artistic development

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of the Creative Genius Podcast, host Kate Shepherd hosts a profound but lighthearted conversation with James McCrae (@wordsarevibrations) a Renaissance soul poet, author, meme artist, and creative strategist. Together, they explore the vital role of creativity in navigating life's complexities and uncovering deeper truths about ourselves. James shares his personal journey of surrendering to his inner voice and the transformative power of embracing and trusting our creative impulses. Throughout this easy to listen to episode, they delve into the essence of creativity, its connection to consciousness and culture, and why it is so important to share our creative work, regardless of how imperfect we may believe it to be (and the incredible thing this can lead to for us) This episode will inspire you to trust in your innate creativity and contribute to a flourishing, interconnected world and maybe even nudge you to share some of your work bravely with the world.

SHOW NOTES

Forget about waiting for perfection to knock on your door! Kate and guest James McCrae explore how the best creative journey is all about embracing the messy, beautiful chaos of creation. 

From memes to poetry to strategic wizardry, James McCrae brings a unique flair to the table that'll make you want to grab your own slice of the creative pie. Host Kate Shepherd sits down for a colourful, inspiring chat with James, a multi-talented creative based in Austin, Texas, known for his thought-provoking memes, insightful poetry, strategic expertise and popular books about creativity. 

Creativity isn't just a luxury reserved for the select "chosen few" it is actually baked right into our DNA. This episode explores how creativity is intrinsic to human existence, and offers us a clear pathway to purpose, authenticity and fulfillment. Despite societal conditioning and fears, both Kate and James both passionately advocate reconnecting with our deepest creative essence as a way to transcend some of the common limitations preventing lasting personal growth.

Creativity also isn't just about making pretty things but is actually a deep dive into the very essence of who we are. James elaborates on the two main stages of creativity, likening them to the yin and yang aspects of existence. Through his forthcoming book, "The Art of You," he explores how creativity emerges from the depths of emotion and intuition, guiding individuals towards a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

You'll be freshly inspired to trust in the creative process, regardless of whether you believe you have any talent or not. And Kate and James emphasize the importance of forgetting about external validation and instead focus on curiosity, self-expression and vulnerability so you can feel free to let your creative visions out into the light of day no matter how "good or bad", "weird or normal" they may seem to you. 

You'll be inspired to examine and explore your own creative impulses and probably have a brand new perspective on cultivating a culture of creativity and collaboration.

If you've ever felt that spark of creativity bubbling up inside you but weren't sure how to set it free, then this episode is for you! Kate and James are here to sprinkle a little magic into your day and remind you that your creative journey is just getting started. So grab your headphones and get ready for an adventure that'll leave you feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to unleash your inner genius!

Key Takeaways:

Creativity as a Birthright: Kate and James underscore the innate creativity inside each and every one of us. Talent is kinda irrelevant, what is important is the willingness to go inside and see what is in there and then to begin to express it as truthfully as possible. By embracing our creative impulses, we tap into a wellspring of wisdom and inner healing which will contribute significantly to the coming Creative Renaissance. 

Trust in the Creative Process: Trusting the creative journey, recognizing that uncertainty and vulnerability and even failure are integral parts of the creative process. By relinquishing the need for perfection and external validation, we cultivate lasting resilience and unlock our full creative potential and purpose.

Community and Collaboration: The episode highlights the importance of community and collaboration in fostering a culture of creativity. Through mutual support and engagement, we amplify our impact and contribute to a thriving ecosystem of shared inspiration and innovation.

Why Listen to This Episode:

This episode of the Creative Genius Podcast offers a compelling exploration of creativity as a catalyst for personal and collective transformation. Through candid conversation and insightful reflections, Kate Shepherd and James McCrae inspire listeners to reclaim their creative power, embrace vulnerability, and contribute to a flourishing culture of creativity and collaboration. Whether you're seeking guidance on nurturing your creative impulses or simply craving inspiration and encouragement, this episode promises valuable insights and practical wisdom for navigating life's creative journey.

