In this conversation, Rebecca Jane Woolbright shares her journey from running a beach rental business to creating and selling washi tape. She discusses the challenges and magic of starting with a small product, the importance of layering income streams in a creative business, and how education has become a significant source of income. Rebecca also emphasizes the need for organization and automation to manage the mental load of running multiple ventures, and she shares practical tips for scaling a creative business effectively. In this conversation, Rebecca Woolbright shares her insights on managing a creative business, emphasizing the importance of regaining control over one's work, the role of art agents, and the balance of multiple income streams. She discusses the onboarding process with agents, the significance of organization, and the power of choice in creative endeavors. Rebecca also highlights the need for a solid foundation when starting a business and the importance of passion in pursuing creative projects.   Key Takeaways: Starting with a small product like washi tape can teach valuable lessons about creativity and business. Layering different income streams allows for creative freedom and financial stability. Education has become a significant income source for many creatives. Automation can help manage the mental load of running multiple business aspects. Building relationships and follow-ups are crucial in wholesale outreach. Organization is key to managing your creative work. Balancing multiple income streams can be challenging but rewarding. It's important to have a solid product before expanding.   🌐 Visit Rebecca's Website 📸 Follow Rebecca on Instagram 📚 Learn with Rebecca - Manufacture: Awesome  More About Creative Diaries 📤 Know someone who needs to hear this? Forward this episode to a creative friend! 💬 Enjoyed this episode?Your feedback means the world! If you loved what you heard, please take a moment to:→ Give a star rating on Spotify→ Leave a review on Apple PodcastsIt helps other creatives find the show — and it keeps the conversations going.    🎙 Want to be a guest on Creative Diaries?   Looking for More Support for Your Creative Journey 📚Explore more  resources   Come stay Hi! 📷 Come say hi on Instagram and tag me with your takeaways: @tzanos 😎 More About Dimitra Tzanos  

In this conversation, Dimitra and designer Leticia Credidio explore what it means to build a creative life—and brand—rooted in slowness, sustainability, and self-care. After years in the fast-paced design industry, Leticia stepped away to launch her namesake label, creating sleepwear that supports wellbeing and challenges the rush of fast fashion. Together, they discuss how fast culture shows up in both creative work and daily life, and how choosing rest, ritual, and presence can radically transform how we create. Leticia opens up about burnout, redefining success, and how embracing slower rhythms led her to a more meaningful design practice. If you’ve ever felt caught in urgency, comparison, or creative exhaustion, this episode offers permission to pause—and a blueprint for building your work around what truly matters. Key Takeaways: Fast culture affects more than fashion—it shapes how we create, think, and live True sustainability includes emotional, mental, and relational wellbeing Burnout is a sign to reevaluate—not a badge of honor Designing from reflection, not reaction, leads to deeper creative work Rest rituals are essential tools, not indulgences “Success” shaped by urgency can feel empty—slower paths often bring more meaning Timeless collections are more sustainable than chasing trends Comparison can derail authenticity—create from within, not from what’s popular We need to rewire how we view productivity and creative value Small daily intentions can restore energy and creative clarity   🌐 Visit Leticia's website 📸 Follow Leticia on Instagram 🎙 Read Leticia’s full story on Creative Diaries More About Creative Diaries 📤 Know someone who needs to hear this? Forward this episode to a creative friend! 💬 Enjoyed this episode?Your feedback means the world! If you loved what you heard, please take a moment to:→ Give a star rating on Spotify→ Leave a review on Apple PodcastsIt helps other creatives find the show — and it keeps the conversations going.    🎙 Want to be a guest on Creative Diaries?   Looking for More Support for Your Creative Journey 📚Explore more  resources   Come stay Hi! 📷 Come say hi on Instagram and tag me with your takeaways: @tzanos 😎 More About Dimitra Tzanos  

