If you're an artist, maker, or creative business owner who struggles with overthinking, over-editing, or waiting until things feel “perfect,” this episode is for you. We’re talking about the sneaky ways perfectionism slows down creatives — and how to finally break the cycle so you can take confident, imperfect action.

Inside the episode, you’ll learn:

• Why perfectionism shows up as “I’m not ready yet”
• How over-planning and endless revising drain your momentum
• Why imperfect work builds confidence faster than perfect intentions
• Five practical strategies to help you take action now

Perfectionism feels responsible, but it’s really fear disguised as productivity. Your work deserves to be seen, and your audience doesn’t need perfect, they need YOU.

This episode wraps up Season 1 of Hey, Beautiful Creative! I’ll be back in the new year refreshed, inspired, and ready for Season 2.

In the meantime, grab free creative business resources at heybeautifulcreative.com/resources.

Huge gratitude to Eric Gibbons — podcast editor, musician, and incredible artist.
Find more of his work here:

• Sink Sandwich Records – sinksandwich.com
• Eric Gibbons Art on Instagram – @ericgibbonsart

Feeling creatively drained, uninspired, or overwhelmed? You’re not alone. In this episode of Hey, Beautiful Creative!, Torie Nguyen shares heartfelt and practical ways to reignite your creative spark and rediscover the joy in your art — especially when burnout hits hard.

Running a creative business isn’t just about making beautiful things. Between social media, marketing, bookkeeping, and customer service, it’s easy to lose touch with the part of you that simply loves to create. Whether you’re an artist, maker, or small business owner, this episode will help you refill your creative cup and reconnect with what inspires you most. 💫

In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How to reconnect with your “why” — the reason you started creating in the first place
- Practical ways to break out of your routine and reignite curiosity
- The power of surrounding yourself with art and beauty to spark inspiration
- Simple practices to rest, reset, and refuel your creativity
- Why movement, mindfulness, and nature can help clear creative blockages

If you’ve been feeling stuck, exhausted, or creatively empty, this episode is your permission slip to slow down, breathe, and rediscover what lights you up. Creativity isn’t gone, it just needs a little care and attention to rise again.

🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

✨ Grab more resources for creative entrepreneurs at heybeautifulcreative.com/resources

When the world feels heavy, uncertain, or even hopeless, it can be hard to find the motivation to create. You might wonder, "What’s the point of making art when it feels like everything is falling apart?"

In this episode of Hey, Beautiful Creative!, we’re talking about the deeper purpose of creativity, how art helps us heal, and why your creative voice matters, especially in dark times.

Art as Healing and Resistance
Art has always been a way humans process emotion and make sense of the world. Whether it’s painting, jewelry-making, music, or writing, creativity helps us regulate our nervous systems, release emotions, and find meaning through expression. Making art is self-care, therapy, and healing rolled into one. It’s how we stay grounded when everything feels overwhelming.

Creation Is in Our DNA
From the earliest cave paintings to intricately decorated pottery and symbolic jewelry, humans have always created. Art isn’t a luxury—it’s an innate part of being human. Even functional items from ancient cultures were often adorned with beauty and meaning, because storytelling and symbolism are how we connect to our humanity.

Art as Protest and Power
Throughout history, art has been a tool for social change. Protest art challenges injustice, questions authority, and inspires collective action. As Toni Morrison wrote: “In times of dread, artists must never remain silent. This is precisely the time when artists go to work.” Creating can be a radical act of hope. Even the decision to pursue creativity in a capitalist system that often undervalues it is a form of rebellion. By creating, you’re reclaiming your time, your joy, and your power.

Art Builds Community and Spreads Light
Your art can make others feel seen, understood, and less alone. It reminds people that beauty, joy, and hope still exist. Sharing your creative work is like lighting a torch in the dark. When you pass that light to others, it ripples outward, inspiring more connection, compassion, and courage. As Jane Goodall said: “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference.” So, keep making things. Keep creating. The world needs your light now more than ever.

Mentioned in This Episode
Article on Protest Art (Artsper)
We Can Do Hard Things Podcast episode with guest Tori Dunlap
The Cathy Heller Podcast