In this enlightening episode of The Creative Genius Podcast, we are joined by Jaime Hamilton, a passionate middle school English teacher and talented watercolour artist. Jaime shares her journey of embracing her purpose and navigating imposter syndrome while empowering teenagers to embrace their individuality. 

Jaime opens up about her personal mission to become the mentor she longed for during her own teenage years, now guiding her current students with compassion and wisdom. Through teaching teenagers, she has unearthed invaluable insights about herself and the human experience, offering transformative lessons on authenticity and self-discovery.

If you've ever grappled with your inner critic or sought guidance on navigating the complexities of teenage years, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we delve into the heart of mentorship, resilience, and the pursuit of true authenticity.

Through her insights, she illuminates the challenges of self-judgment and conformity in the middle school environment, offering valuable lessons on authenticity and self-discovery. Join us as we explore the transformative power of creativity, resilience, and trusting one's inner wisdom.

SHOW NOTES

Kate Shepherd welcomes listeners to another inspiring episode of The Creative Genius Podcast and introduces the remarkable guest, Jaime Hamilton, a middle school English teacher and watercolor artist from California. Jaime shares her personal mission to be the mentor she needed during her teenage years, now guiding her students with compassion and wisdom. She discusses her journey from being a reluctant English teacher to embracing the profound insights teaching middle school kids has given her, despite initially preferring to teach history.

Jaime offers a glimpse into her approach to connecting with teenagers in her classroom, highlighting the challenges of reaching out to certain groups while remaining authentic. She reflects on the misconception of mistaking our inner critic for ourselves and the liberating realization that brings. Jaime shares strategies for confronting our inner critic, including journaling and engaging in dialogue with it, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and self-compassion.

The conversation delves into various topics, from embracing imperfection in creativity to navigating childhood traumas and finding healing through self-expression. Jaime and Kate exchange stories about survival and resilience, emphasizing the transformative power of creativity and honest relationships. They explore the energetic portal of creativity and the significance of trusting one's intuition in the creative process.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Embrace your purpose and overcome imposter syndrome by trusting in your abilities.
2. Encourage teenagers to embrace their individuality and authenticity.
3. Navigate self-judgment and conformity by staying true to yourself.
4. Find balance in chaos by focusing on the next right step and trusting your intuition.
5. Practice creativity for its own sake and engage in honest self-expression for healing and self-discovery.

Guest: Justin Thompson, Senior Artist at Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-thompson-91a47339/

On Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mythtickle/

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Host:  Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli
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This Episode’s Sponsors

Are you interested in sponsoring an ITSPmagazine Channel?
👉 https://www.itspmagazine.com/sponsor-the-itspmagazine-podcast-network

_____________________________

Episode Introduction

Welcome to a new episode of Audio Signals with Marco, where today's narrative takes us behind the scenes of a cultural phenomenon – the Peanuts! In this episode, I am thrilled to introduce you to Justin Thompson, a name you may not immediately know, but whose artistry is deeply entwined with a beloved part of our collective childhood. As a Senior Artist at Charles Schultz Creative Associates, Justin's journey in the art realm is as captivating as it is singular.

Our conversation delved deep into his evolution in the world of art, tracing his roots from an aspiring actor to an illustrator passionately dedicated to storytelling and comic strips. We explored the enchanting essence of Charles Schultz's characters and how their subtleties resonate across cultures worldwide. Justin's shift from pursuing personal artistic endeavors to becoming an integral part of the Peanuts legacy is a story of inspiration and transformation.

We also ventured into discussions about current trends in art and education, where Justin shared his perspectives and experiences, with technology and his new adventure as a mentor for young kids in Tanzania. His insights on these topics are sharp, revealing, and filled with wisdom gained from a rich career.

Moreover, Justin opened up about his ongoing personal comic project, offering a sneak peek that comic enthusiasts won't want to miss. So, if you're a fan of the Peanuts, cherish creativity, or relish extraordinary life journeys, this conversation with Justin Thompson is tailored for you. His tale is a powerful ode to dedication, artistic ingenuity, and the timeless appeal of classic comic storytelling.