In this conversation, Dimitra and artist Julia Speck explore what it means to take the long road in a world that rewards speed, clarity, and instant results. From leaving a career in market research to studying fine art at the Academy of Arts in Munich, Julia shares her decision to return to painting after 35—and how stepping into a slower, deeper creative environment helped her reconnect with her identity. They discuss how art school offers a kind of physical, emotional, and intellectual immersion that’s hard to replicate online. Julia opens up about the challenges of navigating freedom, comparison, and uncertainty in a community of high-level creatives, and how she’s learning to trust experimentation as part of her process. She also reflects on how balancing part-time work and studio time has shaped her creative flow—and how to build resilience when you feel overwhelmed by other people’s progress. Whether you’re curious about formal art education or simply navigating a slower, more intentional creative path, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what it means to grow as an artist—on your own terms. Key Takeaways Art school can offer deep immersion, community, and experimentation not always found online Slowness isn’t a flaw—it’s often where the best creative insights emerge Too much freedom can be overwhelming, but it invites self-trust and curiosity Being surrounded by other talented artists can spark growth—but also self-doubt Balancing paid work with studio time is tough, but structure can help You don’t need to have all the answers—experimentation is part of becoming Comparison can challenge your identity, but learning to stay in your own lane builds strength A creative path is not about speed, but depth, presence, and persistence   Useful Links 🎨 Follow Julia on Instagram 🌐 Explore her work on the Academy of Fine Arts Munich (where she's currently studying) More About Creative Diaries 📤 Know someone who needs to hear this? Forward this episode to a creative friend! 💬 Enjoyed this episode?Your feedback means the world! If you loved what you heard, please take a moment to:→ Give a star rating on Spotify→ Leave a review on Apple PodcastsIt helps other creatives find the show — and it keeps the conversations going.    🎙 Want to be a guest on Creative Diaries?   Looking for More Support for Your Creative Journey 📚Explore more  resources   Come stay Hi! 📷 Come say hi on Instagram and tag me with your takeaways: @tzanos 😎 More About Dimitra Tzanos  

In this conversation, Dimitra and illustrator Stavrina (of Stavrina Art Lab) explore what it really means to build a creative life rooted in courage, experimentation, and mindset. From walking away from a career in engineering to pitching to her first clients, Stavrina shares how she reframed fear—not as a warning sign, but as a signal to keep going. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of leaving a 9-to-5, the science of experimentation, and how her background in engineering has given her a grounded, resilient approach to creative growth. Stavrina also opens up about mindset shifts—like learning to embrace rejection, detach from perfectionism, and trust the value of “unseen” creative work. Whether you’re stuck in overthinking, afraid to pitch your work, or navigating a big career transition, this episode is a powerful reminder that courage is a habit—and it builds every time you show up.   Key Takeaways Courage is built in small steps, not just big leaps Treating creativity like a series of experiments can reduce fear and increase clarity Negative results are still valuable—they offer redirection, not failure Fear and excitement activate the same physical response—you can reframe it Pitching and showing your work is scary, but essential for growth You don’t need an art degree to be an artist—start with what you have Belief in your creative path must be practiced daily, especially during quiet seasons Creative progress isn’t linear—consistency and courage matter more than perfection   Useful Links 🎨 Follow Stavrina on Instagram: @stavrina_art_lab🌐 Explore her work on her website    More About Creative Diaries 📤 Know someone who needs to hear this? Forward this episode to a creative friend! 💬 Enjoyed this episode?Your feedback means the world! If you loved what you heard, please take a moment to:→ Give a star rating on Spotify→ Leave a review on Apple PodcastsIt helps other creatives find the show — and it keeps the conversations going.    🎙 Want to be a guest on Creative Diaries?   Looking for More Support for Your Creative Journey 📚Explore more  resources   Come stay Hi! 📷 Come say hi on Instagram and tag me with your takeaways: @tzanos 😎 More About Dimitra Tzanos

In this conversation, Dimitra and surface pattern designer Ashleigh Fish explore Pinterest as a slow, sustainable platform for creative visibility and licensing. Ashleigh shares how she went from casually posting to consistently attracting art directors, clients, and licensing opportunities—all without the pressure of daily content creation. They discuss the long-term value of pins, how Pinterest differs from social media, and why consistency matters more than constant activity. Ashleigh also walks us through how she plans and schedules her pins, repurposes designs across platforms, and uses keyword strategy to increase discoverability. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow your reach, this episode is full of actionable insights to help you build visibility without losing your creative spark.

