Welcome to The Creative JuggleJoy Podcast, where co-hosts Kaylie Edwards and Delores Naskrent take you on a journey through the dynamic world of multi-passionate entrepreneurship.
In this episode, titled "Real Talk: Balancing Art, Family, and Entrepreneurship," Kaylie and Delores share their personal stories and practical tips for navigating the chaos of balancing multiple roles and responsibilities.
Whether you're a digital artist, a business owner, or someone pursuing creative passions later in life, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.
Meet Your Hosts: Delores and Kaylie
Delores Naskrent, with over 30 years of experience in the commercial art trade, shares her journey from being mentored by her high school teacher to becoming a teacher herself.
She reflects on the pivotal moments that transformed her career and how she navigates the evolving landscape of the creative industry.
Kaylie Edwards, a mompreneur from the UK, opens up about her life, juggling a toddler, a business, and her passion for digital art, and talks about the challenges and rewards of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship.
Diving into Digital Art Creation
One of the main topics discussed in this episode is the thrill of digital art creation.
Both Delores and Kaylie are passionate about illustrating on the iPad using software like Procreate and Affinity Designer.
They share their experiences of mastering these tools and the joy of teaching them to others.
Delores emphasizes the importance of patience, community, and perseverance for anyone starting their own creative journey.
The co-hosts also touch on the balance between creative fulfillment and business responsibilities, offering actionable tips and encouragement for listeners.
Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey
Another key theme in this episode is the entrepreneurial journey. Delores and Kaylie discuss the highs and lows of running a creative business, from marketing on a budget to overcoming perfectionism.
They highlight the importance of collaboration and the joy of sharing their insights and stories with the audience.
Future episodes promise to feature inspiring interviews, solo reflections, and candid co-hosted discussions on topics like business scaling, transitioning to digital platforms, and embracing imperfection.
The goal is to provide a supportive community that understands the rollercoaster ride of a creative life.
Looking Ahead: A Creative Community for All Ages
Throughout the episode, the co-hosts share their excitement for the future of the podcast. They envision it as a platform where creatives can connect, learn, and grow together.
Delores and Kaylie encourage listeners to join them on this journey, offering a blend of humor, insight, and practical advice. They emphasize the importance of staying motivated and inspired, even on the craziest days, and remind listeners that there is joy in the journey.
Delores’s Love for Digital Art and Teaching
Delores shares her love for digital art and teaching, highlighting the software she uses in her creative practice. She talks about her transition from traditional art tools to digital platforms and the impact it has had on her work.
Delores and Kaylie discuss the importance of staying up-to-date with industry trends and continuously learning new skills. They also explore the challenges of balancing creative work with business responsibilities, offering tips on time management and prioritization.
Fostering Community and Collaboration
The episode also delves into the significance of community and collaboration. Delores and Kaylie emphasize the value of having a supportive network of fellow creatives who understand the unique challenges of balancing multiple passions.
They encourage listeners to engage with the podcast community, share their own stories, and learn from each other's experiences.
The co-hosts believe that collaboration and mutual support are key to thriving in the creative industry.
Wrapping Up: Goals for The Creative JuggleJoy Podcast
As the episode concludes, Delores and Kaylie reflect on their goals for The Creative JuggleJoy Podcast.
They aim to create a space where creatives can find inspiration, practical tips, and a sense of community. They invite listeners to subscribe, leave reviews, and share the podcast with their fellow creatives.
The co-hosts express their excitement for the journey ahead and their commitment to providing valuable content for their audience.
Episode Summary
The "Real Talk: Balancing Art, Family, and Entrepreneurship" episode of The Creative JuggleJoy Podcast offers a wealth of insights and inspiration for multi-passionate creatives.
Delores Naskrent and Kaylie Edwards share their personal stories, practical tips, and reflections on the highs and lows of balancing multiple roles and responsibilities.
Whether you're an aspiring digital artist, a seasoned entrepreneur, or someone exploring creative passions later in life, this episode is a must-listen.
