Embracing Your Creative Journey: Lessons from Chelsie Tamms

Finding Purpose through Passion Projects and Lettering

Now, if you've ever found yourself wondering, “How do I translate my love for art into something meaningful?” you’re not alone. Today's chatter with the incredible Chelsie Tamms was like unlocking the treasure chest we've all been searching for. This powerhouse of creativity didn't just show up with her stellar lettering and brand design chops — she’s taken the scenic route around life’s blockades, and came bearing the map.

But enough of the tease; let’s unwrap the gift.

Why Documenting Success is Key

We’re diving headfirst into what Chelsie likes to call “documenting successes.” Yeah, sounds simple, right? But think about it: How often do you actually jot down your little victories? Not those grandiose wins worthy of a champagne toast, but the tiny ones, like nailing that tricky brushstroke or getting a compliment on your project. Sure, they might not seem like much, but collectively? They’re your secret weapon.

Step 1: Grab Chelsie's Freebie.

Head over to letteringworks.com and snag her free journaling tool. Trust me, it’s like a GPS for your creative journey. Use it to reflect daily, weekly, and monthly. Figure out what fuels your fire and what you need to douse. We’re all walking bomb cyclones of potential — you’ve just got to track the weather patterns.

Step 2: Document, Rinse, Repeat.

It’s not enough to just jot things down. Reflect on them. Weave them into your bigger narrative. Yep, turn those small wins into a mosaic of your indomitable spirit. You’ll soon realize you’re not stumbling around aimlessly; you’re paving a golden path.

Embracing Intentionality in Creativity

Look, in a world that’s all about the hustle, Chelsie’s ethos on being intentional is a breath of fresh air. She emphasizes that every move you make should be purposeful and aligned with your personal values. I could almost hear the collective sigh of relief from freelancers and creatives around the world: Finally, an excuse to say “no” to the soul-sucking projects.

Step 1: Know Thyself.

Start with a solid brainstorming session: what are your values? Write them down. In bold, if it helps. Align every project and client you take on with these core truths. It’s like Marie Kondo-ing your creative life. If it doesn’t spark joy, it gets the boot.

Step 2: Align Your Work.

Once you’ve got your values listed, it’s time to filter your projects through them. Prioritize those that mesh with your vibe. This is less about being choosy and more about curating your masterpiece of a career. Passion projects are great, but be strategic about them. You’re playing chess, not checkers.

Leveraging Passion Projects for Paid Work

Chelsie’s story is a patchwork quilt of trial-and-error with a sprinkling of strategic outreach. Imagine this: You’ve poured your heart into a passion project, and now you’re eyeing potential clients, trying to make that leap from art-for-fun to art-for-money.

Step 1: Be Smart About Outreach.

Chelsie shared the wisdom of direct outreach over the blind toss of social media posts. It’s like fishing with a rod and reel instead of a net; you may not catch as many, but the ones you do are the ones you want. Identify specific organizations or individuals who would resonate with your work and send a personalized pitch.

Step 2: Show Off Your Portfolio.

When your passion projects are tied to causes that matter to you (like Chelsie’s projects around kidney disease, chronic illness, and mental health), they automatically become more powerful and marketable. Use these projects as cornerstone pieces in your portfolio. They’re not just samples of your work — they’re proof of your commitment, passion, and values.

The Balancing Act: Freelance vs. Small Business

Here's the kicker — balance. Chelsie, the juggle-master, spoke about managing the push and pull of freelance gigs and small business management.

Step 1: Create a System.

It's all about contracts and design reviews, people. Make your professional processes as sleek as your art. Not only does it keep things legit, but it also makes you look like the creative rockstar you are. Clients love a good process, almost as much as they love great art.

Step 2: Be Selective with Opportunities.

You don't have to take on every project that comes your way. Be like Chelsie; reserve your precious energy for those that align with your values and ignite your creative spirit. Prioritize projects that nurture your growth and well-being.

Final Reflections

Chelsie’s journey from passion projects to an impactful career is like a handbook on how to win at life — with a creative flourish, of course. Tune into your own values, document those seemingly insignificant wins, and be strategic about your creative pursuits.

What will your day one look like? There’s no time like now to begin. Go forth, create with intention, and most importantly, keep showing up.

Listen to my Creative Chat with Chelsie Tamms on episode 239.

