In 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.

Pivoting in a creative career requires courage, clarity, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.

Client-driven work provides structure; personal artistic work demands self-discipline.

Freedom in creativity can be both liberating and intimidating.

Personal limitations can be more challenging than external ones.

Making space for “play” often means unlearning deeply ingrained beliefs about productivity.

Invitations from others (like Nafsika’s first exhibition) can act as powerful catalysts for change.

Artistic flow requires clearing space mentally, emotionally, and logistically.

Years of side projects can reveal hidden creative direction worth pursuing.

It's okay to take your time—creative expansion doesn’t need to be rushed.

Embracing a new direction can reconnect you with joy, purpose, and deeper self-expression.

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In 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.

Intuition is a guiding force in both creative expression and business decisions.

Mistakes are part of the process and can lead to unexpected beauty in handmade work.

Embracing natural materials and slow design invites more meaningful creation.

Creative paths often evolve organically through openness to opportunity.

Collaboration—especially with clients—can enhance both the process and the final result.

Transparency and sharing the process builds stronger audience connection.

The unpredictability of natural dyes teaches flexibility and trust in the process.

Community and a positive work environment foster better creative outcomes.

Tradition and innovation can coexist in contemporary design.

Sharing knowledge through workshops and social media supports sustainable education.

Christiana's Instagram

Christiana's website

Christiana's Story 

More about this episode on Creative Diaries

 Looking for More Support for Your Creative Journey

💡Mastering the Creative Mindset – free guide

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In 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

Useful Links  to Zorica's work 

 Looking for More Support for Your Creative Journey

💡Mastering the Creative Mindset – free guide

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In 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

Useful Links about Kourtni's Creative World

 Looking for More Support for Your Creative Journey

💡Mastering the Creative Mindset – free guide

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In 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

Useful Links to Jillian's Creative World: 

 Looking for More Support for Your Creative Journey

💡Mastering the Creative Mindset – free guide

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In 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

Useful Links to Lauren and her creative world: 

 Looking for More Support for Your Creative Journey

💡Mastering the Creative Mindset – free guide

📚Explore more resources

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Welcome 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 is to start before you're ready!

Takeaways

 Looking for More Support for Your Creative Journey

💡Mastering the Creative Mindset – free guide

📚Explore more resources

More About Creative Diaries

📤 Know someone who needs to hear this? Forward this episode to a creative friend!

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😎 More About Dimitra Tzanos

Welcome 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 reshaping the way we work.

Through conversations with designers, artists, storytellers, and dreamers, we’ll uncover the moments that shaped their paths, the challenges they overcame, the breakthroughs that kept them going, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Creative Diaries isn’t just about celebrating creativity—it’s about offering you fresh perspectives, and actionable takeaways to help you grow in your own creative journey. It’s a space to find encouragement, discover new ways to approach challenges, and remind yourself of the power and purpose behind your work.

So, whether you're building a creative business, chasing a dream, or simply looking for inspiration, come join me. Let’s navigate this beautifully imperfect creative world together.