Join Delores and Kaylie on this exciting journey and discover the joy of navigating the creative juggle.
Transcript:
Kaylie Edwards:
Hey there and welcome to the very first episode of the Creative Juggle Joy podcast with me and my co-host, Delores. I'm Kaylie Edwards, your fellow multi-passionate, creative and mompreneur straight from the beautiful and sometimes rainy UK. I've got a toddler on one hip, a business in one hand and a cup of tea in the other because, let's be honest, caffeine is my co-pilot. I'm so excited to kick this podcast podcasting journey with my client, sounding board and incredible friend, Delores N. She has been my marketing client and friend for a year this month, which has been an epic journey so far. Delores, I will hand over to you to introduce yourself before I go off on a ramble about our journey together. Can you tell us about your journey as a creative entrepreneur?
Delores Naskrent:
Sure, yeah, I was lucky to have been mentored by my high school teacher, mr Sandyman Actually, he was from the UK, if you can believe that, talk about a small world and he taught commercial art and we really got along well. I ended up doing some work placements while I was in school. It was like a trade school, and he showed me that it could be quite possible for me to make a living as an artist. So whenever I could, I was doing little jobs on the side and I knew that ultimately I wanted to have my own business. My family, everybody was in business and I, just I was imagining it, just imagining that I could do it.
Delores Naskrent:
And then about six months after high school I moved to the big city where I got my first job in the commercial art trade. That's what it was called back in the day job in the commercial art trade. That's what it was called back in the day commercial art. My first job happened to be in a sign shop which was way on the opposite side of town and it was two very long bus rides to get there, so that one only lasted for a couple days and then I quit. But my next job was working downtown in a garment factory and I ended up in the silk screen department where we created artwork mainly to be imprinted onto shirts and hats, but I also did a little bit of embroidery design for coats. But again, whenever I could, I was doing little jobs on the side and I knew that ultimately I wanted to be the boss of me. I wanted to have my own business that sounds awesome.
Kaylie Edwards:
That is such a great history and just so much experience. Yeah, I just I don't. Yeah, I always love hearing about your stories and your history. So what is the creative juggle joy podcast and why should you stick around? Well, if you're anything like me, juggling all the things, trying to keep those creative passions alive while managing the craziness of life, then this podcast is for you. We're here to chat about the highs and lows of being a multi-passionate creative or mumpreneur, and, trust me, we've got plenty of both. Dlores, I am eager to hear what has changed in the creative industry since you started 30 years plus ago.
Delores Naskrent:
So much has changed since that period of time, which was in the 1980s. I worked in the trade from approximately 1977 to 87. And in 1987 or thereabouts, that was when the first Mac computer hit the market. I have so much to share about this period of time. But what happened that was really significant for me at that time was I was offered my old mentor's teaching job. He is literally the one who called me up and said that I should go and apply for this job, and that's when I actually changed the course of my life and started teaching the commercial art trade in my old school.
Kaylie Edwards:
I love that. You've been in the creative industry for over 40 years, which is incredible. What inspired you to co-host this podcast with me?
Delores Naskrent:
incredible what inspired you to co-host this podcast with me. Okay, my inspiration for co-hosting with you, kayle, is that I spent many, many years on my own creating businesses and struggling with the part of it that I know nothing about, which is the marketing and promotion. In the last 10 years or so of running a business, though, it's become painfully obvious that I really need help when it comes to that part of my business the part that you do. So I realized that the missing link to succeed in my businesses was in marketing and promotion, and, honestly, I just desperately needed help. I wanted to focus on what I'm good at, because I've been coached and told that that's what I should be doing, and not spend years learning about marketing. I knew that to succeed in this business in my business I currently have I needed a dedicated person like you to work with me.
Kaylie Edwards:
Yes, and I've loved working with you since we started in August 2023.
Delores Naskrent:
I know isn't that great, it's a year. You're right, it's been such a journey.
