why you started. If you don’t remember why, maybe your heart isn’t in it anymore and may be a sign to reevaluate where you are and make new goals. Maybe something needs to change. However, if you do remember why you started then, hold on to that and keep going. Use your passion to fuel your work.

2. Listen to a podcast. It’s so eye-opening to realize that all great artists, designers, photographers, creatives started out as a beginners. They all struggled, but they persevered. Nothing reminds me that I am not alone in my struggle like hearing an inspiring success story on a podcast. My new favorite is Creating Your Own Path by Jennifer E. Synder.  Here are 4 other great podcasts as well!

3. Be yourself on social media. It’s so much easy to form relationships with others when you are being genuine. If you resonate with a tweet or a link someone tweeted, tell them why. Don’t be afraid to post; people will start to responde.

4. Along with with number three, Participate in Twitter Chats to ‘meet’ other creative individuals. (Hint: but don’t get down on yourself if you get overwhelmed. Twitter chats can be crazy. Try to reach out and start a conversation with one or two others during the chat).

5. Encourage others. I like to replace creativity with encourage in Maya Angelou’s famous quote: You can’t use up encouragement. The more you use the more you have. It’s true. Encouraging others encourages me.

6. Join a community. There are so many good ones out there, but here are the ones I’m in:

#fireworkpeople | “A community for creatives, dreamers and entrepreneurs who want to change the world. We are knee-deep in encouragement and high-fives.” It’s amazing. Join us and you well feel alone no more (no joke)!

The Blog Loft | I am still pretty new to this community, but this a community where bloggers support bloggers. I am excited to dive into The Blog Loft’s Facebook group!

The Creatives Club | Their site is down for maintenance right now, but they are “an organization to promote, inspire, and help creatives using the power of community.” #creativeschat was the first Twitter Chat I participated in and I’ve met so many talented creatives and bloggers through this community.

Nourished Artists – The Anti Starving Artist Movement | This group is still new, but I love everything it stands for. It’s a group for 2D artists, designers, photographers, painters, doodlers, where “we will share our current pieces for critique, ask art/business related questions, have discussions, and ENCOURAGE.”

7. Lastly, if all else fails, embrace it. Acknowledge that you are feeling alone, but know that this too will pass. Keep going, keep working, keep publishing. Take a short break, journal your emotions, or take a walk. Each time you take a step when you feel like you can’t go on, is one more step towards your dream. Don’t let feeling alone get in your way. There are so many people out there that are willing and ready to help you all you have to do is keep going and keep searching. Never give up.

What about you? What made you feel alone on your creative journey? What did you do about it? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter.

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  1. Stephanie says

    February 17, 2015 at 8:39 am

    I am so excited about #fireworkpeople! That group is beyond amazing!! I am glad to have found you through that group and hope to gain many friendships from that group!

    Happy Monday!!!

    Reply
    • Kercia says

      February 17, 2015 at 10:14 pm

      Stephanie! I have so much love for #fireworkpeople! I’m so excited to get to know you!! Hugs!

      Reply
  2. Brooks says

    February 17, 2015 at 8:53 am

    This post is exactly what I needed today. You completely nailed it! I’m going to have to try those podcasts soon.

    Reply
    • Kercia says

      February 17, 2015 at 10:16 pm

      This makes me so happy, Brooks! I’m glad you found it useful! Here for you if you ever need another pep talk! 🙂 and let me know how you liked the podcasts!

      Reply
  3. Anna | richaskings says

    February 17, 2015 at 9:13 am

    I think this is something every creative experiences at some point or another, and something I’ve been fighting recently as well. Thanks for such an insightful and heartfelt post–just what I needed on this snowy Tuesday morning.

    Reply
    • Kercia says

      February 17, 2015 at 10:18 pm

      Yes! Being a creative has so many struggles and with so many talented people out there, it’s very easy to get down on ourselves. Always remember that your path is yours only and your dreams are worth it!

      Reply
  4. Jamie says

    February 17, 2015 at 11:45 am

    I’ve been there too Kercia! I love the resources you shared about creative communities… I need to check some of those out!