He will be back for another episode, or more… YES!

Subscribe to the podcast and be sure to follow me on social media!
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Resources

_____________________________

For more podcast stories from Audio Signals: 
https://www.itspmagazine.com/audio-signals

Watch the video version on-demand on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllS0aVY7qlwHxX3uiN7tqqsy

Are you interested in sponsoring an ITSPmagazine Channel?
👉 https://www.itspmagazine.com/sponsor-the-itspmagazine-podcast-network

Guest: Justin Thompson, Senior Artist at Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-thompson-91a47339/

On Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mythtickle/

_____________________________

Host:  Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli
_____________________________

This Episode’s Sponsors

Are you interested in sponsoring an ITSPmagazine Channel?
👉 https://www.itspmagazine.com/sponsor-the-itspmagazine-podcast-network

_____________________________

Episode Introduction

Welcome to a new episode of Audio Signals with Marco, where today's narrative takes us behind the scenes of a cultural phenomenon – the Peanuts! In this episode, I am thrilled to introduce you to Justin Thompson, a name you may not immediately know, but whose artistry is deeply entwined with a beloved part of our collective childhood. As a Senior Artist at Charles Schultz Creative Associates, Justin's journey in the art realm is as captivating as it is singular.

Our conversation delved deep into his evolution in the world of art, tracing his roots from an aspiring actor to an illustrator passionately dedicated to storytelling and comic strips. We explored the enchanting essence of Charles Schultz's characters and how their subtleties resonate across cultures worldwide. Justin's shift from pursuing personal artistic endeavors to becoming an integral part of the Peanuts legacy is a story of inspiration and transformation.

We also ventured into discussions about current trends in art and education, where Justin shared his perspectives and experiences, with technology and his new adventure as a mentor for young kids in Tanzania. His insights on these topics are sharp, revealing, and filled with wisdom gained from a rich career.

Moreover, Justin opened up about his ongoing personal comic project, offering a sneak peek that comic enthusiasts won't want to miss. So, if you're a fan of the Peanuts, cherish creativity, or relish extraordinary life journeys, this conversation with Justin Thompson is tailored for you. His tale is a powerful ode to dedication, artistic ingenuity, and the timeless appeal of classic comic storytelling.

He will be back for another episode, or more… YES!

Subscribe to the podcast and be sure to follow me on social media!
_____________________________

Resources

_____________________________

For more podcast stories from Audio Signals: 
https://www.itspmagazine.com/audio-signals

Watch the video version on-demand on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllS0aVY7qlwHxX3uiN7tqqsy

Are you interested in sponsoring an ITSPmagazine Channel?
👉 https://www.itspmagazine.com/sponsor-the-itspmagazine-podcast-network

As the holiday cheer fills the air, we're jazzed to have London's own Jordan Copeland joining us to unravel the fabric of our daily experiences with her astute reflections. We kick things off with a lively debate on hydrogen water—yes, it's a thing—and the lengths we'll go to for health, despite what our taste buds might think. The merriment continues as we reminisce about the hilarity and joy that structured games brought to a recent holiday party, prompting us to reconsider the underestimated value of organized fun.

Our conversation with Jordan takes an engaging turn as we navigate through the quirky waters of cultural language differences. Ever found yourself befuddled by slang on your travels? We sure did. But it's not all about the laughs; we delve deep into the transformative world of Artistic Development. Here, actors and laymen alike are encouraged to challenge perceptions and articulate emotions, a practice that proves invaluable both on stage and in the complexities of everyday life. And don't get us started on the social media rabbit hole—Jordan’s insights on self-awareness and the dark art of comparison are as enlightening as they are timely.