Kaylie Edwards:
Yeah, it feels longer, but yeah, it does. So what can you expect from the Creative Juggle Joy podcast? We're going to cover it all, from marketing on a shoestring budget to those pesky perfectionist tendencies we all seem to have. We'll dive into the nitty-gritty of running a creative business, all while keeping it real about the juggles we face as women, moms and entrepreneurs. And don't worry, we'll be sprinkling in plenty of laughs, because if you can't laugh at the chaos, what's the point? Delores, what are some of your goals for our podcast?
Delores Naskrent:
Well, you know, kayleig, when you first suggested co-hosting, I thought well, the very first thing I thought of was are you kidding me? I mean me, do a podcast? But then the more I thought about it, you know, the more I thought you know what? That's actually perfect, because there's so many things that I want to share with the people that I serve, but I just can't put it all in my classes, like I always seem to miss something. So I wanted to have a different way to deliver some of the information.
Delores Naskrent:
That's not necessarily something that I would put into my classes and I love the fact that, you know, just between the two of us working together, we're kind of sharing these stories to each other about being entrepreneurs and about you know what it's like and I can totally relate to the things you're going to going through with. You know, having a toddler and trying to work from home. And, yeah, like I've tried so many things over the years, you've tried so many things. We've had lots of successes and failures between us already, so we've got lots we can talk about yes, I totally agree with that, Delores.
Kaylie Edwards:
How do you see our combined experience benefiting our listeners?
Delores Naskrent:
how do I see it? I think that because of the fact that we're coming from two different angles you're young, you know. I consider you to be probably on the pulse of what's really going on right now in the marketing world and in the creative world, I think that you're going to be able to touch on the things that you know are important, that somebody like me, who's older, that has taken. You know, like I've specialized in a certain area but I haven't taken a lot of time to really think about the real business aspects. I've been just really taking a deep dive into the illustration part of it and the learning of the creative business that I'm not doing the business part of it and the learning of the creative business that I'm not doing the business side of it, if that makes sense yes, yes, it does.
Kaylie Edwards:
I think we all get stuck in the throes of creativity and forgetting that our business actually needs attention as well. And you know, if no one knows what we're doing, then we can't sell to anybody. That's so. That's so true. Dlores, I know you're super passionate about digital art and teaching. What are some of the topics you're most excited to explore with our listeners?
Delores Naskrent:
oh good one. I really am excited to share about software and you know I love learning software. I've used all of the you know what you'd consider industry standard software out there the Adobe products and whatnot for years and years like since literally since 1987. I have been really exploring other programs and especially working on the iPad, and so I think what I'm most excited to do is to share about the work that I do on the iPad and the programs that I'm using that I use in my art licensing and in my creative, my creative practice. So it's I'm not just talking to you about it as if I think you should be using this stuff. I am literally running my business using this stuff, so I I'm really passionate about it. I really hope that I can share with you what I think is so exciting in the industry right now.
Kaylie Edwards:
I think that's a great answer because I think the creative industry is so much sorely lacking um passionate entrepreneurs who actually know how to use the software and teach it well and have that background. And yeah, I think it's a great idea. And I love your classes, obviously because you know they're just so great to go through, they're simple, you teach, your teaching skills are just phenomenal and I love, love doing your classes and I think anyone should go and check your classes out.
Delores Naskrent:
Thanks, thanks so much. I you know my favorite part is creating the, the projects. So my passion right now is in illustrating and creating on the iPad, but it's the project. So I work all day in my studio and I'm not doing art, I'm running my business, but when it comes to evening and spending time with my husband, we're technically watching TV, but it's him watching TV while I sit on my iPad playing and I'm creating projects and doing the I think the most fun work I have ever done in my life, and it's because I've gotten to that stage where I am completely in control of the software and I get so excited when I see my students have that same sort of feeling too when they they're using the software and they're really starting to get how that's going to affect the quality of their work, and some of the work that I'm seeing my students do right now is literally mind-blowing yes, it is.
