In Flow + On Fire

In this week's update, I'm exploring the powerful question of why you should pursue your dreams and what it really takes to make them a reality. This isn't your typical motivational episode—it's an honest look at overcoming fear and the internal resistance that holds us back from a creative life.  Join me as I share my charcoal drawing process for a brand new piece, and show you the latest Etsy shop art prints I've added. You'll see how I'm actively working to achieve my dreams and put the pursue your dreams motivation into practice.  This is about more than just art, it's about how to take action on your dreams and find joy in the process. I'll share how I'm creating joy in my life right now, even in the midst of a busy schedule. If you need a reminder to start believing in yourself, this is for you.  Want to watch this episode in video format? Head here: https://www.quinncurtis.com/in-flow-on-fire-podcast/artist-vlog-overcoming-resistance-amp-living-a-creative-life Creative Inspo, Community & Zines for Substack & Patreon Subscribers: https://quinncurtis.substack.com/ https://www.patreon.com/c/QuinnCurtis My Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/quinncurtisart/

This motivational episode dives into that question, especially for those of us who feel a little "out of tune" and stuck in survival mode. If you're wondering why your dreams matter more than you think, this is for you. In this episode, I explore the philosophical and practical struggle of how to take action on your dreams when life feels messy. I'll share my journey of overcoming fear of failure and fighting self-doubt, and why I believe that pursue your dreams motivation is a life-giving act. I also talk about finding your passion and purpose in life and the small, consistent daily habits for a successful life that can help us get there. This isn't just about a motivational speech, but a real-life exploration of why you should pursue your dreams even when it's hard. I also touch on ideas from stoicism for women and share some of my own experience as a creative person trying to learn from other artists. Watch the full creative motivational video to learn more about my personal journey and find the creative encouragement you might need to take action on your own dreams. I'm cheering you on to keep believing in yourself and bring more magic into your everyday life!   Creative Inspo, Community & Zines for Substack & Patreon Subscribers: https://quinncurtis.substack.com/ https://www.patreon.com/c/QuinnCurtis My Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/quinncurtisart/ Subscribe for more tips on finding more well-being & creativity in a busy life! https://www.youtube.com/@QuinnCurtisShow

Welcome back to my artist vlog! This creative process vlog takes you behind the scenes of my "reentry" week after vacation, diving straight into exciting updates for my Etsy shop artist journey. I'm thrilled to share my new artist branding strategies, including the process of creating a fresh logo design for artists. I'll walk you through how I developed my new visual identity and explain my brand strategy for artist growth in 2025. You'll see how I integrated this new look into my product mockups, artist Etsy branding, and even my YouTube channel header! In this video, you'll also get a homemade sketchbook update as I continue to test hot press watercolor paper. See a quick painting in progress and learn about the ongoing experiment with Arches watercolor paper. I'm also revealing how I'm making it easier for customers in my etsy art print shop to find frames for my prints by creating a free frames guide. My goal is to empower other artists, offering small art business tips and insights into artist productivity. As an artist vlogger illustrator, I hope you'll learn from other artists and find art inspiration in my journey. Don't miss this peek into my art business evolution! Let me know what you're working on in the comments below. My Etsy Print Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/QuinnCurtisArt

Welcome back to my artist vlog! In this creative process vlog, I'm sharing all about my recent family vacation to California and how I made art on the go. Discover my journey of making a sketchbook from scratch specifically for travel. I'll walk you through a homemade sketchbook making process, including a bookbinding tutorial for beginners. You'll see how I prepare an embroidery book cover (even with a time crunch!).  I also delve into the major dilemma of hot press vs cold press watercolor paper and explain why I chose to test Arches watercolor paper for this trip. See what art supplies for travel I packed and how they performed for art on vacation, including sketching at the San Diego Safari Park. My intention with these vlogs is to learn from other artists and offer insights into the real creative process. As an artist vlogger illustrator, I hope my artist travel tips and this diy sketchbook tutorial inspire your next creative adventure! What creative projects have you been working on lately? Let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to like and subscribe for more art inspiration and weekly updates. Domestika "Sketchbook Design & Binding" course by Maru Godas: https://www.domestika.org/en/courses/4397-sketchbook-design-and-binding

