It’s Okay to Start Again 〰️ Creative Currents

Published 10 days ago • 2 min read

Hi Reader,

The creative waves pulled me under for a bit, but here I am, swimming back to shore—and sending a big thank you to you for staying around through it all. I'm so happy to land back in your inbox today.

Sometimes life asks us to pause, breathe, and return with more intention. That’s exactly what I’m doing with this edition of Creative Currents.

Here's a kind reminder: Breaks aren't the end. They're part of the rhythm.

But how to get back into the well-flowing part of the rhythm? Reassess. Ask yourself what you truly want. And take it one step at a time.

💡

INSPIRATION STATION

Espresso Yourself

A recent stop at Café Ponykarussell in Vienna reminded me how beauty often hides in the unexpected. Its flora & fauna ceiling felt like standing inside a fantastic forest—colorful and over-the-top in the best way. Just like Tommy Cash’s “Espresso Macchiato” at Eurovision—playful, poetic, and a bit absurd. With bold visuals, dance, and a catchy tune about something as simple as coffee, it turned silliness into a powerful performance. It’s a reminder that inspiration doesn’t have to be serious to be meaningful.

I know, I know Austria won, but I'm still starting my days with "Espresso Machiato" ☕️🎶

🖌️

Pattern Play

Trailing Floral, Take Two

To get my creative juices flowing again, I joined a Trailing Floral Pattern Challenge—and created a continuation of one of my very first patterns. And it accidentally became abstract floral hearts.

It’s soft, minimal, and not loud like usual traditional flower patterns. And yet again, it feels right. This rediscovery of minimal florals has me thinking about turning it into a full collection. What do you think—should I?

Sometimes, looking back helps us gently move forward.

🎨

Designer's Toolbox

Testing: Coursiv

This month, I’ve been diving into Coursiv, an AI-powered learning platform that offers AI mini-courses. One of them? How to earn money with the help of AI. Intriguing, right?

I’ve discovered both new tools and familiar ones I hadn’t realized were AI-driven. It's like seeing the world through a new lens. And while AI isn’t the answer to everything, it can definitely help lighten the load during a creative comeback.

Coursiv is subscription-based (no free option), but I recommend testing it for 4 weeks for roughly $23. A deadline helps to follow through with something.

〰️

Fuel Your Flow

Showing Up for Others

When you’re stuck, reaching out to help someone else might seem counterintuitive, but it’s surprisingly powerful. I recently reconnected with a creative friend, not to ask for support, but to offer a deeper connection. “Will you be my accountability buddy?” (Thankfully, no ring required.) Just knowing we’d check in regularly to share wins, set goals, or simply be there for each other instantly lifted my energy.

If you’re trying to find your rhythm again, consider doing the same. A weekly check-in can turn things around. It’s simple, grounding, and it reminds you: we’re not meant to do this alone. Community over competition—always.

How do you deal with life's detours? Hit reply and tell me—I’d love to hear.

Yours,

Alyssa-Ninja