    Reply
    • Kercia says

      February 17, 2015 at 10:25 pm

      Do it, Jamie!! So many great encouragers! I’d totally do a happy dance if you joined 🙂

      Reply
  5. Laura says

    February 17, 2015 at 11:46 am

    Such a true and honest post! I think the balance of wanting to appear that we don’t have the struggle vs. being authentic arises because you want to appear together and knowledgeable to potential clients, but at the same time be real to your fellow creatives. It can be hard to feel like you’re a part of a certain community when you’re new to the field and it seems all the people have already buddied up. In the end, I really think karma tells all – put out good work, be kind to others, put yourself out there, and the community will come. Thanks for sharing these great thoughts.

    Reply
    • Kercia says

      February 17, 2015 at 10:28 pm

      Laura, this is such an insightful comment; thank you so much! You are so right! It’s all about balance, working hard and being nice! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Jovana says

    February 17, 2015 at 7:54 pm

    Love this post, Kercia! Especially list of communities! For whatever reason (aka I’m an awkward human being) I found it hard to connect with people on the internet lately, so these recommendations are very helpful, thanks! 🙂

    Reply
    • Kercia says

      February 17, 2015 at 10:30 pm

      You make me smile! I found it hard when I started as well. You were probably one of my first friends online and I love that! I am such an awkward person too, but I just try to embrace it and go with it. Come and join us in a community or all of them! I think you’d really love them! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Clarissa says

    February 17, 2015 at 10:29 pm

    love this post. It was very much needed and I appreciate you writing it <3

    Reply
    • Kercia says

      February 17, 2015 at 10:32 pm

      Aw, Clarissa! I’m so happy to be here for you! your going to do amazing things – keep going! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Amanda says

    February 19, 2015 at 10:06 pm

    I found your blog through tonight’s #ellechat, and I love that this is the first post of yours that I read following that chat. Tonight’s chat was my first-ever Twitter chat (I have a post ready to go for tomorrow about it!), and it truly made me feel like I have the ability to find and be accepted by bloggers and communities. I am a new blogger and have no idea what I am doing, but participating in the chat and engaging with other bloggers of all experience levels really boosted my confidence. I can do this!

    Reply
    • Kercia says

      February 21, 2015 at 10:41 am

      Hi Amanda! Aren’t Twitter chats fun? Entering the blogging community can be so fun, but there a certainly times when we all feel lonely, so finding a community you feel a part of is so important – it really helped me so much. You can SO do this! Blogging is a learning experience, so have fun with it! And keep that confidence up! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Allyn Lewis says

    February 21, 2015 at 5:23 pm

    I cannot thank you enough for this post! I didn’t even realize I was feeling the same way until I read your words. Great tips too! =) <3

    Reply
  10. Kayla Hollatz says

    February 22, 2015 at 12:00 pm

    What a great post, Kercia! I’m so glad that you opened up to talk about this. There are times when all of us bloggers feel alone, but I love how you said to remember why you started and join other communities. That’s the best way to fight the loneliness.

    Reply
    • Kercia says

      February 23, 2015 at 5:36 pm

      Thanks, Kayla! Feeling lonely can be so detrimental, but joining a community changed everything for me. It gave me a chance to connect with others, which has significantly reduced feeling alone. It’s so great to know that there are likeminded people out there.

      Reply
  11. Sarah Shotts says

    March 4, 2015 at 2:01 pm

    Just now getting the chance to read this. Great post! Sharing on Pinterest to hopefully help others. Blogging can definitely feel lonely at first.

    Reply
    • Kercia says

      March 4, 2015 at 7:17 pm

      Oh my, Sarah, thanks so much for the encouragement and sharing the post! It’s so helpful and important to feel part of a community and to be reminded that we truly aren’t alone. 🙂

      Reply
  12. Vanessa Carnevale says

    March 11, 2015 at 9:17 pm

    Connecting with others is so important. I’m so glad you wrote this post Kercia! Hoping you don’t feel as alone as you did when you wrote this post. Nice connecting with you! x

    Reply
    • Kercia says

      March 12, 2015 at 8:19 pm

      Right? A community is so important for support and a place of being. Can’t wait to connect more in the future – it was wonderful chatting with you 🙂

      Reply
  13. Jessica says

    March 16, 2015 at 4:43 pm

    Love this post Kercia! And I found it at the perfect time! I am just starting to own my creativity and artyness? <–New word. I've felt pretty alone because most of my friends aren't the creative types, and I've been wanting to get connected with other artists and creatives, so I just joined the groups you mentioned here! And I am excited to listen to the podcasts you mentioned. Glad that fireworkpeople brought me to you! 🙂