Welcome to another artist vlog where I share my creative journey! This week, I'm taking a big leap and diving into monetizing my art. Get a behind-the-scenes look at my artist Etsy shop update, including new prints, canvases, and tote bags featuring art from my zine, The World is Full of Stories. I discuss the healthy balancing act of creating with passion and putting my work out there, even with past creative process struggles. You'll also get a full book binding tutorial for beginners as I finish attaching an embroidered book cover to my latest inspiration book. Learn about book binding diy easy techniques and see my fun (and messy) process of handmade book binding. I hope this creative process vlog inspires you to keep creating. Mentioned in this video: New Underwater Girl art print on Etsy New Underwater Girl art canvas on Etsy New Underwater Girl tote on Etsy Wicked movie "Bewitched" classic TV show-inspired shirt on Etsy My Tarot book (with embroidered cover) My 1st art / creative inspiration book (with embroidered cover) Talens Sketchbook I'm using Book binding glue I'm using (PH Neutral PVA) Watch the video for this episode (with full book binding tutorial visuals) here

Welcome to my artist vlog! This week, I'm trying something a little different and bringing you along for a "day in the life" as an artist working in their studio – balancing creative projects, a full-time job, and family life. It's a "real day in the life" perspective to show what it really looks like to be an artist trying to juggle it all. Join me as I kick off the day with an inspired creative morning routine of Etsy shop ideas, working on a relaunch of my print shop and even planning apparel! You'll see me squeezing in some dedicated time for my indie zine update, including the final touches on a new drawing. A big step this week was taking my art to a professional photographer for the first time, addressing some art photography struggles – a truly vulnerable but exciting "rite of passage" as an artist! Throughout the day, I'm embracing the beautiful juggle, from quick lunch meetups with a friend to handling unexpected mom duties and a fun book club night out. It's all about finding that artist life balance and infusing creativity into everyday life, even when it's messy. You'll see a glimpse of artist productivity amidst the chaos! At the end of the day, I'll share how the latest zine drawing came together, from scanning and cleaning up the art in Procreate to seeing it brought to life in the zine mockup. My goal is to get this zine completely done by the end of this month so I can send it to the press next month – we're getting close to the finish line! If you're looking for insights into the creative process video of a working artist, balancing commitments, and prioritizing creative well-being while pursuing your dreams, then you're in the right place. Learn to trust the creative process and find joy in the journey. This art project vlog highlights the real creative process struggles and the rewarding zine making progress. Watch on YouTube here 

Join me and my incredible friend, coach, and healer, Calli, for a deep dive into the fascinating world of feelings and understanding emotions for adults! In this philosophical conversation, we explore why we often avoid our emotions, what they're truly trying to tell us, and how they connect to our inner peace wisdom and mind-body connection explained. Inspired by the ancient practice of philosophers discussing their ideas and life's profound questions openly in public spaces like the town square for all to hear, we unpack thought-provoking questions like: How do we differentiate between genuine intuition and fear-driven narratives, learning to trust your inner voice? What role do our belief systems and reality play in shaping our emotional landscape and what is reality itself? Is the universe a loving and supportive force, or is it inherently punitive, and how does that influence our emotional experience and ability to feel better about yourself? Why does society often encourage us to numb or disregard our feelings, and what are the consequences of not knowing how to feel better or how to stop numbing yourself? We share personal epiphanies, discuss the concept of feelings as a "body barometer", and challenge the notion that simply naming an emotion is enough. This isn't about prescribing absolute truths, but rather an invitation for deep philosophical discussions to consider different perspectives on understanding your feelings and emotions and navigating the human experience. We even touch on aspects of how to heal trauma wounds through engaging with your emotional self. Let us know your thoughts in the comments and what other philosophical topics you'd like us to explore in the future! Watch this episode on video here: 

