The Unbound Creative

Latest Episodes:

Talking Perfectionism and Jealousy Apr 09, 2024

Show notes

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/

Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative!

If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave us a review, it helps more creatives discover the show.

💌 Connect with us on Instagram:
@valeriemckeehan & @thatmakguy (that’s Mak with a K!)

Keep creating bravely. We’re so glad you’re here.

For The Stressed-Out Creative Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

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.

Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative!

If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave us a review, it helps more creatives discover the show.

💌 Connect with us on Instagram:
@valeriemckeehan & @thatmakguy (that’s Mak with a K!)

Keep creating bravely. We’re so glad you’re here.

Turn the Lights Back On Feb 02, 2024

Show notes

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/

Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative!

If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave us a review, it helps more creatives discover the show.

💌 Connect with us on Instagram:
@valeriemckeehan & @thatmakguy (that’s Mak with a K!)

Keep creating bravely. We’re so glad you’re here.

What Do You Really Want? Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

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/

Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative!

If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave us a review, it helps more creatives discover the show.

💌 Connect with us on Instagram:
@valeriemckeehan & @thatmakguy (that’s Mak with a K!)

Keep creating bravely. We’re so glad you’re here.

When You Don't Have Time For Your Art Dec 19, 2023

Show notes

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!

Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative!

If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave us a review, it helps more creatives discover the show.

💌 Connect with us on Instagram:
@valeriemckeehan & @thatmakguy (that’s Mak with a K!)

Keep creating bravely. We’re so glad you’re here.

Chloe Minyon on Finding Creative Authenticity Dec 12, 2023

Show notes

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.

Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative!

If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave us a review, it helps more creatives discover the show.

💌 Connect with us on Instagram:
@valeriemckeehan & @thatmakguy (that’s Mak with a K!)

Keep creating bravely. We’re so glad you’re here.

That Time I Triggered People on Tik Tok Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

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/

Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative!

If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave us a review, it helps more creatives discover the show.

💌 Connect with us on Instagram:
@valeriemckeehan & @thatmakguy (that’s Mak with a K!)

Keep creating bravely. We’re so glad you’re here.

Change the story, change your life Nov 03, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever heard the story about fleas in a jar? If you place fleas in a jar, they will jump out. If you add a lid to the jar, the fleas will try to escape at first, but eventually, they will stop trying. Even when the lid is removed, the fleas will still stay in the jar. They were trained to stay there.

How often are we like the fleas? Perhaps you've allowed a comment that was said to you in the past to act as a lid on your life and potential. Have you stopped to question these stories?

Often the "lids" on your creativity and life aren't lids at all, but simply, stories that you have allowed to stick. Maybe these stories are keeping you stuck. It's time to see your situations differently.

This episode will help you determine the stories that no longer serve you so that you can live creatively unboxed!

Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative!

If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave us a review, it helps more creatives discover the show.

💌 Connect with us on Instagram:
@valeriemckeehan & @thatmakguy (that’s Mak with a K!)

Keep creating bravely. We’re so glad you’re here.

It's Time to Practice Failing Oct 25, 2023

Show notes

We all know the phrase "practice makes perfect," but I actually do not believe in this phrase!

I think a truer statement is "practice makes familiarity." When you practice something, it becomes familiar. When something becomes familiar, then your brain registers it as safe.

Your brain has a funny way of taking the path of least resistance. The same thought patterns and emotions will keep coming up again and again only because they have become familiar. Even if the feeling is unwanted, your brain will decide it is safe. You've practiced it.

This is not an episode to shame you into practicing your art or guilt-tripping you for not devoting the time you desire to your creativity. Instead, it's getting to the bottom of the subconscious blockers that might be sabotaging you! Becoming aware of these things is the first step in overcoming them. I want to help you to remove the blockers standing in the way of living the creative life of your dreams!

Mentioned in this episode:
I am so pleased to introduce you to the Magic Makers Membership! Walking a creative path is a life-long journey. It takes courage! We often come up against blockers of perfectionism, fear, imposter syndrome, frustration, discouragement and procrastination.

But when you can release these negative emotions, get curious and play, art becomes medicine. Life-giving medicine that you deserve.
The membership offers ongoing support and mentorship to help you elevate your soft pastel art, but most importantly, do so with peace and joy.
You need more than tutorials and technique, you need support and a proven path to your unique magic. I’ve got you covered with both.

Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative!

If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave us a review, it helps more creatives discover the show.

💌 Connect with us on Instagram:
@valeriemckeehan & @thatmakguy (that’s Mak with a K!)

Keep creating bravely. We’re so glad you’re here.

5 Tips for When You're Feeling Discouraged Oct 18, 2023

Show notes

You set out to try something new, mustering the courage that it takes to try. You silenced your inner critic enough to do it and do it badly! A huge first step!
But then, the weeks march on, the progress seems slower than expected. You feel the frustration and familiar feelings of self doubt and fear coming back to haunt you.
Discouragement sets in.
We’ve all felt its grip. The frustration may become unbearable and many people stop when they hit this wall. I don’t want you to get stuck here.
There’s a real phenomenon that happens when you can envision the beauty you want to bring to life, but there is a disconnect between what your hands create.
The reason you are perceiving this beauty at all is because it is already there inside of you. Trust this. At the moment, there is a gap between the style you desire in your work and what actually is. It can be frustrating! You’re in the middle of the gap, but it’s in this middle ground where the work happens. It's necessary. Don’t let yourself get frozen here!
Please know, these feelings are completely normal. It will come at various points throughout your artistic journey and when it does, here are 5 things you can do to pull yourself out.
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