Have you ever been told you need to "toughen up"? At the same time, have you been advised that you need to stay open and vulnerable? Finding balance between these two extremes is a tight line to walk, yet we walk it everyday. In this episode, we talk through exactly why it's so scary to bare our hearts and yet, how it's ultimately worth it in the end.

Like most of our episodes will be, this is a non-edited audio. The sound is wonky. We have "uhhs" and "ums." We're imperfect. And that's why we invite you to listen in. Creativity ain't always pretty. This podcast is an example of living what we discuss. 

Much love,
Claire & Shannon

Messy Notes Ep. 2: Can You Develop Thick Skin Without Building Up Walls?

Where do you go when the mean uglies start creeping into your brain? Do you turn inwards and hide? Or do you seek support from others who might understand? This episode of Messy Notes digs into why a creative support network is so important (and also why it might already be more bigger than you think). 

As always, this episode is unedited and imperfect. Just like us.

Much love,
Claire & Shannon

Messy Notes Ep. 3: Finding Creative Support When You Feel Alone

We all know the feeling. Someone creates something amazing and – without our permission – a ball of insecurity and frustration and envy bubbles up. What's up with that? Why do we sometimes feel jealous of the very people or creatives we want to support? 

In this episode, we dig into what it means to be jealous of other people's creations and why it's also a totally normal knee-jerk reaction (that might actually be useful to you!). 

Like most of our episodes will be, this is a non-edited audio. The sound is wonky. We have "uhhs" and "ums." We're imperfect. And that's why we invite you to listen in. Creativity ain't always pretty. This podcast is an example of living what we discuss.

Much love,
Claire & Shannon

Messy Notes Ep. 4: Staring Down the Green-Eyed Monster of Creative Jealousy

Ever feel that pinch of fear when you see others work succeed while you're still working on your own? Do you start to panic that suddenly there's less space in the world for your creations? If so, you're thinking in terms of scarcity.

In this episode we talk about the notion of "creative scarcity" and how it effects our outlook on what and how we create. 

Like most of our episodes will be, this is a non-edited audio. The sound is wonky. We have "uhhs" and "ums." We're imperfect. And that's why we invite you to listen in. Creativity ain't always pretty. This podcast is an example of living what we discuss.

Much love,
Claire & Shannon

Messy Notes Ep. 5: The Myth of Creative Scarcity

Perfectionism is one of the most brutal enemies of creativity. It keeps us focused on the unhelpful details versus the work at hand. It gives us a false sense of control – often right at the moments when we need to let go of our control the most. It is counterproductive, it is rude, it is false. It's also one of the hardest things to face and conquer. 

In this episode of "Messy Notes" we talk through what it means to be a "perfectionist" and why it doesn't always look like what you think it might. 

Like most of our episodes will be, this is a non-edited audio. The sound is wonky. We have "uhhs" and "ums." We're imperfect. And that's why we invite you to listen in. Creativity ain't always pretty. This podcast is an example of living what we discuss.

Much love,
Claire & Shannon

Messy Notes Ep. 6: Perfectionism Will Murder Your Brain

This podcast is dedicated to the broken ideas, the self-loathing and the self-doubt. To the fear and the worry. And of course, to all those ugly first drafts. 

Welcome to a world where imperfection is a celebrated part of the creative process. Welcome to the Messy Notes Podcast.