Cynthia Oswald

Surface Design, Fine Art + Branding for Creatives

Creative Business/Business Insights

Travel Notes from Italy: Lucca, Spello, and the Everyday Beauty That Inspires My Art

Travel Notes from Italy:
Lucca, Spello, and the Everyday Beauty That Inspires My Art

This June, my family and I spent two unforgettable weeks in Italy—a trip I’ve been dreaming of for years. We traveled with my parents and our girls, returning to places that have felt like a second home to me for decades.

Italy has a way of slowing you down. It invites you to notice small details, savor meals, and immerse yourself in beauty that’s both ancient and alive. These are the moments that fuel my art—and I wanted to share a few of them here with you.

Settling Into Lucca

We began our trip in Lucca, a walled city in Tuscany with just the right mix of history, charm, and accessibility.

We arrived late—after a long day of flights and train connections. I’ll never forget sprinting through the Pisa train station with kids and luggage, managing to catch the final train of the day to Lucca with just minutes to spare. Our rental apartment was tucked just inside the old city walls near the station. Even though it was after 11pm, Steven and I wandered out into the warm night in search of food. We stumbled on Mara Meo, an incredible little pizza spot, and returned with boxes of pizza and two bottles of wine—a celebratory feast to mark our arrival.

That first night felt so quintessentially Italian: unplanned, welcoming, a little chaotic, but full of laughter and good food.

Our apartment was in one of the oldest parts of the city, right next to Duomo di San Martino. The neighboring flat looked like a museum with its antique details. Even though ours was simpler, it still had that grand, historic feeling—high ceilings, massive windows, and a sense of being part of something that had stood the test of time.

One of the details that completely enchanted me about Lucca was the doors. Everywhere you looked, they were painted this deep, dark green—my favorite color. I kept pointing it out so often that Steven eventually dubbed it “Lucian green,” and by the end of the trip we were all spotting and joking about it. It felt like the whole community had agreed on this harmonious, natural aesthetic that unified the town and made every street feel cohesive and beautiful.

Exploring Lucca’s Everyday Magic

During our days in Lucca, we wandered its clean, winding streets (they’re scrubbed daily!), explored shops filled with local goods, and let the girls ride the carousel over and over in the piazza.

One of the most fun family adventures was renting a giant bike cart to circle the old walls. It’s about two miles all the way around, and with seven people aboard and only four sets of pedals, even the climb to the top ramp was an adventure. But once you’re on the walls, you see Lucca and the surrounding countryside from this elevated, tree-lined path.

We also visited the antique market—one of my earliest memories of Italy from over 20 years ago. It was just as magical as I remembered. I spent time studying old packaging, toys, cameras, dinnerware. I brought home a salt and pepper shaker, a looking glass, and little cast metal dogs for the girls. These old, storied objects felt like treasures from another world.

Favorite Lucca Spots (Artist’s Edition)

Beyond the wandering and family adventures, there were places in Lucca that always made me pause and take mental notes for the future:

  • Torre Guinigi – climbing to the top for that panoramic Tuscan views.
  • Pane e Vino – the pork and spinach I’ve tried to recreate back home, color and flavor so vivid.
  • L’Angolo Tondo – near Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, cozy, layered meals that remind me art is built course by course.
  • Piazza dell’Anfiteatro – a living testament to design that’s stood the test of time. The girls danced here with their Dad (and my Dad) on Father’s Day!
  • Via Fillungo – the main shopping street, full of local shops, historic facades, and that wonderful balance of everyday bustle and old-world charm.
  • The many Duomos – each one beautiful and distinct, all within such a small walled city. It felt special to have so many unique sacred spaces to wander into and admire.

Lucca isn’t just beautiful—it’s thoughtful. Even the unified color palette on the doors feels like an invitation to slow down and appreciate the art of living.

A Beach Day in Viareggio

One day we took the train to Viareggio. It’s a very different beach experience than other Italian coasts I’ve visited: wide, flat sand with neat rows of umbrellas and cabins you rent for the day.

We claimed our spot and feasted on fried seafood and the most delicious seafood salad. Viola (who’s three, so you can imagine) was scandalized that I ate octopus and let me know about it for days after. For some reason she was only upset with me about it.

It was hot, and the walk from the station was long, but there was something so satisfying about the hats, sunscreen, hot sand, and eating with our feet in the shade of an umbrella. Even there, everything felt slower, more intentional.