Unlock the profound wisdom of the Tarot and deepen your personal growth journey with this unique approach! In this video, I'm sharing my Tarot Journal for Beginners – my handmade Tarot Grimoire that completely transformed my personal Tarot study. If you're looking for the best way to learn Tarot, this is it! I'll show you how I created this in-depth guide to understanding Tarot cards and why it's been the best way to learn tarot card reading for beginners. We'll do a Tarot Journal flip through so you can see how I organized Tarot deck meanings and discovered deeper Tarot symbolism. This isn't just about memorizing cards; it's about connecting with Tarot and intuition on a deeper level for your Tarot spiritual journey. Learn how to learn tarot card reading for beginners by making the meanings truly yours. Discover how creating your own Tarot guide book or make your own Tarot book can be a powerful tool for Tarot for personal growth and Tarot for self-discovery. Whether you're curious about a witch journal flip through videos or just want Tarot reading tips for beginners, this approach will help you move from simply looking up meanings to truly embodying the wisdom of the cards. I'll even touch on the fascinating connection between Carl Jung Tarot archetypes and the original Rider Waite Tarot deck meanings (designed by Pamela Colman Smith Tarot). Create for yourself an "ultimate guide to tarot" book if you're ready for a dive deep! Resources mentioned: Sketchbook I used Smith-Waite® Centennial Tarot Deck Tarot for Change: Using the Cards for Self-Care, Acceptance, and Growth by Jessica Dore Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Tarot Journey to Self-Awareness by Rachel Pollack The Ultimate Guide to the Rider Waite Tarot by Johannes Fiebig & Evelin Burger

Are you dreaming of quitting your job to pursue your dreams? Before you take the leap, let's talk about the hard truth about entrepreneurship and the real realities and challenges of entrepreneurship. This video pulls back the curtain on the side hustle reality and the unfiltered entrepreneurship truth that too many people overlook. You might think starting your own business offers ultimate freedom, but we'll explore the business vs job lifestyle and dive into the business vs job debate to show you why it's not always what it seems. If you're weighing " should I quit my job?" or considering a side hustle vs full time business, this is a must-watch to make a wise decision. We'll break down the crucial small business math you need to know, including how long to make a business profitable and the often-ignored startup failure rates. Discover why passion project into business or turning hobby into business needs careful strategic business planning to avoid becoming a time, energy, and money drain. Learn about business models that provide freedom (and which ones don't!), and understand the true cost of chasing that " financial freedom motivation." This isn't about scaring you, but about giving your dream come true business plan the best possible chance to thrive. Find out if starting a business is worth it for you, and get candid tips to start a business from home that set you up for success. Watch the video for this episode here

Hey Dreamers! 💫 Are you looking to truly understand your dreams with AI? This video is your ultimate guide! We're tapping into the incredible power of AI Dream Interpretation to reveal the profound insights hidden in your subconscious. I'll show you my step-by-step process for using AI for dream interpretation, specifically through the incredibly rich lens of Jungian Dream Interpretation. Discover why this approach to dream analysis explained Jung's way offers such deep meaning and guidance for your personal growth. Learn how to interpret dreams with AI effectively, leveraging its vast knowledge to make sense of even the most complex dreams. We'll explore the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence Dreams and why this technology is a game-changer for anyone serious about self-discovery. Beyond just the "how-to," I'll share the powerful benefits of dream interpretation – from navigating life's challenges to achieving greater self-alignment. Find out why AI is becoming the best AI for dream analysis for many, and how incorporating a dream journal AI can enhance your practice. Ready to unlock your dreams AI-style? Watch now, try it out, and let me know in the comments how AI has helped you on your dream journey! Watch the video for this episode here

You have the power to make a profound positive impact on others. This is the fourth and final video in my "Be a Better Mentor" series, where we explore the deeper vision and incredible fulfillment of empowering others to reach their full potential. In this video, you'll learn: The transformative power of belief and how it sets people up for success. How your mentoring efforts contribute to a legacy of empowered dreamers. Practical ways to identify your unique mentoring strengths and passions. How to apply mentoring skills in all areas of your life – from work to relationships. Whether you're exploring coaching and mentoring videos to level up your skills, or you're curious about how to find a good coach for yourself, this series offers valuable insights for both mentors and mentees. Let's build a world where dreams thrive! Watch the video here

