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