Shows
The Creative Diaries Podcast023 : The Art Of Saying It Out Loud with Briana Lyn & Tasha MaeIn this conversation, Dimitra Tzanos speaks with Briana and Tasha about their creative journey, the challenges they face as artists, and the importance of community and conversation in nurturing creativity.
They discuss how their podcast serves as a platform for exploring mental health, creativity, and the interconnectedness of life experiences. The discussion highlights the struggle with limiting beliefs, the guilt associated with pursuing creative passions, and the value of creativity beyond monetary gain.
Ultimately, they emphasise the importance of showing up for oneself and celebrating the creative process.
Key Takeaways:
Creativity is...
2025-12-1139 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast022 : Why Creative Conversations Matter with Two Cranky CreativesIn this engaging conversation, Dimitra Tzanos speaks with Toni Federico and Carrie Cantwell about their creative journeys and the inception of their podcast, Two Cranky Creatives. They discuss the unique challenges faced by creatives, the importance of unfiltered conversations, and the need for authenticity in the creative community. The trio explores the realities of creative life, the impact of aspirational culture, and the lessons learned from their podcasting experience. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of sharing struggles and fostering a supportive environment for creatives.
Takeaways
The podcasting niche for creatives is growing but still l...
2025-11-2038 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast021 : What Layering Income Streams really Looks Like with Rebecca Jane WoolbrightIn this conversation, Rebecca Jane Woolbright shares her journey from running a beach rental business to creating and selling washi tape. She discusses the challenges and magic of starting with a small product, the importance of layering income streams in a creative business, and how education has become a significant source of income. Rebecca also emphasizes the need for organization and automation to manage the mental load of running multiple ventures, and she shares practical tips for scaling a creative business effectively. In this conversation, Rebecca Woolbright shares her insights on managing a creative business, emphasizing the importance of...
2025-11-0642 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast020 : From Urgency To Intention with Leticia CredidioIn this conversation, Dimitra and designer Leticia Credidio explore what it means to build a creative life—and brand—rooted in slowness, sustainability, and self-care. After years in the fast-paced design industry, Leticia stepped away to launch her namesake label, creating sleepwear that supports wellbeing and challenges the rush of fast fashion.
Together, they discuss how fast culture shows up in both creative work and daily life, and how choosing rest, ritual, and presence can radically transform how we create. Leticia opens up about burnout, redefining success, and how embracing slower rhythms led her to a more mean...
2025-10-2334 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast019 : The Power of the Long Road with Julia SpeckIn this conversation, Dimitra and artist Julia Speck explore what it means to take the long road in a world that rewards speed, clarity, and instant results. From leaving a career in market research to studying fine art at the Academy of Arts in Munich, Julia shares her decision to return to painting after 35—and how stepping into a slower, deeper creative environment helped her reconnect with her identity.
They discuss how art school offers a kind of physical, emotional, and intellectual immersion that’s hard to replicate online. Julia opens up about the challenges of navigating free...
2025-10-1639 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast018 : Creative Courage with Stavrina Devetzoglou-ToliouIn this conversation, Dimitra and illustrator Stavrina (of Stavrina Art Lab) explore what it really means to build a creative life rooted in courage, experimentation, and mindset. From walking away from a career in engineering to pitching to her first clients, Stavrina shares how she reframed fear—not as a warning sign, but as a signal to keep going.
They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of leaving a 9-to-5, the science of experimentation, and how her background in engineering has given her a grounded, resilient approach to creative growth. Stavrina also opens up about mindset shifts—like learning to e...
2025-10-0228 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast017 : Pinning with Purpose with Ashleigh FishIn this conversation, Dimitra and surface pattern designer Ashleigh Fish explore Pinterest as a slow, sustainable platform for creative visibility and licensing. Ashleigh shares how she went from casually posting to consistently attracting art directors, clients, and licensing opportunities—all without the pressure of daily content creation.
They discuss the long-term value of pins, how Pinterest differs from social media, and why consistency matters more than constant activity. Ashleigh also walks us through how she plans and schedules her pins, repurposes designs across platforms, and uses keyword strategy to increase discoverability.
Whether you’re just star...
2025-09-2527 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast016 : How to Share Your Work Without Losing Your Spark with Lucia Sanguinetti-JonescheitIn this conversation, Dimitra and surface pattern designer Lucia Sanguinetti-Jonescheit of DEINKI Studio explore how creatives can use Instagram intentionally—without letting it drain their energy or creativity. Lucia shares her journey from nervous beginner to strategic planner, offering candid insights into how she built a system that supports both her art and her well-being. They discuss the emotional highs and lows of sharing work online, including how to handle visibility, creative theft, and content burnout. This episode offers grounded, practical advice for artists seeking a more sustainable relationship with social media.
Takeaways
Confidence bui...
