In today's episode I'm taking you inside our exclusive Facebook group in the Magic Makers Membership! We've been working through the book, The Creative Act by Rick Rubin. Every Friday, I've been going live to discuss portions of the book and it has been SO GOOD. I had to share this discussion with you!

I talk about..

• how art is energy
• why creating needs to be an act of self-love
• how to play
• the "rules" of art

and so much more!

I hope it encourages you in your creativity today.

I also wanted to let you know that for a limited time, I am offering 3 months in my membership for one special price! Join us during the summer and make this a summer filled with creative magic!

-Sign up here-

Purchase The Creative Act: https://amzn.to/3wZYOGm

We've been going through The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron in my membership, The Magic Makers. I've been going live on our Facebook community each week to discuss each chapter of the 12-week journey. It has been incredible! This episode includes the audio from one of the Facebook lives.

It covers Week 7 in the Artist's Way and we talk a lot about overcoming perfectionism and jealousy. I hope you enjoy the discussion and that it gives fuel to your creative soul!

For more information about my membership and becoming a Magic Maker, learn more here: https://valeriemckeehan.com/membership/

Many people talk about creativity or having a creative outlet as a stress-reliever. This can certainly be true, however, what happens when your creativity does just the opposite?

When you're stressed out about creating art and your body is sent into flight or fight mode?

It's something I think we need to talk about more. In this case, creativity becomes a poison, dripping cortisol into your body, when it should be a life-giving medicine. It can be medicine. In this episode, we'll discuss what happens when you're a stressed-out creative and ways to help.

For the first time in decades, Billy Joel released new music. After listening to the single, I had so many thoughts. Thoughts about creativity, courage, pressure, and succumbing to the praise of others. I asked Mak to join me again on the podcast to have this spontaneous conversation! We talk about the universal fear of creatives, how to decipher your fear, how to build creative resilience, become authentically yourself, and much more.

Listen to Billy Joel's new single: https://open.spotify.com/track/1KTemUlHzS0SvVtTjY1NTw?si=2a59b6d224a94878

Learn about the Magic of Soft Pastel Online Course: https://valeriemckeehan.com/the-magic-of-soft-pastel-on-demand/

Join the Magic Makers Membership: https://valeriemckeehan.com/membership/

Happy New Year!

With a new year comes all the talk about setting goals and resolutions. There's a better way of tapping into what you desire and making it happen. It all boils down to the question: how do you want to FEEL?

In this episode, we talk about letting yourself dream, how to discover what it is you really want, a new way to create a vision board, and a helpful, but simple exercise for feeling your best self each day this year.

If you want to kick off your 2024 as part of a creative community, feeling inspired, encouraged, and supported, join me in the Magic Makers Membership!

There is a special trial offer happening to try it out during the month of January! DM me on Instagram @valeriemckeehan and I will send you the details.

https://valeriemckeehan.com/membership/

When life gets busy, art is often the first thing to go. I wish this wasn't the case, but what I do know is that heaping on guilt is not the answer! In this episode, I'm sharing a pep talk I recorded for those in my membership community. You'll find encouragement for when you're feeling frustrated and disconnected from your art, especially now as we near Christmas.

Christmas special!

You can receive two free months in the Magic Makers Membership as part of your Magic of Soft Pastel On-Demand Course enrollment!

Plus, save $50 off the course using code: MYCREATIVEYEAR

Every time I've followed my creative promptings it has led to good things - like pieces of my heart that I didn't even know were lost coming back, making me feel more ME. I believe the same is true for you.

If you're feeling a tug to express yourself in a new way, delve deeper into your art…these feelings are there for a reason.

You have beauty to offer. I am passionate about helping you bring it to life.

• Check out the course at: valeriemckeehan.com/courses
• Check out the Magic Makers Membership at: valeriemckeehan.com/membership

Make 2024 your creative year!

I am thrilled to be joined on the podcast today by my friend, artist, creative entrepreneur, and coach, Chloe Minyon.

This candid and vulnerable conversation was part of a live virtual retreat held for members of my Magic Makers Membership! We discuss creative authenticity, how there's always more going on behind the scenes of creative businesses, the pressure of being a full-time artist, knowing when to pivot, how to find your people, and so much goodness for your creative soul.

I hope you enjoy!

You can see more of Chloe's work and purchase The Clear Mind Journal here:

https://www.englishteapaperie.com/

Join the Magic Makers Membership! A supportive, creative artist community to help you tap into your creative genius and live a life filled with beauty and meaning.

https://valeriemckeehan.com/membership/

About Chloe Minyon:

As an artist, designer, and post-burnout creative, Chloe believes designing a beautiful life begins with heartfelt intention. Encouraging those around her to enjoy life like a fine art gallery, slowly, with emotion and purpose. Guiding away from overwhelm and into working from a place of rest.

Having spent the majority of her career as a bespoke wedding stationer in a high-end and fast-paced industry, burnout struck in 2018 and almost led her to quit. Instead, she rested and did the deep work of understanding why creatives are more susceptible to the continual destruction of overwhelm.

Originally from London, England, Chloe now calls Richmond, Virginia her home. An Enneagram 4w5 and a highly sensitive person (HSP), she always envisioned becoming an artist, bringing poetic expression to the world.

Chloe has now expanded her offerings beyond beautifully designed wedding papers. She provides a range of tools and resources, including 1:1 coaching, speaking engagements, writing, and thoughtfully created products. Her mission is to eliminate the shame around creative suffering and bring joy back to our days.

Here is the TikTok video! https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT85hemvM/

We all want to be liked and validated. That is part of being human! Especially when it comes to something vulnerable like our art. But, the fact is, not everyone is going to like you. This is not only okay, it is normal. Not everyone is going to like you, but you don't like everyone!

Some people aren't going to be able to see you or understand you. It's not your job to contort yourself into something they can understand. This would be impossible anymore. Maybe they aren't meant to. But YOUR people, those you are meant to connect with will see you.

How do we break this cycle of fearing what others will say or needing validation in order to feel like you're okay? That's exactly what we'll cover in today's episode.

• Join the Magic of Soft Pastel On Demand Course: https://valeriemckeehan.com/the-magic-of-soft-pastel-on-demand/

• Join the Magic Members Membership! Use coupon code LETSDOTHIS to waive the initiation fee! https://valeriemckeehan.com/membership/