Cooking at Home

One of my favorite things about traveling this way is getting to cook in our Airbnb.

Years ago when traveling in Italy, someone handed me a strawberry from their garden. It didn’t look like much—but the taste was incredible. That’s Italy to me: humble on the surface, extraordinary when you really pay attention.

This time around, I made sure to spend time in the kitchen—the ingredients were so fresh and local. Just olive oil, salt, herbs, local produce, meat, and dairy tastes like a delicacy. And the coffee! Spending two weeks with my dad solidified where my own love of it came from. Between the two of us, we kept the little Italian stovetop espresso maker going strong.

A Day in Florence

We dedicated a day to Florence. Even though it was scorching hot and we battled a bit of family illness, I insisted on visiting the Uffizi Gallery to see my favorite Botticelli paintings. There’s nothing like standing in front of those works in person. The tiny details. The composition. The storytelling. I also ducked into a Florentine stationery shop—I can’t seem to visit without bringing some beautiful stationery home. And of course, we finished with what was hands-down the best gelato of the trip, eaten in the shade near the Ponte Vecchio.

Into Umbria: Spello and Beyond

After Florence, we picked up a rental van in Pisa and headed for Umbria—Italy’s green heart and my favorite region of all. We stayed in Spello, a hill town I’ve visited four times now. It feels like home. This time, our rental was at the very top of the hill, facing west, giving us the most breathtaking sunsets. In past trips, I’d walk uphill each night to watch the sun go down, but now we could just sit on our terrace and watch the landscape transform. The sunsets were long and lingering, with light until almost 9:30pm.

Spello is truly a hill town—I logged 67 flights of stairs just exploring on our first day! Every narrow street and steep climb felt like an invitation to slow down and notice the details: the stonework, the plants spilling from balconies, the changing light.

The air itself was different. Jasmine perfumed the streets, mingling with citrus and herbs drifting from open windows. Mornings felt equally special: walking into little bars and watching someone hand-press fresh orange juice, infusing even breakfast with intention and care.

Our Spello Home Away from Home

Our rental was like stepping into a rustic dream. Entering through narrow, ancient stone passageways felt like slipping back in time. Inside, it was beautifully decorated with natural materials and soft colors. But what struck us immediately were the botanical art prints in every room. My daughters noticed. My mom noticed. We all felt instantly at home.

It was proof of how art can transform a space—make you exhale, settle in, feel welcome. That experience stayed with me because it’s exactly what I try to do with my own work: create art that invites people to slow down, breathe, and feel connected to nature. When we arrived, there was a homemade fruit tort cake waiting on the table and a bottle of wine—a warm, intentional welcome.

Living Like Locals

Spello is a place you experience slowly. We shopped almost daily at the tiny grocery on Piazza della Repubblica. My dad quickly became the designated bakery runner each morning, heading to Forno Pasticceria Scarponi. He’s 50% Italian, and it didn’t take him long at all to feel at home. Watching him blend in so naturally was one of my favorite parts.

We were there to celebrate my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary—an occasion that made sharing these slow, intentional days even more meaningful. I loved watching them adapt so easily to the Italian pace of life. They even took to the local custom of unselfconscious affection—stealing little kisses in public like teenagers. It felt like the perfect place to honor their fifty years of choosing each other.

We returned to our favorite places and found some wonderful new ones:

  • Osteria del Buchetto – for a delightful meal with sunset views
  • La Cantina – for the best desert of your life (even my parents said so and they are in their 70s)
  • Civico 57  – the best burger you’ll ever eat
  • Enoteca Properzio – for a taste of Italian wines with wonderful hospitality
  • Bar Giardino – for breakfast view (a magical garden that opens up to the eastern side of the hills) 
  • Forno Pasticceria Scarponi – for the most delightful Italian pastries, baked fresh daily!
  • Largo Mazzini – for evening drinks and making friends
  • Il Grottino Pizzeria – for incredible bread and pizza
  • Porcellino Divino – an Umbrian delight
  • Every gelato shop in town.

Cooking in Spello felt even more connected. We’d plan dinner around what looked best at the market that day, then gather in one of our two dining areas to slowly enjoy our meal together.

The Infiorata

One of the most moving experiences was watching the town prepare for the Infiorata—a centuries-old tradition where locals create elaborate carpets of flower petals for a Sunday procession.