The Gift of Creativity: A Conversation with James Victore

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with James Victore, a creative dynamo whose work I’ve admired for ages (especially coming from graphic design). Our chat was a goldmine of insights on creativity—its ups, downs, and practical steps to foster your own authentic expression.

James kicked things off with a childhood memory that stuck with him—melted crayons. Yep, you heard that right. Those melted crayons left a vivid mark on his senses and inspired him to create work that sparks strong emotional responses. We agreed that creativity often digs its roots deep into personal experiences and sensory memories, making it uniquely ours.

We also tackled the frustrations many creatives face: not being appreciated or allowed to fully express themselves at work. James nailed it when he said everyone just wants to be seen, heard, and valued. In today’s attention economy, he insists, you’ve got to keep showing up, presenting your work, and engaging in those conversations.

James is all about creating motivational, inspirational, and educational posters like those for kids in schools. But, surprise surprise, sometimes he runs into gatekeepers who make reaching his audience tricky. Despite the hurdles, James sees his work as a gift, not a chore. Check out his website: YourWorkIsAGift.com

We dove into how our creative journeys evolve. James talked about his calling to be creative and the grit it takes to hang onto that creativity. He shared a time when his creativity was squashed, leading him to try a different career path before finding his way back to his true passion. Because, let’s face it, once a creative, always a creative.

These days, James coaches creative directors and professionals on embracing their true passions. He shared stories of folks torn between their interests, like a leather maker torn between trinkets and handbags. James helps them find joy in their work because, really, life’s too short to be stuck doing something you don’t love.

I also opened up about my own struggles with burnout and depression after stepping away from design. It was a tough period, but it led to deeper self-discovery.

James hosts retreats aim to break down barriers and help participants unearth their true selves, fostering a sense of community and personal growth.

So, what can you take away from our Creative Chat? Here are some nuggets of wisdom:

1. Trust Your Creativity: Believe in your creative instincts and let yourself explore them. No holds barred.

2. Show Up Consistently: Keep putting in the effort. Present your work and start those conversations. No one’s going to do it for you.

3. See Work as a Gift: Change your perspective. View your work as a gift, and you’ll find it easier to push through obstacles.

4. Pursue Passion Projects: Find what excites you and weave it into your work. Less frustration, more satisfaction.

5. Seek Community: Surround yourself with like-minded folks who support your creative journey. It’s way easier to stay motivated that way.

Our conversation was a great reminder of the deep connection between personal experience and creative expression, and the importance of sticking with it on the road to authentic creativity.

Listen to Creative Chats episode 237 for more!

Did you ever have a Dream?

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. ”

— John F. Kennedy

When I was a kid, all I ever wanted to do was draw, make cards and watch cartoons. I could get lost for hours in the act of creating. Growing up has a way of striping out one of the childhood joys, although I did manage to hang onto small parts of what was inside me in those early days. Even when it came time for college, I knew I had to go to art school, or I wasn’t going at all. It’s debatable as to whether or not I should have majored in graphic design. Some of that decision was guided in response to what kind of art doesn’t leave you as a “starving artist”.

Several design jobs and a career change into ministry, there came an inevitable ache that surfaced and wouldn’t go away. You know what i’m talking about? The kind that gnaws at you over time, always just beneath the surface. No amount of job or career change resolves it. It’s deeper than that. It’s hinged on purpose. This goes way beyond working just so you can pay rent, have a car, provide for a family. Beyond working to pay bills and for possessions and vacations. I think most people may not hate their job, but they’re not loving it either.

What I’m talking about is the stuff of dreams. That place where your very being comes alive, and intersects with your talents. That place where you are fully alive.

I’ve been on the journey towards that place for a long time. There were pit stops and false destinations along the way. But it kept calling.

What’s my dream? To create art that engages people; that connects with their hearts and moves them. Art that is helpful. I want to give myself to this pursuit fully, while being able to “make a living” from it. It’s a dream that is filled with creating in multiple formats utilizing all my talents and abilities. And the more I press into this, the clearer it becomes.

Do you know what I’m talking about? Having a dream and passion so consuming that you don’t have a choice but to lean into it?

Most of us turn back in fear at some point, or hear the “voices” of reason, responsibility, etc. They tell you you can’t do it. And too often so many of us believe them.

For me, as the passion grew, and the dream beaconed louder, all I could do was take the right next step. One after the other.

And now, it feels like my biggest step of all. I’m pursuing my dream. All in. What does that mean?