Ready to transform your mentorship from good to great? In this third installment of my "Be a Better Mentor" series, we're diving deep into the actionable strategies and crucial mindset shifts you need to truly empower those you guide. Many people have good intentions when it comes to mentoring, but not all mentorship is equally effective. This video will help you understand the difference between good and bad mentoring so you can set yourself and your mentees up for success. We'll recap how powerful questions lead to empowerment, then explore: The Mindset of a Transformative Mentor: Cultivating an abundance mindset, adopting a client-centered approach, and embracing growth for both parties. Key Strategies & Tools: Learn how to create a safe space, set clear expectations, lead by example (with authenticity!), and provide accountability with compassion. Whether you're an experienced leader, a new coach, or simply looking to make a bigger impact in someone's life, this video is packed with insights to help you guide others toward achieving their goals and realizing their dreams.

Did you know that one of the most powerful aspects of great mentorship is asking good questions? This is Part 2 in our "Be a Better Mentor" series! In our last video, we uncovered common pitfalls and mentor mistakes to avoid that can sabotage great intentions. Now, we're diving deep into the most effective questions any leader, coach, or mentor can ask to make their guidance truly impactful. Whether you're looking for coaching skills development or aspiring to elevate your mentorship skills, this video is your guide to facilitating genuine self-discovery. Learn how to coach without giving advice and empower your mentees to find their own best solutions – that's where true transformation happens! In this video, you'll discover: Why Questions are Key: Understand how guiding with questions helps mentees clarify their "WHY," creating powerful motivation and alignment. The "This would be a success if..." Framework: Learn to define clear objectives and manage expectations by asking what success truly looks like for your mentee. The Power of Wins: Discover why starting sessions by asking for wins is crucial for motivation and helping mentees recognize their progress. Setting Intentions: Learn how asking "What are you hoping to get out of this time today?" ensures your mentoring sessions are always productive and aligned with your mentee's current needs. Actionable Next Steps: Master the art of closing a session by asking what next steps feel doable, fostering accountability and realistic progress. These life coaching skills development techniques will not only help you become a better mentor but also empower you to advocate for yourself if you're receiving mentorship. Good mentoring is an invaluable support on the journey to reaching goals and bringing dreams to life.   Watch the video of this episode here

Have you ever been excited about a goal, hired a coach or mentor, only to lose your passion and never reach your dream? You're not alone. In a world full of life coaches, leaders, and mentors, finding truly good mentors can be incredibly tricky. This video, the first in our series, is your "Bad Mentor" Blueprint, designed to help you identify and avoid bad mentors/mentoring so you can achieve your goals without wasting your time or money. We'll dive deep into the mentor mistakes to avoid that often sabotage even the best intentions, causing frustration and shaking your confidence. You'll learn to spot common life coach red flags and understand why a bad life coaching experience can feel like a life coaching waste of money. In this video, you'll discover the top mistakes mentors commonly make, including: The "Advice-Giver" Trap: When mentors assume what you want or need without asking. The "Expert-Only" Trap: When a mentor minimizes your own solutions, devaluing your intuition and experience. The "My Way or the Highway" Trap: When a mentor insists their method is the only way to success, ignoring your unique journey. The "Pit/Pedestal" Dynamic: How insecurity can lead mentors to subtly sabotage your progress, especially in long-term relationships. Understanding these mentoring mistakes to avoid is crucial, whether you're seeking guidance or aiming to be a better mentor yourself. A truly great mentor can be game-changing, but discerning the difference between helpful and harmful guidance is essential for your success. We'll show you why even credible coaches with good reviews can still be bad mentors if they fall into these traps. Don't let a bad mentoring experience shake your confidence or create new trauma around your dreams. Learn how to protect your goals and invest wisely in your growth. Next in this series: Now that we know what NOT to do, we'll explore the core skill of transformative mentorship: asking powerful questions that set everyone up for success