    Reply
    • Kercia says

      March 21, 2015 at 6:24 pm

      Thanks, Jessica! I’m so happy that you found this to be helpful! (and artyness can totally be a word 🙂 ) I can so relate to feeling creatively alone – that’s what I want this series – cultivating creativity – to be about; a place creatives can come to be inspired and feel connected. So happy that you are a #fireworkpeople! *hug*

      Reply
  14. Danielle says

    June 12, 2015 at 5:38 pm

    I feel like you are living in my brain with this lol. What a fantastic post! And your helpful tips are something that I will definitely put into practice. I’m fairly new to this whole blog world. I’ve been writing for about 7-8 months now but am just starting to really learn how to get involved in the blogging community. This will be so incredibly helpful! Love your blog btw!

    Reply
    • Kercia says

      June 14, 2015 at 9:11 pm

      I’ve only been blogging for a little over a year now, but it’s so exciting to learn new things and discover more way to get involved! I’m really happy to hear that you found these tips helpful! Beginning blogging can totally feel like your alone, so you must find those people that will support you even on the hard days…there are so many people that ‘get you’ out there on social media 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by, Danielle! Keep going strong with your blog!

      Reply

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  • Did you know? You’re filled with glorious goodness. I see it in you. Do you?.
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For almost as long as I can remember I let the lies write my story. I believed them when they told me I wasn’t enough. I listened to them when they told me I could only measure up by striving and thriving; by performing and conforming. They stole my joy and ran away with my identity. “The real you will be ridiculed” they told me. Fear quieted me. Shame shattered me.
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It wasn’t until I replaced the lies with truth and the shame with grace that the goodness in me started to glimmer. It had been there all along, but finally I could see that the parts of me I was masking are the parts of me that are made of magic.
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Do you see the glorious goodness in yourself? Have you struggled to see what makes you great? Tell me below. Own it, friends, because you are overflowing with it.
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  • Ahh, I have been hinting at it for a while but today is the day — I am so excited to present to you the branding project for @hannahkeyesss! 🎉.
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Hannah is all about helping burnt out and overwhelmed entrepreneurs build intentional lives and businesses. Yup, that’s right lives AND businesses, because if you are like me, you know that the lines between life and business on this entrepreneurial journey often overlap. Not only does Hannah look at the way you run your business, she also looks at your mindsets and how you live your life. Then she helps you create strategic systems and lifestyle shifts so that you can work to live, and not live to work. Amazing, right?🙌🏻.
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So, to reflect the way Hannah uses her professional and personal experience with her unique personality, we created a brand that is a mix of classic + modern, with a playful + fun twist by using a customized serif font in combination with hand-crafted textures and marks. And, gah, I can I just say how much I loved being able to combine my love for brand with my love for hand-crafting something totally unique?!💕.
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Earlier this week Hannah launched her brand and website. Today she giving away a free coaching consult call. It’s a hour long and comes with a strategy plan for 6 months and 20% off the package price. Head over to her feed and enter her giveaway!.
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Oh, and don’t forget to check out my stories for a few more brand elements! I couldn’t stop creating mock-ups, layouts, and textures.
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I know I don’t always post client work, but it’s something I am working on getting better at. So, be prepared for a few more branding/client projects in the future — hope you don’t mind 😜😁.
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#risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativelifehappylife #christiancreative #uppercasemag #doitfortheprocess #createeveryday #britstagram #theimperfectboss #fwportfolio #dreamersanddoers #whitespacesummer #freelancedesigner #showyourwork #makearteveryday #womenwhodraw #mindsparklemag #brandingdesign #brandidentity #beingboss #brandinginspiration #cultivatewhatmatters #womensupportingwomen #propelwomen #inspofinds #artistsofinstagram #smallbusiness #femalefounded #brandstylist #brandcuration
  • “Growth asks us to believe in it before it arrives.” — @chaninicholas.
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I have been print/quality testing (swipe over to see) to make sure they look fabulous! It’s kind of surreal seeing my work printed, and I am super excited about where the Kercia Jane Design Print Shop is headed!.
