Let’s Talk About 2025
The sweet life of an artist date is my focus this year. Life often feels chaotic and hectic, doesn’t it? It’s easy to lose track of time for yourself. But in 2025, I’m changing that.
I’ve started a personal endeavor called my artist date. Inspired by Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, this weekly practice is my gift to myself. Each week, I’ll take time to explore, create, and enjoy art without any pressure or expectations.
Finding Inspiration Through Artist Dates
These artist dates are all about sparking creativity. Some weeks, I’ll try something new to challenge myself. Other times, I’ll visit a new place or experiment with a medium I’ve never used before. It could even be as simple as sketching outside in the sunshine.
This isn’t about creating something perfect or productive. It’s about reconnecting with the joy of art and letting creativity flow freely.
Kicking Off with Fresh Art
For my first artist date of 2025, I chose to make physical art. As a designer, I spend a lot of time creating digital work. My usual projects are large and often time-sensitive, leaving little room for experimentation or long-term endeavors.
This year, I’m carving out time for projects that may take weeks to complete. I’m also allowing myself to create without a clear purpose—something that feels backward to my usual approach.
Breaking My Own Rules
If you’ve taken my Design Suite program or a business class at the University of Arts & Design, you know I value purposeful creativity. For over 17 years, I’ve built my career around designs that serve meaningful goals.
But I’ve learned that stepping away from that mindset can be refreshing. Creating for joy, not purpose, helps me recharge and reignite my passion for art. It’s where new ideas form, and creativity has the freedom to breathe.
Overcoming Challenges and Perfectionism
One challenge has been letting go of perfectionism. I rely on digital tools for precise designs, and shifting to physical art feels daunting. Yet, this discomfort pushes me to grow and embrace imperfections.
In my bootcamps, I encourage others to let go of perfectionism (www.designsuitecourses.com/designbootcamp). While I’m not a perfectionist, I tend to be critical of my work. Creating physical art challenges me in new ways and helps me embrace flaws as part of the process.
Sharing Art with My Family
Another reason I love these artist dates is that I get to involve my kids. It’s a chance for us to explore creativity together, especially in ways their school might not provide. While I’m not great at structured art time, these moments nurture their imagination and ours as a family.
Pushing Boundaries in 2025
This year, I’m embracing discomfort to grow as an artist. Physical art feels unfamiliar and messy compared to digital work, but it’s worth the effort. For fine artists who avoid digital creation, I’d suggest trying the thing that feels most uncomfortable—it’s often where growth happens.
Watch my full episode on YouTube (link coming soon) to see how I’m embracing the Sweet Life of A Designer.