Welcome back to my artist vlog! In this week's update, I'm sharing my latest zine making progress. You'll see how I'm tackling the design and incorporating both analog and digital watercolor elements into this unique watercolor zine. More importantly, this week was about pushing through some significant creative block struggles. I'm opening up about a recent experience that led to some serious self-doubt and how I navigated it all and got back to creating. It's a reminder of the importance of addressing our mindset and those limiting beliefs that can hold us back. Following artists' creative processes online can make it seem more glamorous and easy that it really is. I believe it's crucial to share more of the messy middle. Inside this update we'll explore the power of our inner narratives and the power of storytelling in art and in life, diving deeper into on how understanding our underlying beliefs can impact our emotional well-being and creativity. If you're curious about diy zine making or looking for some juicy zine making vlog inspiration, you'll get a peek into my process, even if this isn't one of the typical independent zines you might find. I'm all about finding your own way and trusting the creative process. Join me as I share my zine mock-up progress and continue to find my art style with me in this exploration of slow living for artists. It's all about embracing the journey, even the messy parts, to unlock more vitality and joy in our creative lives.

Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and that constant cycle of worry? You're not alone. In this video, we dive into why anxiety can feel productive but is often a major energetic waste that drains you without offering real solutions. Learn how to stop overthinking and break free from the anxiety trap by understanding the difference between genuine care and unproductive worry. Discover practical tools for managing stress and anxiety, and gain insights into how your inner stories contribute to your mental well-being. We'll explore actionable steps to understand and conquer anxiety, including the power of identifying your fears. If you're looking for ways to get rid of anxiety for good and stop anxiety and overthinking immediately, this video offers a fresh perspective and a helpful mindset shift. Plus, get a sneak peek at my new zine, "The World is Full of Stories," a supportive tool for navigating your thoughts and finding calm. Watch now to start overcoming anxiety with creativity and reclaim your mental peace! Watch the video of this episode here

🎨 Ready to dive into the colorful world of watercolor painting? If you're a complete beginner feeling overwhelmed or just looking for a fun and accessible way to learn, you're in the right place! In this video, I'm sharing my absolute favorite watercolor books that are perfect for teaching yourself watercolor painting and building your confidence step by step. 🖌️ I'll take you through the best books to learn watercolor painting, highlighting why they're so effective for beginners. Forget complicated tutorials – these books offer easy watercolor painting for beginners, breaking down techniques and projects into simple, manageable steps. You'll see how these step-by-step watercolor books helped me go from my early, less-than-perfect attempts (wait till you see!) to creating watercolor paintings I'm actually proud of. 📚 We'll explore a range of watercolor painting books for beginners, focusing on what makes them stand out: clear instructions, beginner-friendly projects, and even guidance on color mixing (because understanding your colors is key!). Whether you're looking for easy watercolor techniques for beginners or want to learn how to do watercolor painting from the very basics, these books are fantastic resources. ✨ Inside this video, you'll discover: My personal journey with watercolor and the pivotal role these books played in my progress. In-depth looks at several step-by-step watercolor books that are ideal for self-taught artists. Highlights of easy watercolor painting ideas for beginners, often with clear instructions and templates. Why these are the best books to learn watercolor, even if you have no prior art experience. Where to find fantastic watercolor projects with instructions that will help you build skills and confidence. Resources mentioned in this video: Small Watercolor Empty Palette Winsor & Newton Small Watercolor Set Great starter set of watercolor tube paints The Joy of Watercolor, by Emma Block Watercolor Life, by Emma Block Watercolor in Nature, by Rosalie Haizlett Go with the Flow Painting by Ohn Mar Win The Beginner's Guide to Watercolor by Jovy Merryl Watercolor in the Woods, by Jane Carkill Birds, Bees & Blossoms, by Harriet de Winton New Botanical Painting, by Harriet de Winton Creative Portraits in Watercolor, by Ana Santos Arteza watercolor 5x8 sketchbooks Arteza watercolor 8x8 sketchbooks Micron Pens