The entire week we were there, you could see people of all ages working side by side. Each night, different groups gathered in small squares and garages, pulling petals apart and sorting them by color. I even watched a baby, not much older than one, perched on a parent’s lap carefully pulling petals with chubby fingers. It felt like the whole town was united in quiet purpose.

The night before the procession, we were walking back up to our house when a gentleman invited us into what looked like a very humble building. “Teatro,” he said, waving us inside. Inside was an incredible little theater—at least three balconies high, curved and grand, hidden in this tiny town. They were screening videos of past Infiorata processions, entirely in Italian. I sat there, my eyes welling up with tears. It was a reminder that you never know what’s on the other side of any door. Something simple on the outside can hold another world within—a metaphor for so much of our time in Italy.

On Sunday, we watched the entire community come together, working in shifts through the night, arranging the petals into breathtaking designs, many representing peace. It wasn’t just beautiful—it was an act of patience, tradition, and shared artistry that moved me deeply.

Exploring Nearby: Assisi, Rasiglia, and Montefalco

We made a day trip to Assisi, wandering ancient streets, exploring Roman and Etruscan ruins, and visiting Agallo—a watercolor shop my high school art teacher, Patti Wall, suggested I visit. Their paints are all natural and ethically made. I chose a curated set crafted from natural materials—a meaningful, personal souvenir for my studio. And a little tip: don’t go to Assisi without some spending money. The shops there will absolutely lure you in with all their beautiful treasures.

We also visited Rasiglia, the “Little Venice of Umbria,” a tiny medieval village built around crystalline springs. It was like stepping into a fairytale. We all enjoyed wandering the streets and imagining what life would be like to wake up to the sound of rushing water daily. One of the most intriguing sights was a working loom powered by the rushing water—an old fabric-threading machine that reminded us how the village’s history is woven directly into its streams.

We also visited Montefalco for a winery tasting at my dad’s request. I was a little apprehensive about bringing our three- and six-year-old along, but they were perfectly happy. I’d packed two professional drawing pads and nice pens in my purse. Every time we sat down to eat, the girls would draw, creating beautiful little pieces. Leona even finger-knit necklaces at dinner using yarn we’d bought in Lucca. Watching them create felt so in tune with the spirit of the trip.

The winery itself was stunning—360-degree views of rolling vineyards and olive groves. The last bottle we tasted was a huge 2001 vintage, which felt extra special since that’s the year I graduated high school. And the pecorino cheese was so good we went back to buy more.

And of course there was the classic travel“adventure”: after the winery, Steven and my mom thought it was a great idea to drive our mini-bus up to see a Roman aqueduct—even though the road specifically said no trucks. It quickly narrowed, hugging a cliff. Steven had to back the entire mini bus down about ¾ of a mile—my eye was twitching for a few days! Those kinds of mishaps feel extra “fun” with your parents and kids all along for the ride.

Plein Air Painting: My Own Practice

One of my favorite memories was setting up to paint plein air in the Umbrian hills, thanks to Steven making time for it. Sitting outside with my paints, feeling the sun, watching the landscape shift as the light changed—it was a reminder that art begins with really seeing. Just being there. Being present. Another time, I was so inspired by the view at Bar Giardino that I pulled out my paints right there while we waited for lunch. The girls and I sat together creating—a sweet moment, especially now that my three-year-old is finally getting into making art herself. These studies will make their way, in one form or another, into my upcoming work. I first fell in love with plein air painting here back in 2003, thanks to my watercolor professor, Matthew Daub, who introduced me to both Lucca and Spello.

Carrying It Home

Trips like this aren’t just vacations for me. They’re refueling. They remind me why I make art at all: to notice, to savor, to celebrate beauty in daily life. But it’s not just about art—it’s about how I want to live. Italy gives me a palette of colors, scents, traditions, and slow, intentional rhythms that stay with me long after I’m home. They find their way into my sketchbooks, my paintings, and the spaces I try to create for others. They shape the way I set a table, the way I plan a meal, the way I pause to really see what’s in front of me.

If you’d like to see the work that comes from these kinds of trips—and get early access to new pieces—I’d love for you to join my studio list here.