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I have to honest though, it’s also really scary, and I have let my doubts and fears hold me back from taking steps towards bringing the shop into fruition.
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But here’s the deal: I am choosing to believe in it before it arrives. I am investing in my business and dreams because I believe in it’s growth. I have to start somewhere and that’s exactly what I’m doing, small steps forward, full of faith. And I hope this encourages you to do the same!.
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I’m curious: do you have your eye on any of the prints in the second image? Tell me, tell me because honestly picking out which pieces of work to list in the shop has got me wondering which ones are your faves.
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#risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativelifehappylife #christiancreative #uppercasemag #doitfortheprocess #createeveryday #britstagram #theimperfectboss #fwportfolio #dreamersanddoers #whitespacesummer #ipadlettering #showyourwork #makearteveryday #womenwhodraw #printandpattern #handlettering #dailydoodle #womenwithpencils #motivationalquotes #cultivatewhatmatters #womensupportingwomen #propelwomen #womenofillustration #artistsofinstagram #smallbusiness #madewithprocreate #patterndesigner #abmpatternlove
  • Oh, hey, it’s me, Kercia! I *finally* got some professional headshots done by @ohyaystudio and can I just say how freakin’ fun it was? For years, I wanted to hide until I felt like I was a ‘real artist.’ What does that even mean anyways? 🙄. I say we’re all artists in our own way. There’s room for all of us 🎉.
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At the beginning of the year, I decided that I was going to take ownership of my business. Thanks to the incredible women and experience at the @imperfectbosses camp, I finally started to realize that I am worthy and capable of the desires on my heart to encourage women through art and design. Taking ownership means investing in my business and taking action towards my goals. One of those action steps was to do a brand photoshoot. And even though I was nervous about being in front of the camera, I am so glad I did because it got me out of my comfort zone and made my business feel more tangible...and brings me one step closer to my goals!.
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Speaking of goals, wanna know a few more things that taking ownership of my business entails? Here’s a few things to be on the lookout for from Kercia Jane Design:.
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A new website and refreshed brand
A PRINT SHOP — can I get an Hallelujah 😜
More brand design projects (coming so soon).
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It feels kind of scary putting that out there, but I am doing so in the hopes of accountability. So, here’s to dreaming big and making it happen.
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I’d love to encourage and cheer you on, friends, so tell me: what’s something you have been dreaming of doing and need some accountability with? We’re in this together!.
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#risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativelifehappylife #christiancreative #uppercasemag #doitfortheprocess #createeveryday #britstagram #theimperfectboss #fwportfolio #dreamersanddoers #whitespacesummer #ipadlettering #showyourwork #makearteveryday #womenwhodraw #printandpattern #handlettering #dailydoodle #womenwithpencils #motivationalquotes #cultivatewhatmatters #womensupportingwomen #propelwomen #womenofillustration #artistsofinstagram #smallbusiness #fridayintroductions #patterndesigner #abmpatternlove
  • Friends, life has been slightly crazy recently, but I just wanted to pop in and remind you of something I have been repeating to myself: deep breaths and baby steps, babe. Keep taking them. It’s going to be okay. You are doing great. Good things are coming. Anyone else need this reminder lately? 🙋🏼‍♀️.
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#risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativelifehappylife #christiancreative #uppercasemag #doitfortheprocess #createeveryday #britstagram #theimperfectboss #fwportfolio #dreamersanddoers #whitespacesummer #ipadlettering #showyourwork #makearteveryday #womenwhodraw #printandpattern #handlettering #dailydoodle #womenwithpencils #motivationalquotes #cultivatewhatmatters #womensupportingwomen #propelwomen #womenofillustration #artistsofinstagram #smallbusiness #madewithprocreate #patterndesigner #abmpatternlove
  • This one goes out to all those that need to hear that their dreams matter: THERE 👏🏻ARE 👏🏻 PEOPLE 👏🏻 WHOSE 👏🏻 LIVES 👏🏻 ARE 👏🏻 TIED 👏🏻 TO 👏🏻 YOUR 👏🏻 DREAMS. Heck YES, @tylerperry.
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This hit me today, big time. Sometimes I forget that my work is bigger than me. I struggled with doubt and wondered if my dreams were worth pursuing, if my work makes a difference, especially when I was starting out. I fall prey to comparison more often than I would like to admit. I allow fear and insecurities to stop me from going after my dreams.