As we wrap up, the theme of self-discovery remains strong. We reflect on the powerful interplay between pain and growth, the intricacies of relationship boundaries, and our quest for meaningful connections. Jordan's fresh take on character redemption in TV land leads us to ponder our own personal epiphanies and the habits that define us. And for the actors out there, we're talking about finding your unique voice amidst the challenge of self-awareness on stage. So whether you’re praying for good weather in LA or sipping tea in London, this episode is guaranteed to stir the pot and maybe even inspire your next holiday conversation.

(00:05) Push Podcast With Jordan Copeland

Jordan Copeland shares London experiences, debating hydrogen water's taste and enjoying organized fun at a holiday party.

(12:38) Exploring Reflections and Communication Skills

Cultural language differences, self-reflection, and the value of articulating emotions are discussed in this podcast episode.

(16:23) Knowing Yourself, Avoiding Comparison on Social Media

Self-awareness, social media, and otherization are discussed through personal experiences of living abroad and returning home.

(27:54) Navigating Emotional Resilience and Relationship Boundaries

Pain can lead to personal growth, forgiveness and memories build resilience, relationships can hinder or aid development, and meaningful conversation is desired.

(41:46) Reflections on Acting and Self-Identity

Character redemption, personal growth, sunk cost bias, habits, transformative experiences, sacrifices, self-evaluation in TV show "Power" and its spinoff.

(50:26) Find Your Voice in Acting

Challenges of authentic performance, struggle with self-awareness, detrimental role of ego, embracing vulnerability, and taking up space without apology.

\- [We are the Copelands Tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@wearethecopelands)

\- [**The Pusher Society**](https://wearethecopelands.com/)

\- [**Janelle's website**](https://www.janellecopeland.com/)

\- [**Join the Cake Cents FB Group**](https://www.facebook.com/groups/cakecents/)

\- [**Join the Push Podcast FB Group**](https://www.facebook.com/groups/PUSHpodcast/)

\- [**The Push Podcast's official website**](https://www.janellecopeland.com/podcast)

\- [**Cake Mamas Instagram**](https://www.instagram.com/thecakemamas/)

\- [**Eddie's Instagram**](https://www.instagram.com/copewitheddie/)

Email: hello@thepushpodcast.com 

THE LION KING  Music & Lyrics by Elton John & Tim Rice | Additional Music & Lyrics by Lebo M., Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, & Hans Zimmer | Book by Roger Allers & Irene Mecchi  |  Adapted from the Screenplay by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, & Linda Woolverton

Works Consulted & Reference :

• The Lion King (Original Production Directed by Julie Taymor)
• The Lion King (Original Film Directed by Roger Allers & Rob Minkoff)
• The Lion King: Pride Rock on Broadway by Julie Taymor
• The Lion King - The Full Film Script by Bill Scollon & Marbara Montini
• Disney Theatrical Productions: Producing Broadway Musicals the Disney Way by Amy S. Osatinski
• The Disney Musical on Stage and Screen: Critical Approaches from 'Snow White' to 'Frozen' Edited by George Rodosthenous
• The Lion King: A 'Blockbuster Feline' on Broadway and Beyond by Barbara Wallace Grossman

Music Credits:

• "Overture" from Dear World (Original Broadway Cast Recording)  | Music by Jerry Herman | Performed by Dear World Orchestra & Donald Pippin
• "The Speed Test" from Thoroughly Modern Millie  (Original Broadway Cast Recording) | Music by Jeanine Tesori, Lyrics by Dick Scanlan | Performed by Marc Kudisch, Sutton Foster, Anne L. Nathan & Ensemble
• "Why God Why" from Miss Saigon: The Definitive Live Recording  (Original Cast Recording  / Deluxe)  | Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, Lyrics by Alain Boublil & Richard Maltby Jr.  | Performed by Alistair Brammer
• "Back to Before" from Ragtime: The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording)  | Music by Stephen Flaherty, Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens | Performed by Marin Mazzie
• "Chromolume #7 / Putting It Together" from Sunday in the Park with George (Original Broadway Cast Recording)  | Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim | Performed by Mandy Patinkin, Bernadette Peters, Judith Moore, Cris Groenendaal, Charles Kimbrough, William Parry, Nancy Opel, Robert Westenberg, Dana Ivey, Kurt Knudson, Barbara Bryne
• "What's Inside" from Waitress (Original Broadway Cast Recording)  | Music & Lyrics by Sara Bareilles | Performed by Jessie Mueller & Ensemble
• "They Live in You" from The Lion King (Original Broadway Cast Recording)  | Music & Lyrics by Lebo M., Mark Mancina, & Jay Rifkin | Performed by  Samuel E. Wright & Ensemble - The Lion King
• "Maria" from The Sound of Music (Original Soundtrack Recording)  | Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II | Performed by Evadne Baker, Anna Lee, Portia Nelson, Marni Nixon
• "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music (Original Soundtrack Recording) | Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II | Performed by Julie Andrews
• "Corner of the Sky" from Pippin (New Broadway Cast Recording) | Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz | Performed by Matthew James Thomas
• “What Comes Next?” from Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording) | Music & Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda | Performed by Jonathan Groff