Hello creative souls! In this week of my little "artist vlogger" updates, I'm exploring the beautiful intersection of slow living & art, and how finding more peace in my daily life is directly impacting my creative process. You'll get a peek into my zine making progress as I continue working on "The World is Full of Stories" and the exciting journey of finding my groove and finding my style. This art project vlog shares my personal experience of following my creative process and how slow living artist practices are helping me stay grounded and inspired. If you're curious about emotional well-being through creativity or the benefits of a slower pace for artistic endeavors, this video is for you! I'll also be sharing updates on my zine making vlog and the evolution of this project.

Ready to finally take action on those dreams that have been whispering in your heart? This video is your ultimate dose of motivation and guidance on why you should pursue your dreams and why your dreams matter more than you think for a truly fulfilling life. Have you ever wondered how to take action on your dreams but felt stuck, overwhelmed, or held back by fear? We dive deep into the common obstacles that prevent us from achieving our dreams, from the belief that it's already been done to the paralyzing fear of failure. But don't worry, this is a journey of empowerment! Get ready for a powerful follow your dreams motivational speech that will ignite your inner fire and help you start pursuing your dreams. We explore the crucial difference between fleeting desires and your deep, meaningful passions, guiding you in finding your passion & purpose in life and even finding your passion again if it feels lost. Learn practical strategies and daily habits for successful life that you can implement immediately to move closer to your aspirations. We tackle the overcoming fear motivational video you need to break free from self-doubt and the overcoming fear of failure motivation that often holds us captive. Discover the power of believing in yourself motivational and how to cultivate the confidence to step into the unknown. This video isn't just about dreaming; it's about doing. We break down the seemingly big leaps into small steps to achieve big goals, proving that consistent, even tiny actions can lead to incredible results. If you're ready to stop making excuses and start living with purpose and passion, this is the motivation you've been searching for. In this video, you'll discover: The profound reasons why your dreams matter. How to distinguish between genuine dreams and superficial desires. Powerful techniques for finding your passion and purpose. Practical tips on how to take action on your dreams today. Effective strategies for overcoming fear and dealing with self-doubt. The importance of believing in yourself and building confidence. Simple daily habits for a successful life that support your dreams. Real-life examples and motivational insights to inspire your journey. Don't let your dreams remain just dreams. It's time to unlock your potential and create a life filled with meaning and joy. Watch now and start your journey towards a more purposeful and passionate existence!   Watch the YouTube video here

This week, I'm giving you a raw and real look behind the scenes at the sometimes-difficult realities of bringing a creative project to life – the creative process struggles! Join me as I share my personal battles with self-doubt and the overwhelming urge to quit while working on my latest art endeavor. This is a crucial part of the creative journey vlog – the messy middle! If you're passionate about living creatively and following your dreams, then you're in the right place! In this brutally honest artist vlog update, you'll see that the creative journey isn't always smooth, and I'm pulling back the curtain on the inner battles I faced this week as I focus on staying committed to creative projects. I'm sharing the specific negative thought patterns that threatened to derail my progress and the crucial turning point where I decided, "I'm not going to give up on art." You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at my art vlog and witness firsthand how I'm navigating these creative process struggles. This is all part of my honest exploration of artist vulnerability. Despite the challenges, I'm excited to show you the artwork I did manage to create, offering a glimpse into my work as an art vlog illustrator. You'll see how I'm pushing through, finding artist motivation inspiration even when things feel tough. If you've ever felt discouraged or overwhelmed in the middle of a creative endeavor, I hope this honest artist vlog offers encouragement and reminds you that those struggles are a normal part of the process. We're all in this together on this creative journey vlog! What are some of the "messy middle" moments you've experienced in your own creative projects? Share your stories in the comments below – I'd love to know I'm not alone in this as I focus on staying committed to creative projects! Watch the video on YouTube here