In this conversation, Dimitra and surface pattern designer Lucia Sanguinetti-Jonescheit of DEINKI Studio explore how creatives can use Instagram intentionally—without letting it drain their energy or creativity. Lucia shares her journey from nervous beginner to strategic planner, offering candid insights into how she built a system that supports both her art and her well-being. They discuss the emotional highs and lows of sharing work online, including how to handle visibility, creative theft, and content burnout. This episode offers grounded, practical advice for artists seeking a more sustainable relationship with social media.

In this conversation, Dimitra and illustrator Sumana Ghosh-Witherspoon discuss how art can hold memory, identity, and texture all at once. They explore Sumana’s use of handmade stamp carving as a method to bridge Indian folk art with contemporary illustration. Through a personal, layered approach, Sumana shows how creativity shaped by cultural heritage and global experience can result in work that feels both timeless and deeply individual. The episode highlights the emotional power of tactile process, the beauty of visual storytelling, and the value of staying authentic—even when market trends suggest otherwise.

In this conversation, Dimitra and creative business coach Colleen Underwood explore the essential elements of building a sustainable and fulfilling creative practice. They discuss how clarity, courage, and focus are not just helpful—but necessary—for creatives navigating the balance between artistic freedom and business growth. Colleen shares how choosing a direction doesn’t limit creativity, but strengthens it, and how real confidence is built by taking action before you feel ready. The episode also dives into the emotional labor of creative work and the importance of community in building resilience. This is a powerful resource for creatives ready to move from scattered ideas to intentional momentum.

In this conversation, Dimitra and surface pattern designer Sandra Nygård-Parthoens explore what it means to begin again—creatively, professionally, and personally. They discuss Sandra’s transition from a structured career in translation to building a slower, more intentional creative life rooted in self-expression and quiet persistence. The conversation highlights the emotional layers of creative reinvention, including doubt, imposter syndrome, and cultural expectations. Sandra shares how taking small, consistent steps—and trusting her inner pull toward creativity—helped her stay grounded and aligned with her deeper purpose. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that growth doesn’t need to be fast to be meaningful.

In this conversation, Dimitra and illustrator Aby Morales discuss how creative momentum is often sparked—and sustained—through community. They explore how feedback from both customers and fellow artists has shaped Aby’s direction, helping her align more deeply with her own creative voice. From her boutique space in Lyon to her watercolor workshops, Aby shares how observation, interaction, and encouragement have helped her grow without compromising authenticity. The discussion highlights the power of in-person feedback and the value of shared spaces for cultivating clarity, confidence, and creative joy.

In this conversation, Dimitra speaks with Evgenia and Maria, the co-founders of The Community Club, about how their shared vision for connection and creativity gave rise to a unique social initiative. They explore how art-making in a group setting can provide emotional relief, foster authentic expression, and cultivate a deeper sense of community. The discussion highlights the value of process over perfection and the unexpected emotional benefits that arise when people are simply given the space to create. Their story offers a compelling look at how creativity, when combined with thoughtful design and human warmth, can become a vehicle for personal and collective transformation.

In this wellness-focused episode of Creative Diaries, Theodora—a wellness coach with a background in yoga, Pilates, and nutrition—shares practical tools for building habits that support both body and mind. She breaks down why morning routines matter, how to create a calming wellness space at home, the impact of diet on clarity and energy, and why movement is essential for creatives. Her biggest message? Wellness isn’t something separate from your creative life—it’s woven into everything you do. The key is making it easy, joyful, and consistent.

In this conversation, Dimitra and Melissa explore the journey from creative overwhelm to confident teaching. Melissa shares how she overcame her fear of learning digital tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, moving from traditional art to surface design and ultimately into mentorship. Through patience, persistence, and an open heart, she transformed her struggles into a valuable resource for fellow creatives. This episode highlights the importance of learning at your own pace, finding clarity around your creative goals, and embracing the courage to teach—even before you feel “ready.”

In this conversation, Dimitra and Andrew explore the transformative power of mentorship, discipline, and continuous learning. Andrew shares how his commitment to personal development—through structured mentorship, daily habits, and reading—has profoundly impacted his creativity, leadership, and mindset. They discuss how mentorship accelerates growth by offering clarity, accountability, and real-world insight. Andrew also emphasizes the importance of doing hard things consistently to build self-confidence and resilience, both in business and life. This episode offers practical wisdom for creatives and entrepreneurs seeking to level up their mindset, routine, and professional journey.