2025-09-1844 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast015 : Bridging Cultures Through Art with Sumana Ghosh-WitherspoonIn this conversation, Dimitra and illustrator Sumana Ghosh-Witherspoon discuss how art can hold memory, identity, and texture all at once. They explore Sumana’s use of handmade stamp carving as a method to bridge Indian folk art with contemporary illustration. Through a personal, layered approach, Sumana shows how creativity shaped by cultural heritage and global experience can result in work that feels both timeless and deeply individual. The episode highlights the emotional power of tactile process, the beauty of visual storytelling, and the value of staying authentic—even when market trends suggest otherwise.
Takeaways
Cultu...
2025-09-1126 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast014 : Building with Courage, Focus and Clarity with Colleen UnderwoodIn this conversation, Dimitra and creative business coach Colleen Underwood explore the essential elements of building a sustainable and fulfilling creative practice. They discuss how clarity, courage, and focus are not just helpful—but necessary—for creatives navigating the balance between artistic freedom and business growth. Colleen shares how choosing a direction doesn’t limit creativity, but strengthens it, and how real confidence is built by taking action before you feel ready. The episode also dives into the emotional labor of creative work and the importance of community in building resilience. This is a powerful resource for creatives ready to mov...
2025-09-0450 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast013 : Keeping the Faith with Sandra Nygård ParthoensIn this conversation, Dimitra and surface pattern designer Sandra Nygård-Parthoens explore what it means to begin again—creatively, professionally, and personally. They discuss Sandra’s transition from a structured career in translation to building a slower, more intentional creative life rooted in self-expression and quiet persistence. The conversation highlights the emotional layers of creative reinvention, including doubt, imposter syndrome, and cultural expectations. Sandra shares how taking small, consistent steps—and trusting her inner pull toward creativity—helped her stay grounded and aligned with her deeper purpose. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that growth doesn’t need to be fast to...
2025-08-2824 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast012 : Building Creative Momentum with Abigail MoralesIn this conversation, Dimitra and illustrator Aby Morales discuss how creative momentum is often sparked—and sustained—through community. They explore how feedback from both customers and fellow artists has shaped Aby’s direction, helping her align more deeply with her own creative voice. From her boutique space in Lyon to her watercolor workshops, Aby shares how observation, interaction, and encouragement have helped her grow without compromising authenticity. The discussion highlights the power of in-person feedback and the value of shared spaces for cultivating clarity, confidence, and creative joy.
Takeaways
Creative growth happens faster with re...
2025-08-2150 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast011 : Creating Community Through Art with The Community ClubIn this conversation, Dimitra speaks with Evgenia and Maria, the co-founders of The Community Club, about how their shared vision for connection and creativity gave rise to a unique social initiative. They explore how art-making in a group setting can provide emotional relief, foster authentic expression, and cultivate a deeper sense of community. The discussion highlights the value of process over perfection and the unexpected emotional benefits that arise when people are simply given the space to create. Their story offers a compelling look at how creativity, when combined with thoughtful design and human warmth, can become a vehicle...
2025-08-1444 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast010 : Wellness Habits with Theodora KonstantopoulouIn this wellness-focused episode of Creative Diaries, Theodora—a wellness coach with a background in yoga, Pilates, and nutrition—shares practical tools for building habits that support both body and mind. She breaks down why morning routines matter, how to create a calming wellness space at home, the impact of diet on clarity and energy, and why movement is essential for creatives. Her biggest message? Wellness isn’t something separate from your creative life—it’s woven into everything you do. The key is making it easy, joyful, and consistent.
Takeways:
Wellness routines should feel...
2025-08-0737 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast009 : Teaching What You Once Feared With Melissa JohnsonIn this conversation, Dimitra and Melissa explore the journey from creative overwhelm to confident teaching. Melissa shares how she overcame her fear of learning digital tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, moving from traditional art to surface design and ultimately into mentorship. Through patience, persistence, and an open heart, she transformed her struggles into a valuable resource for fellow creatives. This episode highlights the importance of learning at your own pace, finding clarity around your creative goals, and embracing the courage to teach—even before you feel “ready.”
Takeaways
You don’t need years of experience to share yo...
2025-07-3137 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast008 : Mentorship and Growth with Andrew PapoutsisIn this conversation, Dimitra and Andrew explore the transformative power of mentorship, discipline, and continuous learning. Andrew shares how his commitment to personal development—through structured mentorship, daily habits, and reading—has profoundly impacted his creativity, leadership, and mindset. They discuss how mentorship accelerates growth by offering clarity, accountability, and real-world insight. Andrew also emphasizes the importance of doing hard things consistently to build self-confidence and resilience, both in business and life. This episode offers practical wisdom for creatives and entrepreneurs seeking to level up their mindset, routine, and professional journey.
