Creative Currents 〰️ by Alyssa-Ninja
Diving into all things creative flow—sharing fresh patterns, design tools, tips for unlocking your creativity, and inspiration to fuel your work. Get ready for a dose of pure, minimalistic beauty designed to spark your imagination.
〰️ Creative Currents: Of Whys and Worries
Hi Reader, Let’s be real. Worry sneaks in even when you're doing what you love. Especially then. Whether it's self-doubt, deadlines, or just trying to keep up with everything, worry can get loud. But here’s something that should be even louder: your why. Your why is the compass that guides you through foggy seasons, unexpected detours, or days when the spark feels far away. Finding it isn't always instant—it’s a practice, a series of gentle reminders. But once you’ve named it, it can carry...
It’s Okay to Start Again 〰️ Creative Currents
Hi Reader, The creative waves pulled me under for a bit, but here I am, swimming back to shore—and sending a big thank you to you for staying around through it all. I'm so happy to land back in your inbox today. Sometimes life asks us to pause, breathe, and return with more intention. That’s exactly what I’m doing with this edition of Creative Currents. Here's a kind reminder: Breaks aren't the end. They're part of the rhythm. But how to get back into the well-flowing part of the rhythm?...
Is More Really More? 〰️ Creative Currents
Hi Reader, The last few days have been a whirlwind. Along with the souvenir from his recent business trip (see below!), my man brought home the dreaded Man Cold. Between taking care of him and juggling my to-do list, life got messy and busy—very on theme for this week's topic: More is More. Despite the chaos, I've been working on something very exciting. It's not quite ready, yet, but you'll be the first to know. All I can say is that it's something that can make your life as a surface...
🌟 What Sparks Your Curiosity? 〰️ Creative Currents
Hi Reader, One of my main drivers this year is curiosity. It keeps us exploring, experimenting, and enjoying the creative process. It means we're embracing questions over answers and letting wonder shape our path. When curiosity takes the lead, creating becomes an adventure rather than a task. It’s not just about producing patterns—it’s about discovering which lines, shapes, textures, and colors ignite your joy, make you smile, represent the mood you're going for, or truly move you. The more...
〰️ Creative Currents: Goals Hiding in Your Cave?
Hi Reader, As we're starting the new year, I approached goal setting differently. Somehow, annual goals seem too abstract for me. A year seems long, but ends up flying by too fast given all of the ambitions that I have. Know the feeling? This time, I defined quarterly quests and landed on four ambitious annual goals. Some of them are loud and obvious, like neon signs. Others feel hidden, waiting for the right moment to reveal themselves. During a recent visit to the Cave of Saint John the...
〰️ Creative Currents: 🎆 New Year's Gift for you
Hi Reader, I hope you had a good start to the year. The past couple of days, I spent reflecting on 2024, and what a year it was. There has been a lot of change for me and getting used to new things. However, I finally feel like I have arrived. And I have a gift for you. One of my intentions for 2025 is to spend more time with hands-on creativity: painting, drawing, photography. You name it. Since this is probably every surface pattern designer's plan, I created a FREE eBook called "A Year of...
〰️ Creative Currents: Find Calm in the Festive Hustle
Hi Reader, The holidays are around the corner and I know how easy it is to get swept up in the festive rush—but it doesn't have to be a hustle. Running around for presents, coordinating celebrations and preparations, Christmas party here, mulled wine meetup there. Secret Santa—it’s exhausting! This time of the year, I’m focusing on what truly matters: savoring moments with loved ones and carving out time for myself. Because amidst all the busyness, a little calm goes a long way. 💡 INSPIRATION...
〰️ Creative Currents: When ambition goes too far
Hi Reader, Recently, I’ve been pouring my energy into something truly special—something I believe will transform how surface pattern designers approach their creative lives. I’m so excited about it, but I’ll admit my ambition got the best of me. I found myself chasing perfection, unable to fully step away when I wasn’t working. The pressure I put on myself dulled the joy I usually feel while creating. It’s a good reminder: ambition can drive us forward, but trying too hard can hold us back....
〰️ Creative Currents: Making Space for More Me-Time
Hi Reader, Last week, I said yes to lots of things. Wonderful things. Surprise events, dates, hikes. And even though I truly enjoyed all of them, I was left feeling overwhelmed. I realized that I just didn't take enough time for myself. There is work, family, love, friends..., but Me on the individual level was left hanging. Can you relate? That's why I made a promise to myself: to clearly define me-time and prioritize it for balance. 💡 INSPIRATION STATION Sheep and Goats During a recent...
〰️ Creative Currents: 🎁 A Gift for You & Trust in Progress
Hi Reader, Returning home reminded me of how vital it is to pause, recharge, and trust the process. Now, I feel more grounded, more productive, and more at ease. Progress isn’t always a straight path—it’s full of detours, doubts, and moments where you may feel like you're standing still. And even when you feel insecure and vulnerable, pinch yourself to remember that this is not your nature, but just a temporary feeling. Every small step forward builds confidence, and even steps back teach us...
Diving into all things creative flow—sharing fresh patterns, design tools, tips for unlocking your creativity, and inspiration to fuel your work. Get ready for a dose of pure, minimalistic beauty designed to spark your imagination.