Whimsical and fun, with a hint of femininity.

Can you tell us a little bit about the work you created for The Black Sheep Agency office? Where did you get the idea, and what do you want viewers to learn from it?

I wanted the artwork to focus on a phrase that was appropriate for a new year, but also applicable at any time. While gathering quotes and inspiration, this one stood out to me because it’s so direct and I can relate to it personally. Everyone experiences fear, and we experience it in many different ways, letting it drive what we choose to do or choose not to do. The colors, shapes, and figures in the chalk – and even the way I wrote “Fear” – are meant to be encouraging and transform the idea of fear into something we can channel or overcome so we can achieve the things we want.

Witnessing a friend’s growth in their artistic endeavors, and watching them get really good over time while putting out their work along the way (even in the early days when it wasn’t so great)…that is inspiring to me. It’s definitely encouraging and makes me want to share my own work too!

If you could be any artistic tool — pencil, crayons, oil pastels, computer, etc. — which one would you be?

What is the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?

A morning stretch while listening to NPR.

What is the first thing you do when you begin a new art project?

I’ll put a playlist together that I feel will match my “work mode” for that particular project. I have enough at this point so that I don’t create a new one every time, but the right kind of music definitely impacts my workflow. Sometimes it’s a podcast!

Artists are notoriously weird. Prove it. (Or argue it.)

Haha I have to agree that we’re pretty weird. Creative minds tend to be naturally good at weirdness. Ok, quick story:
When I was in art school, a group of my friends and I wanted to put together a navigational installation made of wood, wires, string, sheets, and colorful lighting. We were all graphic designers, painters, illustrators. None of us had any legit experience with architecture or building things, but we went for it. It actually turned out pretty cool (and weird), and on opening night we had a table full of cake at the end. LOTS of cake.

Has anyone ever said to you, “I don’t get it?” If so, how do you respond to that?

I barely remember a specific time someone asked me, but I’m pretty sure I replied with “do you need to get it to appreciate it?”

Fill in the blank. “I would die without ________.”

What advice do you have to other creatives?

Show your work! Whether it’s Instagram, a blog, etc…don’t be afraid to put it out there. And be intentional with your creative growth.

KatyHolton.com and sometimes on Instagram:@katyh629 

The Art of Overcoming Fear, With Artist Katy Holton

Have you ever been frozen with fear? Felt like the stakes were too high?

Have you ever been frozen with fear? Felt like the stakes were too high? That there were too many obstacles in your path? Too many dragons to slay? That you’re stuck on the wrong side of a ravine, yet everything you’ve ever wanted was just on the other side? So has Katy Holton, a Houston-based artist from Austin’s design studio DesignGood. Katy took on our Blank Slate chalk wall this week to encourage the Flock to overcome fear through a dazzlingly bright explosion of colors. 

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“I want to go to there!” you say? Well, you’re in luck: We’re hosting this month’s installment at our office on Friday. (“This Friday?” Yes, this Friday. 8:30 a.m. Sharpie it in—pencils are for the noncommittal.)

To celebrate the creative morning we’re all about to have, here are a few of our favorite Creative Mornings talks from around the world. (Yep, did it again.*Swish*)

Stephanie Wittles Wachs, on anxiety, resilience and actually doing instead of just thinking. (Houston)

Stephanie Wittels Wachs : Anxiety

Tiffany Pratt, on living a colorful life.(Toronto)

Tiffany Pratt: Designer + Stylist

James Greig, on how to care for your creative self(Edinburgh) 

CreativeMornings x WordPress.com

Dr. Beatriz Craven, on compassion and how it can fuel your best work(Houston) 

Beatriz Craven: Compassion

See? Getting smart, creative people in a room together for a talk about a theme that affects each of us is magical. Don’t miss the magic—grab a spot for Friday’s Creative Mornings Houston right here. (Oh noes, is it full? Get on that waitlist.) 

We’re not morning people, but we’re Creative Mornings people.

Our Favorite Mornings Are Creative

We’re not morning people, but we’re Creative Mornings people.(See what we did there? *Swish*) Since the inspirational creative coffee klatch launched in 2014—with our fearless leader speaking about Kid Cudi, the pursuit of happiness and having the courage to say“No”—we’ve been hooked on the community connecting, brain-rebooting whiz-bang that this event brings(not to mention the plentiful Greenway Coffee). 