Description

You Deserve Flowers with Devon Blow

In this episode, host Adina Oberman interviews Devon Blow, a dynamic artist and illustrator from Los Angeles who specializes in illustration, design, writing, and social justice advocacy. Devon discusses her debut book "You Deserve Flowers," a pocket-sized collection of affirmations and poetry that originated from a therapy assignment focused on self-affirmation. The conversation explores Devon's creative process, her passion for representing diversity and marginalized communities in her work, and her upcoming projects with Familius, including "Life's Best Bits" and a picture book. Throughout the discussion, Devon emphasizes how her art is deeply connected to social justice work and her desire to bring hope and encouragement to people from all walks
of life.

Episode Highlights
00:00:10: Adina Oberman introduces the Helping Families Be Happy Podcast and welcomes guest Devon Blow, describing her impressive background as an artist working with major clients like Netflix, Oprah's Book Club, and the United Nations.
00:01:42: Devon thanks Adina for having her on the podcast and the conversation begins.
00:01:44: Adina expresses excitement about discussing Devon's new book and their working relationship.
00:01:59: Devon introduces "You Deserve Flowers" as a pocket-sized book of affirmations and poetry designed to provide encouragement whenever readers need it.
00:02:27: Adina asks Devon to share the inspiration behind the book and her creative process.
00:02:37: Devon reveals the book originated from a therapy assignment where she was asked to write affirmations for herself as if speaking to others, since she found it easier to affirm others than herself.
00:03:26: Adina shares several affirming messages from the book, including "Loving yourself isn't
arrogance, it's survival" and discusses the beautiful artwork.
00:04:16: Devon identifies the rain/puddles page as one of her favorites from the book.
00:04:19: Adina highlights Devon's artistic signature of including little hearts on characters' cheeks
throughout the book.
00:05:14: Devon explains that people and diversity inspire her creative work, and she finds beauty in everyone's unique features and cultural backgrounds.
00:06:00: Adina asks Devon to elaborate on how her work connects to her passion for social justice.
00:06:18: Devon discusses how community and hope are central to her social justice work, citing
influences like James Baldwin and bell Hooks, and emphasizing the importance of embracing differences.
00:07:28: Adina asks Devon to share information about her upcoming projects.
00:07:47: Devon announces her second book with Mamis titled "Life's Best Bits" featuring over 190
illustrations about simple joys, plus a picture book project and a middle-grade fiction book she's currently writing.
00:08:41: Adina expresses excitement about Devon's upcoming work and asks where listeners can find her online.
00:09:00: Devon directs listeners to her website and social media at @DevthePineapple across all
platforms.
00:09:12: Adina thanks Devon for joining the podcast.

00:09:14: Adina concludes the episode by thanking Familius for their support and encouraging listeners to subscribe and leave reviews.

Key Takeaways

• Self-affirmation can be challenging even for those who naturally affirm others, and therapeutic exercises like writing affirmations can be transformative creative outlets.
• Art can serve as a powerful tool for social justice advocacy by representing diverse communities and providing hope during difficult times.
• Small, accessible formats like pocket-sized books of affirmations can provide encouragement and support in everyday moments.
• Embracing and celebrating differences in people's backgrounds, cultures, and appearances is essential to moving forward as a society.
• Creative work that centers love, community, and inclusivity can have meaningful impact beyond aesthetic value.
• Finding inspiration in the beauty of everyday people and their unique features can fuel authentic and representative artistic expression.

Quotable Moments

• "Loving yourself isn't arrogance, it's survival" - From Devon's book "You Deserve Flowers"
• "This rain won't stop you. The puddles remind you, you survived" - From Devon's book "You Deserve Flowers."
• "Trust your feelings, but don't forget to let the joy in" - From Devon's book "You Deserve Flowers."
• "I think if we can inspire each other and just be kind to one another, which sounds really cliche, but it's true" - Devon Blow on her approach to social justice work.
• "I think embracing all of our differences is what will push us forward" - Devon Blow on diversity and community.
• "I love affirming others, but I struggle with affirming myself" - Devon Blow on the origins of her book.
• "I think all of our unique features and things makes us really beautiful" - Devon Blow on her artistic inspiration.