Kaylie Edwards:
Some of the students work I've seen in the community is just incredible, u, and they, a lot of them, put their own twist on it and I think that's just brilliant, like how they use their own style and bring that into the work that they're creating through using your tutorials yes, and it's, it's.
Kaylie Edwards:
It's really rewarding, very, very rewarding yes, and your classes are so inspiring and they make me want to go out and go and pay on my credit card an ipad. But yeah, I need to. I need to be patient and get one when I, yeah, when.
Delores Naskrent:
I can. Hey, I didn't get an iPad for the longest time and I didn't even realize what it meant. What would change for me when I started to transfer what I had been doing in programs like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator on the iPad, and when I first started to use the iPad for that, those programs weren't really available yet on the iPad. So I was learning. Probably nobody will even remember this program, but I was illustrating on a program called ArtRage. It may still exist, but it was a really simplified version of what now has become Procreate.
Delores Naskrent:
Procreate has become that program for me and once I really started to get it then I was like, oh my goodness, I can't wait until Adobe Illustrator gets its you know program up to snuff and you know that I can do what I always do on my desktop on the iPad and unfortunately it never really materialized. So I spent most of my time working in Procreate until very recently when I started working with Affinity Designer on the iPad, the first version of it. Then everything that I could do on the desktop with my Illustrator program I could do on my iPad now with Affinity Designer, and I don't even have to tell you how much I love Affinity Designer that's going to come out in episodes that we'll talk about this, I'm sure, a million times, but anybody who's been in my classes knows that I've got a real love for that program right now.
Kaylie Edwards:
Yes, and if I had a little bit more time, I'd be back in Affinity Designer straight away playing around, because I love that software so much.
Delores Naskrent:
um, which is different to Photoshop, and that was the standard that I always played on since I was in school, high school, well, I'm really hoping that that all of you listeners out there are going to connect with us and follow us on social media and on our websites. I definitely, in my community, encourage everyone to share in each other's journeys, so I'm really hoping that's what's going to happen with this podcast, kayleig.
Kaylie Edwards:
That is a little bit about us and what we do, so we've got some seriously good stuff lined up for you. So think interviews with other creatives we've turned to who've turned their side hustles into thriving businesses, solo episodes from me and Delores where we'll get into the nitty-gritty of topics like scaling your business or embracing imperfection, digital art and, of course, our co-hosted episodes where Delores and I will share our stories, tips and maybe a few rants about the ups and downs of the crazy creative life. Dlores, we've both been on this creative journey for a while now. What one topic you think is super important for our listeners to hear, especially if they're just starting out?
Delores Naskrent:
I just want you to be encouraged. Keep your mind open to the fact that you are going to have a bunch of ups and downs, as you, you know. Try to develop a business or create a business. I want you to realize that there are so many people just like you. You're going to be sharing this journey with a lot of people. There are so many different directions you could go, and I just want you to remember that one way or the other, you will make it through. You will, step by step, make it through and create a really great business for yourself, and you just have to be patient and know that there are a lot of steps and it's all part of the journey.
Kaylie Edwards:
Very, very true. Before we sign off, I want to invite you to join us on this journey, because it's going to be a heck of a ride. Make sure to subscribe to the Creative Juggle oy podcast so you don't miss a single episode. And hey, if you like what you hear, leave us a review and share this podcast with your fellow creatives. The more the merrier, right, right.
Delores Naskrent:
That's great. I'm really looking forward to this. I want to encourage you to come out every week, every time we have an episode. I want you to be there and definitely reach out. Let us know some of the things that you're thinking when you're listening to our episodes. What would you like to hear from us and what did you like hearing about what we were talking about?
Kaylie Edwards:
Awesome. Thanks so much for tuning in to our very first episode. We can't wait to share more with you in the coming weeks. Until next time, keep juggling, keep smiling and remember there's joy in the journey, even on the craziest days.
Delores Naskrent:
Yep, that's right, see you soon.