In this episode of the Design Break podcast, host Rocky Roark takes us on a journey from design school to landing your dream job in the industry. Graduating from design school is an exciting milestone, but navigating the competitive job market can be challenging. Rocky shares five essential tips, plus a bonus tip, to help recent design school graduates secure their dream job or any job in the creative space.

First up is the power of networking. Rocky emphasizes the importance of building a strong professional network within the design industry. Discover how to expand your network both online and offline, and how genuine connections can open doors to referrals and collaboration opportunities.

Next, Rocky discusses the significance of showcasing your passion and being proactive in the creative community. Learn how to stand out from the crowd by demonstrating your genuine enthusiasm for your chosen discipline and actively sharing your work online.

Soft skills are essential in the design industry, and Rocky dives into their importance in the job market. Explore how developing and enhancing soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and collaboration can make you a valuable team member.

In the digital age, your online presence plays a significant role in your job search. Rocky guides you on how to polish up your online persona, curating a professional image that aligns with your career goals. Learn tips and tricks to optimize your social media profiles and create an impressive online portfolio.

Finally, flexibility is key when starting your career in design. Rocky highlights the importance of staying open-minded and embracing diverse projects and opportunities. Discover how being adaptable can lead to unexpected growth and enrich your professional journey.

Don't miss the bonus tip, where Rocky shares the power of interviewing professionals and seeking advice. Learn how to connect with industry experts and gather invaluable insights to inform your career decisions.

Join Rocky Roark on the Design Break podcast as he equips you with the knowledge and strategies to navigate the transition from design school to landing your dream job. Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasting fix and follow @thedesignbreak on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for more valuable insights into the world of design.

If you enjoyed this episode of the Design Break Podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review—each week we'll give a special shoutout to one luckily listener who's left us a review. (: 

Hello! This week my guest is Dillon Theodor, a brilliant artist, meditation guide,  path-seeker, and art therapist.

His presence punctuates a powerful conversation, ranging from the ups-and-downs of a career in the arts, to staying present on the path of spiritual awakening.

Dillon can be found on Instagram: @guttershnipe (https://www.instagram.com/guttershnipe/) and on TikTok: @comfortablecolby

People Who Make Sh*t! releases weekly on Tuesdays at 5:00 PM E.S.T.

Instagram: @10milegaze

https://www.instagram.com/10milegaze/

Facebook: Austen Wigglesworth

https://www.facebook.com/austen.wigglesworth

For inquiries and appearances, DM me on either platform, or send an email to austen.wigglesworth@gmail.com

Have you had those moments of aesthetic experience, when all your senses align and you feel in tune with the universe. That is really different than just seeing things. Our visual senses may be overwhelmed, as we live in a world of constant imagery. And during 2020 our experiences have been more limited than normal. In this episode, I invited my friend Beth Griggs-Anderson to talk with me about seeing and experience. This episode is a little different format, cause I rarely have guests. But I have really been working through my own understanding of how our visual experience can dictate our lives, and I wanted to talk it out with someone else. I can imagine I will be having more of these discussions because....observation is a really large realm and needs more time for exploration.
Click THIS LINK for the curated content around this episode. 