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But the truth is this: Your dreams and desires aren't only for you. The world needs them. We are all connected. We need each other. There are people who need to hear your story. There are people waiting for you to show up. Maybe your work will effect one person or one million. It doesn’t matter. People need you. Stop waiting. Put it out there. Grow and learn. Refine and re-align. Own your dreams. They matter to more than just you.
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So today I challenge you to ask yourself if you are hiding your dreams. Are you owning your dreams or doubting them? Does realizing that your dreams affect others shift your perspective or confidence?.
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Also, hi, again! It’s been awhile, I know, I know, but I made a wallpaper version that you can screenshot in my stories to remind you that your dream matter!.
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#risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativelifehappylife #christiancreative #womeninspiringwomen #doitfortheprocess #createeveryday #girlpower #theimperfectboss #fwportfolio #seekinspirecreate #whitespacesummer #ipadlettering #showyourwork #makearteveryday #womenwhodraw #letteringdaily #handlettering #dailydoodle #womenwithpencils #motivationalquotes #cultivatewhatmatters #womensupportingwomen #propelwomen #motivationmonday #artistsofinstagram #smallbusiness #madewithprocreate #brushlettering #modernlettering
  • Uffdah, you guys, what a week, am I right? We’ve made it though! Now let’s get some rest this weekend 🥳.
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Too often we are told hustle. We are bombarded with messages that tell us we aren’t  good enough or doing enough. So, we make our to-do lists and fill our calendars in hopes of ‘making it happen.’ And we forget our need for rest and the things that fill us up. I love what Brene Brown says, “It takes courage to say yes to rest and play in a culture where exhaustion is seen as a status symbol”.
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So listen, you’ve done good. You’ve showed up as good as you could this week — let’s rest in that. Let’s trust that what is meant for us will find us. Let’s enjoy the journey AND the rest.
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Oh, and this is another piece that I made with the intention of adding to the Kercia Jane print shop. Whaddya think? Is this a reminder you need for yourself as well?.
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Last thing: How #enneagram9 of me is it to say ‘get some rest?’ Shoutout to all my sloths our there 😂.
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#risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #selfcare #creativelifehappylife #christiancreative #womeninspiringwomen #doitfortheprocess #createeveryday #patterndesign #theimperfectboss #fwportfolio #seekinspirecreate #whitespacespring #ipadlettering #showyourwork #makearteveryday #womenwhodraw #letteringdaily #handlettering #womenofillustration #moreillustrations #dailydoodle #illustrationoftheday #womenwithpencils #motivationalquotes #cultivatewhatmatters #womensupportingwomen #propelwomen #abmpatternlove
  • Tell something: what did you want to be when you grew up? For me, I can’t remember ever wanting to be a ballerina or a princess. But I do remember telling my day care mom when I was 5 years old that “when I grow up I am going to be an artist.” I was mesmerized with the art project I was making at her dining room table. I didn’t fully recognize it then but I always found joy in making things and working with my hands.
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When I was around 12 years old, I fell head over heels in love with scrapbooking. I couldn’t get enough of the cute patterns and stickers, color palettes, typography and photography and the way these elements would all work together to tell a story. I didn’t know it then but I was learning design principles and creating layouts that would come in handy later. I remember thinking “I want to be the person who makes scrapbooking stickers.” I had no idea what a graphic designer was and little did I know that I would end up being one.
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Fast forward to present day, and here I am an artist with the same deep desire to create beautiful imagery to tell a story. Though these aren’t scrapbooking stickers, per se, this project felt like a childhood dream fulfilled. When @ambersbookclub contacted me looking for illustrations to use for her book club, I could hardly contain my excitement. Seriously, there were a few times I was working on this project that I busted out laughing to myself because I found so much joy bringing these illustrations to life. Swipe on over and head to my stories to see more from this project.
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All this to say, if you are feeling lost or wondering if  you’ll find your way: keep going, trust the process, take deep breathes and keep creating. The dots will connect eventually.
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#risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative#creativityfound #creativelifehappylife#christiancreative#womeninspiringwomen#doitfortheprocess #createeveryday#girlpower #lifeofanartist#theimperfectboss #fwportfolio#seekinspirecreate #whitespacespring#ipadlettering #showyourwork#makearteveryday #womenwhodraw #branddesigner

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