7 Essential Questions Every Freelance Designer Asks (And What I Wish I Knew Before I Started)

What No One Tells You About Starting a Freelance Design Business

When I left my full-time job in 2013, I didn’t have everything figured out.
I wasn’t even sure exactly what I was stepping into.
I just knew I wanted more:

  • More creative freedom
  • More balance between work and life
  • More meaningful client relationships
  • And a business that reflected my values—not someone else’s bottom line

But figuring out how to get there was messy.

I spent late nights building a portfolio that didn’t feel aligned, saying yes to projects that weren’t quite right, and undercharging because I thought that was what I had to do to “earn” my place.

What I didn’t realize back then?
I was planting the seeds for the life I have now.

  • Running a values-driven design studio
  • Working with dream clients
  • Living a life where my business fits around my family and creativity—not the other way around

Now, I want to help you skip some of the messy middle.

These are the most common questions I hear from freelance designers and creative entrepreneurs—whether they’re just starting out or pivoting mid-career. And I’m sharing what I’ve learned the hard way so you can build your business with clarity and confidence.

1. How do I transition from a day job to freelance design?

This can be the hardest question to answer because there’s no perfect time.

Here’s what worked for me:
I didn’t leap before I was ready.
I built my freelance business while working full-time.
I carved out time for paid freelance projects and passion projects in the evenings, and I treated those early clients like gold.

Pro Tip: You don’t need to have everything figured out. You do need clarity about what you offer, how to talk about it, and where to find clients. Start there.

2. How do I find design clients as a beginner?

If you’ve been waiting for someone to give you a magic client-finding formula, I’m going to disappoint you. (But only for a second.)

The truth is: it’s simpler than you think.

  • I told people what I was doing—at the playground, at church, on social media, over coffee.
  • I shared my process and passion projects, even when they weren’t perfect. (Spoiler: one fictional farm-to-table brand I designed landed me a dream client who found me through that work!)
  • I made it easy for people to say yes. Clear services. Clear pricing. No guesswork.

Pro Tip: Referrals only work when people know what you do—and how to talk about it. Make it easy for them!

3. How do I package my design services?

I used to price everything on a case-by-case basis. It was exhausting and confusing—for me and my clients.

Everything changed when I:

  • Created service packages that highlighted my strengths
  • Defined clear deliverables, timelines, and pricing
  • Gave clients a choice without overwhelming them

Pro Tip: Your packages should reflect both your strengths and your clients’ needs. I cover my step-by-step system for this inside Business of Branding Essentials, so you don’t leave money on the table.

4. How do I balance creative projects and client work?

Here’s the hard truth: You can’t wait until you have time.
You have to make time for your own creativity.

I treat my personal projects as marketing because they build my portfolio and attract aligned clients.
Like the time a soap company found me because I shared my custom illustrations—and hired me to design their packaging.
Or when I talked about sitting fireside with my husband in my bio and ended up collaborating with a fireplace company who wanted that same cozy vibe.

Pro Tip: What you put out there is what you attract. Share your process. Invite people in.

5. What services should I offer as a freelance graphic designer?

At first, I offered everything to everyone. I was overworked, underpaid, and creatively drained.

When I niched down to brand and web design for small businesses that share my values, my business became both sustainable and profitable.

Pro Tip: Start with your “sweet spot” (I call this the SSS Method: Skills, Subjects, Style). Lean into your strengths and what lights you up creatively.

6. How do I brand myself as a creative freelancer?

Early on, I tried to make my brand look more polished and “corporate” than I was ready for.
I should have just gone simple and elegant. (Lesson learned!)

Now, my brand reflects my values, my lifestyle, and my creative process. It attracts clients I love working with and helps me show up consistently.

Pro Tip: Don’t overthink your first brand. Start simple and stay consistent. You can always refine over time.

7. How much should I charge for brand design services?

I undercharged for years. I thought:
“I’m new.”
“I need more experience.”
“I’ll raise my rates later.”

Sound familiar?

Here’s what I know now:

  • Clear processes and packages help you charge more confidently
  • Clients pay for outcomes, not hours
  • You build trust by pricing confidently and delivering consistently

Pro Tip: Start with pricing that stretches you a little—but doesn’t stress you out. You can always adjust as you grow.

Final Thoughts: You Can Build a Branding Business That Aligns with Your Life

Whether you’re starting fresh or pivoting mid-career, you’re not alone. These are the exact questions my students and coaching clients ask—and I get it, because I’ve been there too.

