What if beauty isn’t just a pretty picture, but a battleground for your heart? That’s the question Stephen Barany—illustrator, theologian, and creative force—dropped like a quiet thunderbolt on the latest Fulfillment Project episode. From his award-winning icons to the whimsical, hand-drawn Alphabet Parade, Stephen’s work weaves faith, art, and storytelling into a tapestry that invites us to see the world with childlike wonder. If you missed this conversation, it’s time to grab a coffee, hit play, and let Stephen’s insights spark something deep in you. Here’s what stood out to me, and how you can make it yours.
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Why This Episode Hits Different
Stephen’s journey is a masterclass in living intentionally at the crossroads of creativity and purpose. A former seminarian turned Holy Cross College professor with an MFA in illustration and a Master of Divinity, he’s not just drawing pictures; he’s crafting experiences that pull you into the sacred. Whether it’s his intricate icons or the playful chaos of Alphabet Parade, Stephen’s art doesn’t just sit there; it moves you. Our chat dove into how faith fuels his creativity, why beauty is both a gift and a risk, and how a simple pencil stroke can counter the digital noise we’re all drowning in.
Key Takeaways and Quotes to Chew On
* Beauty Isn’t God—But It Can Point You ThereStephen’s hot take on beauty: “Beauty is a creature. Beauty is not God, although God is beautiful.” He warns against worshipping beauty itself, noting it’s a “battleground between God and the devil” (quoting theologian Paul Evdokimov). Yet, he holds it in tension: beauty, like a well-designed church, can lift your soul to higher things.Make It Yours: Reflect on what “beauty” means to you. Is it a sunset, a selfless act, or a child’s laugh? This week, journal one moment of beauty that stirred you. Ask: Did it draw you closer to meaning, or was it just shiny distraction?
* Consistency Over BurstsStephen’s advice to budding artists (and anyone chasing a dream): “It takes a lot of quiet and hidden hard work to get anywhere.” He referenced Tolkien, who didn’t write The Lord of the Rings until his fifties, and Jesus’ 30 years of hidden life. Success isn’t instant—it’s built in the unseen hours.Make It Yours: Pick one creative habit (writing, sketching, cooking) and commit to 15 minutes daily for 30 days. Track it on a calendar. Notice how the small, consistent acts stack up.
* Storytelling Is Deeper Than WordsStephen’s art tells stories without needing a script. His Alphabet Parade illustrations—like a frog driving a fire truck with a flamingo blowing out flames—pack layers of humor and meaning. “An image is more compelling if it implies a story,” he said, recalling childhood fairy tale books that sparked his imagination.Make It Yours: Try visual storytelling. Doodle a scene from your day (no skill required) or snap a photo that captures a moment’s narrative. Share it with a friend and ask what story they see.
* Create to Counter the Digital DelugeStephen’s 3D coloring pages and Alphabet Parade are antidotes to screen overload. “The screen doesn’t improve dexterity,” he noted, pushing kids (and adults) to engage hands-on. His book, drawn with a “wobbly” line, feels alive because it’s imperfectly human.Make It Yours: Swap one hour of scrolling this week for a tactile hobby—coloring, knitting, or building something. Download Stephen’s free 3D coloring pages at stephenbarany.com for a fun start.
* Love Is the LegacyWhen asked how he wants his son Leo to remember him, Stephen’s answer was simple yet profound: “The only real thing you need to worry about as a father is that your children know that you love them.” It’s a reminder that fulfillment isn’t in fame or fortune, but in sacrificial love.Make It Yours: Write a short note to someone you love—a child, parent, or friend—expressing one specific thing you cherish about them. Do it today, no overthinking.
Why (I think) You Need Alphabet Parade in Your Life
Stephen’s children’s book, Alphabet Parade, isn’t just for kids. It’s a hand-drawn, limited-edition (I snagged #316 of 500!) explosion of creativity where every page bursts with hidden jokes and intricate details. Think flamingos on fire trucks and xylophones breaking all the rules. It’s the kind of book that makes you laugh out loud while your kids spot new surprises. alphabetparade.com or grab it via buildablebooks.com. I’ve read it to my two boys dozens of times and it’s a keepsake that’ll spark joy for years.
Final Nugget: Embrace the Wobble
Stephen’s word for his art? Wobbly. Not just in his playful, imperfect lines, but in the precarious courage to create without overplanning. “If it’s too planned or too steady, it kind of dies,” he said. That’s your call to action: embrace the wobble in your own life. Start that project, draw that sketch, love that person: imperfectly, but boldly.
Listen to the full episode here for 42 minutes of wisdom that’ll reframe how you see art, faith, and fulfillment. Share it with a friend who needs a dose of wonder, and let’s keep building a life that’s more creative than consumptive.
What’s one wobbly step you’ll take this week? Drop it in the comments or DM me, I’m all ears.
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