Design emails people love to get.

Happy Friday!

Here's a fun e-mail to officially kick off the Artfully Made Journal.

Hello First name / Friend!

what does artfully made mean?

art.ful.ly:

1. In a way that is clever or skillful and also cunning;

2. in a manner that shows creative skill or taste.

i've always wanted a space that harnesses and fosters a community for creativity. Where we can share a love of creating, whether it's painting, crafts, podcasts, writing, photography, videography or something in between. We can learn, we can create without judgement, but also improve in our craft.

I believe we all have something creative inside each of us.

God is a creative God. He created everything in this world, everything around us, from the sky and ocean to the trees and animals. and us. He created us. He is the OG content creator, you could say.

| gold star | by Shelby Parker

A gold star on my reading log,

My behavior chart,

And report card.

I was the good girl, the model student and Teacher’s Pet.

Don’t talk out of turn, raise your hand first, or wait to be asked a question.

Always push your chair in, say please and thank you,

Hold open the door for your elders.

Be the room monitor, get Principal’s List, get the A+ on the spelling test.

Do what you’re asked, don’t make waves, be a good friend to everyone.

You’re an award-winning student,

Say your prayers, know God's Word,

Everyone loves you, but you’re terrified to make a mistake.

What if they don’t like you when you do?

Will their views of you change? Will they see you the same way?

It's bound to happen someday.

Go above and beyond on the project for work, always show up on time and help with every question and put your heart on the line.

You continue to learn, improve, advance,

You climb the ladder with the best,

You're reliable, a constant, your knowledge? Irreplaceable.

But, the gold star, that once held such a powerful hold, no longer exists in adulthood,

but don't you find yourself wishing it was?

They'd hand them out at staff meetings or during yearly reviews.

If they did — would it make things easier, better?

Would you doubt less? Trust yourself more?

Instead, we often question ourselves, compare what we do to others, polish our resumes, take the extra seat on another committee, network to your heart's content, just to get the notice of a potential employer…

Oh, the things we do for a gold star.

what does it take to be a creative?

(according to chat gpt): 
curiosity + openness; 
embrace failure as learning; 
persistance + resilience;
critical thinking;
problem-solving;
effective communication;
seek inspiration;
practice and experiment; 
learn from others;

how can you be a creative? 
broaden your endeavors;
generate new ideas;
listen to understand; 
embrace boredom; 
exercise;
make time for play; 
travel
But, something I've also learned, or have been reminded of, is that creating should be fun. yes, there are still deadlines and assignments to turn in with creative fields, but it's a chance to think outside the box. Creative fields give a chance to think in color, rather than black and white, like accounting or something that has a ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ answer, you know? we can try things that are different, a little out there, but can still be authentic, real and honest to us and everyone around us. 

Image of wabi sabi: Japanese philosophy of imperfection - living room. Image from Sakuraco

as a perfectionist, i've always had a hard time feeling like anything I do is ever enough. i can imagine a lot of people who are in the creative realm struggle with that. because how do you measure whether a book is good or what makes a great song? Your least favorite film could be someone else's biggest inspiration. Art is subjective! and yet, we often chase this impossible and unattainable level of achievement or success in our minds. 
There is an art in the imperfections of our art. 
we're human, we don't have all the answers. we are each given special giftings, to share with others. to inspire, to talk about our passions and help others find theirs. 

From cameras and editing tools to my favorite notebooks and markers, here's my all encompassing list of the favorite tools I use when I'm writing a new story, jotting down blog ideas or typing out a post. 

read the full list here

listen to the playlist here

I want to talk to the creatives out there! Are you a business owner? Photographer? Filmmaker? Etsy store artist? Or do you know someone? Is there someone you've heard about who's doing something so different and unique? I want to hear all about it.

I'd love to start chatting with creatives and highlighting their journey, their art and how they've persevered through the challenges and obstacles.

AND

Let me know what you want to see more of! I hope to provide resources, tips, stories…A community that helps others create and inspire.

- Shelby Parker

Stars Hollow Ct.
Bakersfield , CA 93311, USA