And I’m here to tell you:
You can build a creative business that works for you.
You can attract clients you love.
And you can do it in a way that’s aligned with your values.

Ready to start?

Join me inside The Business of Branding Essentials.
It’s a self-paced, actionable course that walks you through the process of building a sustainable, values-driven design business.

🌟 Join Business of Branding Essentials Today

Let’s turn your creative strengths into a thriving business—without burnout.

The Role of Empathy in Design

The Role of Empathy in Design

Embracing Empathy in Design

As I celebrate my 40th trip around the sun and reflect on a decade of creativity in my design business, I’ve come to realize the power of personal development in shaping my professional journey. Understanding both my strengths and weaknesses hasn’t just been an exercise in self-awareness, but a strategic asset in running a successful design business. This journey led me to discover that my top strength, according to the CliftonStrengths assessment, is Empathy. Initially, I didn’t recognize this as a professional strength. But over time, I realized that empathy is more than a personal trait—it’s a crucial element in design, especially in the realm of branding.

Empathy in design bridges the gap between the creative mind of the designer and the practical needs of clients. It’s about feeling the pulse of client aspirations and audience expectations, weaving them into a design narrative that resonates on a deeper level. Today, I want to explore what empathy truly means in design, its impact on both designers and clients, and how you can integrate empathy into your design process to enhance client relations and project outcomes.

Understanding Empathy

According to Webster’s, empathy is defined as “the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another.” This skill is invaluable in branding for numerous reasons. First, effective communication with a client requires understanding and interpreting their needs, often reading between the lines. Empathy helps in creating a safe space for clients to share their thoughts and feelings, essential for the success of their project. It’s crucial to understand that empathizing is not sympathizing. In branding, empathy involves putting yourself in the client’s shoes, feeling their fears and concerns, and helping them find a path forward.

Empathy with Clients: Relating to Needs and Goals

Developing empathy, whether it’s a natural strength or not, is crucial in understanding your client’s vision and objectives. It’s our job as designers to initiate these conversations during onboarding. Clients might be overwhelmed with the project while designers find excitement in the creative chaos. An effective onboarding process should facilitate clients to communicate their hopes, goals, and struggles. Active listening and open-minded discussion are key to ensuring you can relate to them and align the project with their objectives.

Empathy with End-Users: Understanding Audience Emotions

In addition to your client’s vision, understanding the end-user’s perspective is vital. Knowing how the client’s ideal customers will interact with the brand helps in making informed design decisions. Creating a fictitious persona representing the ideal client can guide the design process, ensuring the end product resonates with the intended audience, especially in projects where user experience is paramount. Give this person a name, describe what they look like, have a clear picture of them so that you can think of them when you’re designing. What do they need to believe in order to invest in the brand? This is one way you can connect with empathy to the target audience.

Developing an Empathy Reflection System for Designers

If integrating empathy into your workflow is new, consider examining areas in your current process that could be improved. Reflect on past projects to identify moments where empathy could have made a difference. Building a thorough onboarding questionnaire, creating visual mood boards, and incorporating reflection steps can help align the project with both the client’s and end-user’s emotional needs.

Enhancing Client Communication with Empathy: A Checklist

  1. Validate client concerns and ensure mutual understanding.
  2. Maintain a client-focused approach throughout the project.
  3. Ensure feedback loop steps are built in and understood at the start.
  4. Regularly reflect on and adapt to the client’s needs.

Empathy in design is more than a soft skill; it’s an essential aspect of creating meaningful, resonant work. As designers, actively integrating empathy into our practice fosters deeper connections with clients and leads to more successful projects. I encourage you to reflect on how empathy can play a more significant role in your design journey. Let’s embrace empathy in our creative endeavors together.

“empathy.” Merriam-Webster.com. 2023. https://www.merriam-webster.com (13 Dec 2023).

Rath, Tom. StrengthsFinder 2.0. Gallup Press, 2007.

My Top Ten Transformative Books

The Top Ten Books That Transformed My Business & Life

As I gear up to launch a course marking a milestone—a decade in business, I took a moment to ponder on the influences that have shaped my journey. I decided to reflect on the actions I’ve taken that have made the biggest impact on my life and business. A large portion of those actions were initially prompted by the books I’ve read. In the spirit of sharing, I wanted to pass along a list of my top ten transformative books with an excerpt from each that directly relates to how they’ve impacted me.

