〰️ Creative Currents: The Power of Being Raw and Real

Published about 2 months ago • 2 min read

Hi Reader,

The other day, I shared my entrepreneurial goals and dreams in a group coaching session. They were messy, and I was uncertain, but that's exactly why I did it.

Exposing raw plans invites critique, which often feels uncomfortable—or even embarrassing. Nobody wants to feel like that, right?

But here's the thing: being vulnerable is about being real. And there’s power in that.

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INSPIRATION STATION

Hiking a Gorge

Walking always helps me clear my head, whether it's a stroll with Pepsi dog or a challenging hike. This past weekend, it was both at once as we hiked through a gorge. For me, hiking is a great way to embrace vulnerability. It’s not about being the strongest or the fastest; it's about letting go. When you're crawling over rocks or balancing on a log, there's no room for overthinking. You're just in the moment, completely exposed to nature. When was the last time you let yourself be fully present?

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Pattern Play

Lemon Lady WIP

Sharing work in progress always feels risky, but it’s a practice in vulnerability I’ve come to value. One of the latest patterns I’m working on is "Lemon Lady." Her inspiration came from a beautiful old Viennese building. The lemons? They’re a nod to a cozy restaurant in Vienna with giant lemons preserved in jars—a simple, pure sight that I couldn't resist incorporating. Here’s a sneak peek; she’s still a work in progress, but that’s exactly why I’m sharing.

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Design Toolbox

Freepik Mockups

Want to showcase your designs in a professional context, even if they’re not 100% finished? Freepik recently added mockups to their portfolio, allowing you to display your patterns on real products. It's a safe way to share your creations before they're "perfect." They even have an AI feature now, making it easy for beginners to play around. With their free plan, you can download up to 10 content pieces a day. Sometimes, letting your work shine—even before it’s fully polished—can be a great step in embracing vulnerability.

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Fuel Your Flow

Reframe Your Thoughts

Reframing is a powerful technique that lets you view vulnerability as a strength. Instead of thinking, "I don't like my art; I'm not good enough," try saying, "This piece isn’t my best, but it's part of my journey towards creating art I love." Life isn’t about having all the answers; it's about being brave enough to continue growing, even when you feel vulnerable. So next time you feel unsure, remind yourself that every step forward is progress.

Are you on Medium?

I share stories about finding a better work-life balance, getting into the creative flow, and my own creative journey on Medium. Vulnerability plays a big part in all of it.