If you’ve ever stared at a piece of your own art and felt the sting of the word “ugly,” you’re about to hear a conversation that turns that feeling into a gentle invitation. You’ll explore how the moment you label a creation as ugly can be swapped for a simple act of love, and why that shift frees space for both acceptance and growth. You’ll discover how expectations can dim your joy, and how seeing your work as a living, evolving part of yourself lets you improve without harsh self‑judgment. Come on in, and let your creative heart find a cozy spot to settle.

• How to stop calling your art “ugly” and start seeing it as part of your creative process.
• What you can learn from imperfect art and why creative “failures” can be valuable.
• Why being content with your art doesn’t mean you have to stop growing.
• How to embrace the work-in-progress and give yourself permission to experiment, make mistakes, and try again.

• Receive a joyful nudge to create delivered right to your inbox. Claim your 30 days of creative prompts!

Nicole Fende is a published author and board game designer. Monette Satterfield is an artist working outside the velvet rope. Together they host Holding Creative Space, a podcast from Creatopia, an imprint of Tesseray Publishing.

Keep creating. We are holding the space.