In this conversation, Dimitra and Nafsika explore the emotional, personal, and professional journey of pivoting from architecture to limited-edition prints. Nafsika shares how her artistic path began as a side project—creating Christmas cards for clients—and slowly evolved into a more intentional form of expression. They discuss the contrast between structured, client-driven design work and the vulnerability of creating personal art, touching on discipline, self-doubt, and the courage required to take creative risks. This episode reveals the internal shifts needed to redefine success and carve out space for personal vision amidst professional obligations.

In this conversation, Dimitra and Christiana dive into the role of intuition in creativity and how trusting one's instincts can lead to more authentic and fulfilling work. Christiana shares her journey from digital textile design in London to founding a hands-on natural dye studio in Athens. Through her experiences with slow design, teaching, and embracing mistakes in handmade processes, she emphasizes how intuition, play, and imperfection can shape both creative expression and business. The discussion explores how mistakes can become opportunities, why collaboration is essential, and how sustainable, intentional choices can align creative work with personal values. Takeaways Intuition is a guiding force in both creative expression and business decisions. Mistakes are part of the process and can lead to unexpected beauty in handmade work. Embracing natural materials and slow design invites more meaningful creation. Creative paths often evolve organically through openness to opportunity. Collaboration—especially with clients—can enhance both the process and the final result. Transparency and sharing the process builds stronger audience connection. The unpredictability of natural dyes teaches flexibility and trust in the process. Community and a positive work environment foster better creative outcomes. Tradition and innovation can coexist in contemporary design. Sharing knowledge through workshops and social media supports sustainable education.   Useful Links to Christiana's work Christiana's Instagram Christiana's website Christiana's Story  More about this episode on Creative Diaries  Looking for More Support for Your Creative Journey 💡Mastering the Creative Mindset – free guide 📚Explore more resources   More About Creative Diaries 📤 Know someone who needs to hear this? Forward this episode to a creative friend! 💬 Enjoyed this episode?Your feedback means the world! If you loved what you heard, please take a moment to:→ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts→ Give a star rating on SpotifyIt helps other creatives find the show — and it keeps the conversations going.  🎙 Want to be a guest on Creative Diaries? Come stay Hi! 📷 Come say hi on Instagram and tag me with your takeaways: @tzanos 😎 More About Dimitra Tzanos  

In this enlightening conversation, Zorica Obradovic discusses the nature of limiting beliefs, their origins, and their profound impact on creativity and personal growth. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these beliefs, how they are formed through childhood experiences, societal standards, and even ancestral influences. Zorica provides practical steps for identifying and overcoming these beliefs, encouraging listeners to embrace their creative nature and recognize their role as co-creators in life. The discussion culminates in the significance of intuition and self-acceptance as tools for empowerment and fulfillment.

In this conversation, Kourtni Gunn shares her journey as an artist, discussing the challenges of self-doubt, the impact of social media on creativity, and the importance of celebrating personal achievements. She emphasizes the need for self-acceptance and the understanding that every artist faces their own struggles, including imposter syndrome. Kourtni also highlights the significance of community support and the value of pushing oneself outside of comfort zones to grow creatively.

In this conversation, Dimitra and Jillian explore the theme of rejection in the creative industry, discussing how to navigate it with resilience and a positive mindset. They delve into personal experiences with rejection, the importance of understanding it as part of the creative process, and strategies for finding one’s ideal client. The discussion emphasizes the significance of mindset shifts, the role of trends in creativity, and the necessity of follow-up in the pitching process. Jillian shares her journey of turning rejection into motivation and the importance of continuous improvement in one’s work.

In this conversation, Dimitra and Lauren discuss the pervasive issue of the comparison trap among creatives. They explore how comparison can lead to self-doubt and hinder creativity, while also sharing personal experiences and strategies to overcome these feelings. The discussion emphasizes the importance of reframing comparison as a source of inspiration rather than a measure of inadequacy. Practical tips for maintaining mental space and finding balance in the creative process are also provided, making this a valuable resource for anyone struggling with comparison in their artistic journey.