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