Takeaways
Mentorship accelerates growth by shortening the...
2025-07-2425 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast007 : Expanding Your Creative Horizons with Nafsika TzanouIn this conversation, Dimitra and Nafsika explore the emotional, personal, and professional journey of pivoting from architecture to limited-edition prints. Nafsika shares how her artistic path began as a side project—creating Christmas cards for clients—and slowly evolved into a more intentional form of expression. They discuss the contrast between structured, client-driven design work and the vulnerability of creating personal art, touching on discipline, self-doubt, and the courage required to take creative risks. This episode reveals the internal shifts needed to redefine success and carve out space for personal vision amidst professional obligations.
Takeaways
Pivoting in a cr...
2025-07-1716 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast006 : How Intuition Shapes A Meaningful Career with Christiana VardakouIn this conversation, Dimitra and Christiana dive into the role of intuition in creativity and how trusting one's instincts can lead to more authentic and fulfilling work. Christiana shares her journey from digital textile design in London to founding a hands-on natural dye studio in Athens. Through her experiences with slow design, teaching, and embracing mistakes in handmade processes, she emphasizes how intuition, play, and imperfection can shape both creative expression and business. The discussion explores how mistakes can become opportunities, why collaboration is essential, and how sustainable, intentional choices can align creative work with personal values.
Takeaways
2025-07-1040 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast005 : What Are Limiting Beliefs Anyway with Zorica ObradovicIn this enlightening conversation, Zorica Obradovic discusses the nature of limiting beliefs, their origins, and their profound impact on creativity and personal growth. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these beliefs, how they are formed through childhood experiences, societal standards, and even ancestral influences. Zorica provides practical steps for identifying and overcoming these beliefs, encouraging listeners to embrace their creative nature and recognize their role as co-creators in life. The discussion culminates in the significance of intuition and self-acceptance as tools for empowerment and fulfillment.
Takeaways
Limiting beliefs are deeply rooted thoughts that create s...
2025-06-0432 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast004 : Breaking Through Imposter Syndrome with Kourtni GunnIn this conversation, Kourtni Gunn shares her journey as an artist, discussing the challenges of self-doubt, the impact of social media on creativity, and the importance of celebrating personal achievements. She emphasizes the need for self-acceptance and the understanding that every artist faces their own struggles, including imposter syndrome. Kourtni also highlights the significance of community support and the value of pushing oneself outside of comfort zones to grow creatively.
Takeaways
Self-doubt is a common hurdle for many artists.
Validation from others can motivate creative expression.
Pushing through fear can lead to personal growth.
Celebrating small...
2025-06-0420 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast003 : Rejection Is Part Of The Game with Jillian NicholeIn this conversation, Dimitra and Jillian explore the theme of rejection in the creative industry, discussing how to navigate it with resilience and a positive mindset. They delve into personal experiences with rejection, the importance of understanding it as part of the creative process, and strategies for finding one's ideal client. The discussion emphasizes the significance of mindset shifts, the role of trends in creativity, and the necessity of follow-up in the pitching process. Jillian shares her journey of turning rejection into motivation and the importance of continuous improvement in one's work.
Takeaways
Rejection i...
2025-06-0444 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast002 : Escaping The Comparison Trap with Lauren Faye PeacheyIn this conversation, Dimitra and Lauren discuss the pervasive issue of the comparison trap among creatives. They explore how comparison can lead to self-doubt and hinder creativity, while also sharing personal experiences and strategies to overcome these feelings. The discussion emphasizes the importance of reframing comparison as a source of inspiration rather than a measure of inadequacy. Practical tips for maintaining mental space and finding balance in the creative process are also provided, making this a valuable resource for anyone struggling with comparison in their artistic journey.
Takeaways
The comparison trap can significantly impact c...
2025-06-0418 min
The Creative Diaries Podcast001 : The Joy Of Imperfect BeginningsWelcome to the first episode of Creative Diaries! In this episode, I share why I started this podcast and explore the concept of imperfect beginnings—the messy, uncertain first steps that are essential to every creative journey. I dive into the myths of perfectionism, fear of failure, and comparison, and how they hold us back. Plus, I share my own experience of launching this podcast and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. If you’ve ever hesitated to start something because it wasn’t ‘perfect,’ this episode is for you. Tune in and discover why the best way forward...
2025-06-0407 min
The Creative Diaries PodcastTrailerWelcome to Creative Diaries, the podcast that explores the human side of creativity. I'm Dimitra Tzanos, a designer and creative passionate about uncovering the real stories behind the creative journey—the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
I started this podcast to create a space for honest and inspiring conversations about creativity. It's not just about the polished end results we see, but the raw, messy process that brings those ideas to life. Each week, we’ll dive into topics like mindset, the creative process, personal branding and marketing, and even how emerging tools like AI are...
2025-03-1701 min