Why You Need Creative Friends

I was recently hanging out over at Unraveled Academy (if you haven't heard about Unraveled academy yet, go check out my blog post HERE ) and someone was sharing about how they were really having a hard time being stuck in a creative rut. Reading all of the countless comments to that post really hit close to home. You see, being a creative is amazing. The highs are completely addicting and seeing work you create and are proud of is a pretty powerful experience but what no one really tells you is that the lows are pretty debilitating. Add that to the vicious game of comparison that we all tend to play and you have a recipe for a serious struggle. 

My last creative rut lasted almost 8 months. It was so difficult for me that I almost packed up shop and called it quits with this little business of mine. I definitely considered more than a few times. But then I started reaching out to a local group of photographers. These women are some of the most talented, loving, generous creative souls ever. We went out to beautiful locations and created some pretty magical art together, we had soulfully creative conversations about our art, we taught each other how to see the exact same photo with new eyes and it was crazy powerful. So powerful in fact that I am pretty sure it saved me.

So, if you find yourself in a rut or creative block surround yourself with other creative souls. Join Facebook groups, attend local meetups, heck come hang out with us at Unraveled we would love to have you! No matter what you do just get out there and CREATE! YOU ARE WORTHY AND YOUR ART MATTERS!! So, go find yourself some creative friends and make magic shit together and then share it with the world! I cannot wait to see what you create!!

My Review of Unraveled Academy

For over a year now I have been a member and student of the international photography school Unraveled Academy. The Academy showcases multiple artists and creatives, most of whom teach courses pertaining to but not limited to photography. Other classes include watercolor painting, stress and anxiety relief, and more.

When I started with Unraveled I was already a member of multiple other photography schools (Clickin Moms, The Bloom Forum, to name a few.) Over the last 6 months I have slowly left EVERY. SINGLE. School except for Unraveled. I have found that UA offers unique course with such diversity in artists and classes that it is hard to compare them to any other photography school. I paid $15 a month to have access to every single course and teaching video in their library. With new courses introduced every month.

But more than anything, what has convinced me that Unraveled is by far the most supportive school and group to be a part of is the overwhelming sense of kindness and generosity of not only fellow students but more importantly, the creators Sarah Driscoll and Coleen Hodges. These two beautiful and talented babes truly believe in creating a community that loves and supports each other and it truly shows. Some of the incredible things they have put in place through this group are…

1. UA Scholarships- A scholarship fund created to find creative young women who have suffered from trauma/hardship. They will receive a camera, a computer, and free access to the UA community, all in an effort to give them a fresh start in their creative life.

2. UA Radio – UA has created multiple radio stations on Spotify designed with the creative soul in mind. Whether you are looking for something to edit photos to or even music to play during your sessions. UA Radio is such a neat option.

3. Spectrum Inspired – The creators of UA Sarah & Co also created an incredibly powerful non-profit that is designed to offer support and free photo sessions to families with children on the Spectrum. This non-profit organization is really so incredible in how they work to provide assistance to children and families that live life on the spectrum.

The more I learned about Unraveled Academy the more I fell in love with everything it stood for. In fact, after a year of enjoying this school simply as a student, I decided to join the team as a moderator over in their amazing Facebook Student Group as well as an affiliate artist for the company. What I can tell you is that behind the scenes the team and creators are as incredibly kind and caring as they seemed to me as a student.

I truly do my due diligence to make sure I only align myself with companies and partners that I truly believe in and ones that have similar standards as I do. I know how much the families that I photograph trust me so when I recommend a partner or company to them I want to make sure they can expect the same level of love and care that I would provide them. I can tell you from the bottom of my heart, Unraveled Academy is one of those special organizations that comes around only once in a while that truly stands by the things that they say. I am incredibly proud to be partnering up with them. I would love love love to see you there too. If you are interested in hearing more you are welcome to check it out HERE. See more of the current classes available below.