How do artists make discoveries? It often means going deep into the cave we fear to enter....at least we are often afraid to enter it as an adult. Kids love to explore things adults find scary. We know too much and limit ourselves. "The creative adult is the child who survived" - I love this quote by Ursula K. LeGuin and the idea that my adult self has just been a vehicle for my child spirit to have an experience here. If we can bring that child along for the whole ride...without killing them off or losing them to trauma...you have a creative adult. Of course...I believe you can revive that child no matter what. In this episode we consider this idea, while learning about the art that started it all, cave art. Discover more at THIS LINK. There you will find a recap of suggested practices, curated content...including my playlist around this theme...where to RSVP for our Thursday meetup and how to get in touch. 

How is your relationship with your muse? This episode goes into the creative process and our relationship with creativity. Learn a little about the Process Art Movement and how process is seen in the music of William Basinski. Discover more about the topics and practices discussed at THIS LINK. 

Artists must find a balance between focusing their attention on their creative work and seeking attention to have that work seen. How do the issues around attention help or hinder creative process? How does our personal relationship with attention enable connection with our authentic artistic vision? Follow THIS LINK for curated content around this episode, a recap of the practices discussed and the Spotify playlist around the theme of Attention & Authenticity. 

In this episode we contemplate the influence and idea of home, and its impact on our creative development. We also discuss my favorite artist, Marc Chagall. For curated content around this episode and more information about Starling follow THIS LINK. There you will find information about Chagall, images of places I have called home and a link to the Spotify playlist around the them of home. 

As we wrap up Season 1 of Starling, we look at how our personality and psychological make up influence our creativity. There are many myths around artists and creative people being tourtured souls or egotistical weirdos, but...there is  research that says successful creatives are actually something "different". As we explore 10 traits laid out by Hungarian American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, we connect it to other things we have discussed this season.

Follow This Link to find tons of curated content around this episode. There you will find the article I referenced, as well as the questions and practices I discuss. The playlist for this episode is there as well as a link to join the Starling Creative Living Member group.

Thanks so much for listening in for the first season of Starling!

As we enter the season of the darkening of the light...fall,  we look at how shadows shape our reality and our artwork. Discover a bit about how darkness enhances form and how shadows give depth to everything they touch. Learn about how the shadow has evolved through art history and evaluate your own relationship to...the dark. Contemplate what you may be projecting into the darkness and whether it can help your creative practice. Follow this link to the show notes for more about all the topics covered, the playlist for our time in the dark, a link to join our online community and links to Starling swag now available. 

How do we organize our thoughts and inner world to bring order to our creative process? In this episode we look at how exploring philosophical and psychological concepts can give structure to guide our artistic development. Follow this link for the show notes that include curated content around the topics discussed and as always a weekly playlist to accompany the ideas: https://www.smore.com/h4k8p

Change is constant, so why not put it to use? This week we look at the way we make transitions in our creative practice, notice habits we might have and consider changes we could make to invite fresh creative energy into our lives. Change can inspire new ideas, so what are you willing to change to get ideas flowing? Follow this link to find a recap of the practices, this week's playlist and other tidbits about change as an inspirational tool.

How does the mundane world provide inspiration and opportunity for artists? This week we discuss what creativity is and discuss practices for finding moments for artistic ideas to flourish, even when we are embedded in our daily lives. There are chances to spark creativity and take notice of simple beauty in even the most boring of situations. You can read more about all that I cover in this episode at this link. There you will find information on Duchamp's "readymades", a recap of the practices I recommend, a link to the playlist and a few other odds and ends that relate to this topic. 

Join me on an expedition through The Artistic Realms as we discover the ways towards personal expression. I will take a few moments to point out important landmarks along the way and share a few methods for further adventure and discovery. To download an actual copy of the map and get the mixtape made to accompany this journey follow this link:
The Artistic Realms