....I’m going full time into my own art business.

Sometimes it takes an event to interrupt your routine. Mine was my previous employer eliminating a few positions (mine included) due to financial difficulties.

I’ve been pondering my next steps for a while now, and it feels a bit like God has pushed me out of the nest. I’ve been doing my own art in the margins, but it feels like God has orchestrated recent events for me to seize this opportunity. To lean in to where He is calling me.

I will be looking to build up my “ARTrepreneurial” business in what has been referred to as the “Portfolio Life”. Think of it as a wheel with spokes (see drawing below). Each spoke represents a different facet of what I will offer.

• Graphic Design services
• Pet Portraits
• Pop Art (Star Wars, The Walking Dead, etc.) and Art Fairs / Cons
• Original Paintings
• Teaching (via online video courses, workshops)
• Communication (public speaking on Art & Creativity / blogging, writing, maybe even a book)

My desire is to use my art to touch people’s hearts, to provide a help or needed service. And I want to share my own journey and learnings with others, specifically artists, who may be struggling in their own creativity. Some of these areas have already been in the works, while others will be built over time. I’m sure things will look different down the road, but this is where i’m starting.

So, why am I telling you all this?

Because you have journeyed with me. You view my daily art that I post. YOU are part of MY story. The truth is, I’m chasing a DREAM. And I can’t do it alone. So I’m inviting you to PARTNER with me.

What am I asking?

1. I’m looking for new clients with Graphic Design needs, and those desiring Pet Portraits and/or Original Art and prints. If you know of an opportunity that might be a good fit for my talents, please let me know or pass my info along.
    
2. I would greatly appreciate shares, comments, and likes on social media. The more people who can see my art and know about my services, the better. Please share my website:  www.MikeBrennan.me / Instagram / facebook
    
3. Would you consider purchasing a piece of art from me? Take a look around my website or social media posts to see if there is something that speaks to you. This would greatly help me with some startup costs I have. I appreciate your consideration.    

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and journey with me. You have been an encourager of my art over the past few years, and I deeply value that. I am excited, nervous, thrilled, scared all the the same time for what comes next. My family and I are placing our complete trust in God, His leading and provision as we set out on this new adventure.

To infinity and beyond...

Pablo Ferro

I saw this documentary available on Netflix called "Pablo" and decided to check it out. It turned out to be a very interesting documentary about an artist named Pablo Ferro. Odds are you've seen his work without realizing it. He's been producing innovative work for years. He's created opening credit sequences and trailers for tons of movies. If you are a graphic designer or motion graphics designer I especially recommend it. Be forewarned that this is about his life, and there may be some content that could offend (drugs, sex, etc.) if that's of concern to you. That aside, it was a very intriguing documentary on this artist and his life. It contains some cool animation throughout and is narrated by Jeff Bridges. If you have Netflix, check it out!

Confession of a Dying Artist

Something inside of me started to die. It was a slow death. Barely noticeable. It went on for years. Somehow, I think I knew something was wrong but I couldn't put my finger on it.

I've spent years using my art (mainly graphic design) to support the cause or endeavors of others. That's what I get paid to do. To use my art to create a logo for someone's product, someones else's message slides, someone else's company and ideas. Nothing wrong with that. But, I finally realized what had been slowly dying all these years. My personal art expression. My message. My voice in my art.

Doing design for others isn't the correct place to insert your personal message/expression. I'm hired to communicate their message, their identity. BUT I came to realize that I had stopped pursuing avenues of my own expression. And it slowly began shortly after graduating art school.

Earlier this year, I began a journey back to my passion - creating art "just because". Creating because my soul needed to. Creating art not for the masses but for personal expression. And something wonderful happened. I felt the cold dead place inside start to come back alive.

I made a fatal error early on in my design career. I don't even know if it was conscious (I don't think it was). I took on an either/or approach to my art. Either I could do commercial work (and get paid for it), or do personal art expression (and not get paid for it). And just like the carpenter who lives in a home where the carpentry needs go unmet - I felt like after doing "art" all day long who had time or energy for more when I got home?

When it comes to creating commercial and personal art, it isn't about either/or but rather and/both. Both are vital to creative health. Who knows, maybe one day the two lines will blur more for me and I'll get paid to create my personal expression art. But until then, I'm making sure I don't loose sight of pursuing both.

What about you? Do you ever feel that tension?

Illustration by Mike Brennan