You Are A Badass

by Jen Sincero

“Trade in your drama about how you can’t have what you want for the grateful expectation that miracles will walk into your life, and the more commonplace those miracles will become.” — Jen Sincero

What You’re Really Meant To Do

by Robert Steven Kaplan

“If you put people in jobs that they love, they will shine in ways that astound you. Passion is the essential fuel that allows us to find a professional home, to hang in there, and to work through our weaknesses. It gives us a reason to keep fighting to get better.”― Robert S. Kaplan

The Alchemist

by Paolo Coehlo

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” — Paulo Coelho

The Big Leap

by Gay Hendricks

“I expand in abundance, success, and love every day, as I inspire those around me to do the same.” — Gay Hendricks

Steal Like An Artist

by Austin Kleon

“Draw the art you want to see, start the business you want to run, play the music you want to hear, write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use – do the work you want to see done.” ― Austin Kleon

This Is Marketing

by Seth Godin

“Marketing is the generous act of helping others become who they seek to become. It involves creating honest stories—stories that resonate and spread.” ― Seth Godin

Free To Focus

by Michael Hyatt

“If you design your life so that you spend most of your time working on things you are passionate about and proficient at, the discipline to do those things comes easily.” ― Michael Hyatt

Do Less

by Kate Northrup

“Our inner guidance is the best leader we have. Don’t follow anything unless it’s been run through your inner guidance first and it’s been deemed a fit for you and your unique, beautiful mishmash of circumstances, preferences, and soul qualities.” ― Kate Northrup

Atomic Habits

by James Clear

“When you fall in love with the process rather than the product, you don’t have to wait to give yourself permission to be happy. You can be satisfied anytime your system is running. And a system can be successful in many different forms, not just the one you first envision.” — James Clear

Playing Big

by Tara Mohr

“Playing big doesn’t come from working more, pushing harder, or finding confidence. It comes from listening to the most powerful and secure part of you, not the voice of self-doubt.” ― Tara Mohr

There are many other books that I could add to the list. For now, I wanted to include the ones that have created the biggest impact for me. Whether it was every single page—like The Alchemist—or a concept like the Inner Mentor from Playing Big—these books have changed my life. My intent behind sharing this collection is to perhaps introduce you to a transformative read, just as they were for me. Whether you’re at the beginning of a new venture or deep into your own journey, may these words offer the encouragement and inspiration you need in your current chapter.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

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Featured on CanvasRebel: A Creative Journey Unveiled

Featured on CanvasRebel: A Creative Journey Unveiled

I recently had the opportunity to be interviewed by CanvasRebel, a platform that showcases the stories and insights of creatives from various fields. In this article, I had the chance to open up about my unique creative journey and the transformative experiences that shaped me as an artist, designer, and creative entrepreneur.

The Interview:

In the interview, I candidly shared the story of a pivotal moment in my career. I recounted the moment when I learned that my salary would be cut by 10% due to the economy. It was a turning point that made me realize I needed to take control of my own destiny and create the life I desired.

The Journey of Self-Discovery:

Driven by determination, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and relentless pursuit of knowledge. Through devouring books, seeking inspiration from others who achieved success against all odds, and turning inward for solace through prayer and reflection, I tapped into the depths of my soul to connect with my true passions and aspirations.

Building a Thriving Creative Business:

As opportunities started to present themselves, I collaborated with clients to bring their visions to life through branding, print, and web design. Each successful project fueled my belief that I could turn my passion into a sustainable career. Reflecting on my journey, I expressed gratitude for the misfortune that initially brought me to my knees, as it became a wake-up call that forever changed the course of my career and life.

The Transformative Program:

In the article, I also shared an exciting announcement: In September 2023, I will be launching a transformative program specifically designed to equip aspiring artists and designers with the knowledge and strategies necessary to transform their passion into a profitable business. This program will be a platform for me to share everything I have learned over the years, offering guidance and mentorship to those who dare to dream big.

Conclusion:

Being featured on CanvasRebel and having the opportunity to share my creative journey has been an honor. It’s a chance to inspire and empower fellow creatives who may find themselves at a similar crossroads. Through my experiences and insights, I hope to remind others that they are not alone in their creative journeys and that they have the power to create the life they truly desire.

I invite you to read the full article on CanvasRebel, where I delve deeper into my creative path, the challenges I faced, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Let’s continue to support and uplift each other as we navigate the beautiful world of creativity.

