In this episode of the ACT OUT Podcast, Adam sits down with Tara, an engineer by day and artist by heart, for an honest and refreshing conversation about creativity, identity, and what it really means to pursue happiness. Tara shares how art has been a constant thread throughout her life—from childhood drawings hanging in her mom’s bathroom to painting large-scale murals—and how creating without rules has become both therapy and self-expression.
Together, they explore the balance between structure and freedom, how creativity can coexist with a technical career, and why making mistakes isn’t something to fear—on a canvas or in life. Tara reflects on the lessons art has taught her about grace, flexibility, and trusting the process, including how unexpected moments (like muddy paw prints in a mural) can turn into something beautiful when you let go of perfection.
🎨 Want to see Adam’s artwork? Check out the full episode video on YouTube and Spotify.
The conversation also dives into the realities of turning passion into income, the pressure that can come with monetizing creativity, and why Tara is choosing to explore her artistic style without rushing the process. To close, Adam and Tara zoom out to talk about THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS—who gets access to it, what support really matters, and whether doing what you love is still possible in today’s world.
If you’ve ever felt torn between practicality and passion, or wondered how creativity fits into a “real” career, this episode will resonate deeply.
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Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/
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Credits:
Mural: Tara E. @taradiiiise and @tarayakisauce
Music: Matt Hobbs @matthobbs & Puppy Songs @puppysongs
