Make.Believe.Creative:
For artists reshaping the stories they live and create from within
A space to be witnessed in the creative process. Make.Believe.Creative is a quiet newsletter about illustration, creativity, and finding your way as an artist — written from inside the process, not from a place of having it all figured out.
I share reflections from my studio, thoughts on creativity and inner worlds, how to heal…..and occasional glimpses of work as it unfolds.
Meet the residents of Lantern Wood (and why they live in my head)
Some characters arrive before you know what you need them for
Are You Chasing Shiny Objects Instead of Making Art?
How one simple question is helping me cut through creative overwhelm
Is Artistic Talent a Myth? What Practice, Courage, and Uncertainty Have to Do with Creativity
Many of us decide surprisingly early whether we are “creative” or “talented” — and then spend years believing that verdict. But what if talent is far less important than we’ve been taught to believe?
Instagram for Creatives: A More Intentional Approach
Rethinking how I show up and stay visible online
Creatives: You Don’t Need a Label to Ignore Advice That Doesn’t Fit
Something about the way we talk about creativity and visibility at the moment doesn’t sit right with me. Not because the advice is entirely wrong—but because of how absolute it’s become.
The portfolio I didn’t know I was building
Learnings, direction, and what AI helped me see about my own work.
Your Childhood Taste Is Already Your Style
This piece is an invitation to look at your childhood influences not as something to move on from—but as a map of the visual language you’ve been developing all along.
Slowing Down Isn’t Falling Behind: Understanding Creative Burnout and Nervous System Healing
Feeling stuck or unproductive as an artist? Discover why it’s not laziness—and how slowing down supports creativity and nervous system healing.
Creative Overwhelm, and the Fear of Falling Behind
On nervous system overload, comparison fatigue, and staying with your art gently
3 Harmful myths about being an artist - and what success really looks like
Many artists believe they must work full-time, find a niche, and grow a huge Instagram following to be considered successful. In this article, I unpack three common myths about being an artist, share what actually defines creative success, and explore a healthier mindset for artists navigating careers, social media, and money.
Making My Own Path as an Artist
If you’re an artist, illustrator, or creative who feels like everyone else has a roadmap you’re missing — this is your reminder:
You don’t need to see the whole path.
Success, Failure and the Artist’s Mindset: Lessons from the Winter Olympics
One snowboarder wins gold. Another falls. What does that say about mindset, failure and pursuing an art career with no guarantees?
Reflecting on Illustration Advice: Why “Get over it” Isn’t Enough
Dealing with negativity as artists.
When your artwork doesn’t ‘work’, and what to do about it
Or how to reframe 'failure' in your artistic life.
Finding your Artist style is like a Great Big Onion*
Finding your artistic style is not as simple as ‘just make lots of work’.
Wintering: A gentle invitation to slow down
Let’s re-frame the push to live in an endless summer. Let’s winter!
Illustrator Journey: Learnings from 9 months of consistent sketching and drawing
Some things I’ve learned from my sketchbook - hoping that it will resonate with you!
What This Blog Is (and What It Isn’t)
Writing about messy creativity, mental health, and the courage it takes to let yourself be seen as an artist.