Is your website optimized to reach its fullest potential in search engines? Whether you’re looking to improve your site’s SEO strategy or start building a strong online presence from the ground up, I’m here to help. Let’s discuss how we can increase your visibility and attract more of your ideal customers. Reach out for a personalized SEO consultation, and together, we’ll ensure your website not just exists but stands out and attracts the audience it deserves.

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How to Use Passion Projects to Find Your Style

Using Passion Projects to Find Your Style

I’m coming up on a decade of running my small art and design business. I can still remember what it felt like to finally make the decision to start living my life—I was single, had a mortgage, and big dreams. I was restless and felt my heart pulling me in a different direction. Something had to change in order for me to get closer to where I was really meant to be. 

I still remember the stack of books I read about intuition, self-discovery, and intention. On a personal level I knew I wanted to get married and have kids, so one of the books was called “Getting to ‘I Do’”—laugh all you want but it’s how I met my husband (a story for a different day)! And on a professional level, I had big dreams but no clue how to actually connect the dots. Especially because I was interested in a lot of different directions and not sure which way to go. 

I hear a lot of stories about stumbling across the perfect career path, or finding the perfect offering and niching down. That is not my story. My story has a lot of twists and turns. It’s about following my intuition and not the popular opinion. It’s about carving my own path and really following hard after what lights me up. When things feel misaligned, it means assessing how close I am to where I belong and course correcting. And now, nearly a decade later, I am blown away by the work I get to do almost daily. I’m finally able to embrace my true passions—professional design and fine art—and integrate them both into my career.  I’m still carving a path for myself and things are always changing and evolving, but I feel more aligned than I ever have. 

Maybe you can relate to where I am now. Or maybe you’re really resonating with how I felt early in my professional and personal life. Either way, I grew a lot through my journey of exploring my passions and infusing them into my work, so I want to share a few pivotal lessons I learned along the way. 

3 Lessons I Learned From Putting Passion to Work

1. Embrace every part of yourself

Do not fall prey to the popular opinion of niching down. If that feels aligned, great. Go for it. But if it’s making you feel constrained, it’s okay to buck the system and do something different. It wasn’t until I finally let go of that restraint that I fully discovered my ultimate love is combining the two things I love. So embrace every part of yourself, your talent, and your passions—and don’t feel like you have to “niche down” and ignore something that lights you up! 

2. Let your style be influenced by what you’re passionate about 

By understanding your motives, strengths, and what you’re passionate about, you naturally attach a driving force behind what you create. That driving force becomes an undercurrent to what you are creating. When you create work that relates to your interests, it shows—people connect with it, and suddenly your style begins to emerge. So don’t forget to embrace your passions and let it guide your creative exploration. 

3. Embrace failure

Failure can feel so deflating as a creative, especially when you put your heart and soul into the work. It feels deeply personal. Knowing that you are going to come up against it often and embracing it as part of the process will enable you to keep moving forward when it smacks you in the face. I still struggle with this one. Each time I’m rejected my thoughts sound something like this “What’s the point? Just give up. No one cares. Etc.” But try your best to see the opportunity that lies ahead and don’t get stuck in the cycle of self-doubt. After all, most of the success stories you hear are about someone who persevered through rejection and discovered a beautiful opportunity in spite of many “failures”. 

These 3 things—embracing each part of myself, allowing my interests to guide my work, and embracing failure—have led me to where I am today. To a design style that feels uniquely me and to a career that’s more fulfilling than I ever could have imagined. 

So, if you’re on a similar journey, I want to challenge you with 3 steps to take to start nurturing your passion. 

3 Challenges to Embrace Your Journey to Put Passion to Work

  1. Make a list of the top ten memories you hold and spend time reflecting what makes them unique or special.
  2. Begin a daily creative practice—keep it simple and doable. The key is to commit to 30 days or more so that you can begin to find marks or subject matter that feel aligned with your natural tendencies.
  3. Begin a passion project that you’ve always desired to bring to life, create time in your schedule to work on it, and set a goal for when to share with those around you! 

Be patient with yourself during this process, and embrace the unexpected twists and turns. It’s a journey after all! 

I hope this encourages you and inspires you to trust your gut, follow your design intuition, and truly embrace your passions. From someone who’s on the other side of that journey, trust me, it’s worth the process! 

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