In 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 embrace rejection, detach from perfectionism, and trust the value of “unseen” creative work.

Whether you’re stuck in overthinking, afraid to pitch your work, or navigating a big career transition, this episode is a powerful reminder that courage is a habit—and it builds every time you show up.

Courage is built in small steps, not just big leaps

Treating creativity like a series of experiments can reduce fear and increase clarity

Negative results are still valuable—they offer redirection, not failure

Fear and excitement activate the same physical response—you can reframe it

Pitching and showing your work is scary, but essential for growth

You don’t need an art degree to be an artist—start with what you have

Belief in your creative path must be practiced daily, especially during quiet seasons

Creative progress isn’t linear—consistency and courage matter more than perfection

🎨 Follow Stavrina on Instagram: @stavrina_art_lab

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