Canvas & Conversations

What can one simple circle become? In this Creative Play episode, we're setting perfection aside and giving our imaginations a chance to wander. This fun, low-pressure challenge is a great way to loosen up, spark new ideas, and remind yourself that creativity doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you create along while listening or save this challenge for another day, I hope it inspires...

Nine months into this podcast, I'm taking a moment to reflect on the journey so far—sharing a few updates, some exciting changes, and where Mind Over Mata is headed next. This bonus episode is also a reminder that these check-ins are for you . If you have a creative question, a topic you'd like me to explore, or simply want to share your thoughts, I'd love to hear from you. Leave a com...

Welcome to Canvas & Conversations ! In this short trailer, I’ll introduce myself, share what this podcast is all about, and give you a glimpse into each episode type—from Creative Play and Friendly Words to Studio Notes and Spotlight Interviews. If you're looking for a cozy, encouraging space to create, reflect, and connect with other creatives, you're in the right place. Website &...

In this Spotlight Interview, I'm sitting down with Dane to talk about rediscovering creativity after getting caught up in the responsibilities of everyday life. We talk about the comic book he's currently writing, balancing personal art with a creative career, and making time for the work that genuinely brings you joy. Our conversation also explores the growing role of AI in the art world,...

What if one simple supply could be used for more than you originally thought? In this Studio Note, I'm sharing a creative tool that has found its way into several of my projects and become much more useful than I expected. Whether you journal, craft, or just someone who enjoys adding personal touches to your creations, this might be worth exploring. Be sure to follow / subscribe for more creat...

Putting yourself out there can be scary. Whether it's sharing your work, meeting new people, joining a community, or simply allowing yourself to be seen, it can bring up a lot of questions and self-doubt. If you've been feeling nervous about taking that next step, this letter is for you. Just know that you're not alone. I've been there too, and sometimes we all need a reminder that we're more capa...

Looking for a creative excuse to get outside? In this Guided Creativity episode, we're slowing down, taking a nature walk, and turning simple treasures from the outdoors into a playful piece of art. It's a mindful activity that encourages creativity, movement, and a little curiosity along the way. Whether you're creating solo, with a friend, or with your kids, I hope this exercise insp...

In this Spotlight Interview, I’m sitting down with Allistar Banks, a writer and creator I connected with through Threads. Allistar creates a variety of work — from journals and courses to children’s books and cookbooks — all inspired by her personal experiences and growth journey. In this conversation, we talk about how she’s navigated self-doubt, built confidence in her voice, and now uses her wr...

Curious about digital art but don’t have access to Procreate? In this Studio Note, I’m sharing an alternative I found while working with what I have — and how it’s helped me start exploring digital creation without needing a perfect setup. If you’ve been wanting to try digital art but aren’t sure where to begin, this might be something worth looking into. If you’ve tried this app or have another f...

Quitting can feel like the easiest option when things get hard — especially when you can’t see how it’s all going to work out. If you’ve been questioning your path or wondering if it’s time to walk away, this letter is for you. Sometimes we just need a reminder to hold on a little longer and trust that where we are right now isn’t the end of the story. If this resonates with you, I hope it encoura...

Sometimes all it takes is a small shift in focus to see the world a little differently. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, this simple color photo walk is an invitation to slow down, step outside (or stay in), and notice what’s been there all along. If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to see what you capture. Before you begin, you may want to have: – Your phone or a camer...

In this bonus episode, I’m slowing things down and sharing a few behind-the-scenes updates — from small shifts in the podcast to where I’ve been creatively and mentally lately. This is a more casual check-in… a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect. I also talk a bit about what’s coming next, including live streaming and creating more space for us to connect in real time. If you’ve ever felt the...

In this Spotlight Interview, I’m sitting down with Alyssa Snodgrass, a full-time artist creating nature-inspired acrylic paintings. We talk about her journey as an artist, her goal of creating large-scale pieces for gallery exhibits, and how she’s been focusing on smaller works as a way to connect more personally with her audience. Alyssa shares how participating in art markets has helped her not...

In this Studio Note, I’m sharing a small, simple tool that’s made recording feel a lot more doable for me — a wireless lavalier mic that plugs right into my phone. As always, this isn’t about having the “perfect” setup — it’s about finding what helps you begin. If you’ve tried something like this (or found something you love even more), I’d genuinely love to hear about it. We’re all figuring this...

Feeling overwhelmed can make everything feel heavier than it really is — like no matter how much you do, there’s always more waiting. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin or unsure where to start, this letter is for you. Sometimes we just need a reminder to slow down, take a breath, and focus on one thing at a time. I hope these words feel like a small moment of calm and encouragement in whatever...

Sometimes we just need a simple moment to slow down, play, and reconnect with ourselves. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from your creativity, this gentle exercise is for you. In this Guided Creativity session, we’re using color, movement, and gratitude to create without pressure. There’s no right or wrong way to do this—just soft, mindful lines and a space to let your t...

In this Spotlight Interview, I’m sitting down with Charity to talk about her creative journey and how photography has become a meaningful outlet alongside her work in real estate. We chat about her background in illustration, what inspires her to get out and capture moments through photography, and the creative projects she has lined up this summer. This conversation also opens up a thoughtful dis...

In this first Studio Notes episode, I’m sharing lessons and reminders I’ve gathered from three books by Austin Kleon — Steal Like an Artist , Show Your Work! , and Keep Going . These reflections have helped me rethink creativity, sharing my work, and allowing myself to have multiple interests without feeling “off-brand.” Sometimes we just need reminders like these to get out of our own heads and k...

Self-doubt happens to all of us — and if you’ve been feeling hesitant or unsure of yourself lately, this letter is for you. Sometimes we just need to hear from a friend that we’re doing okay and that we’re capable of more than we think. I hope these words encourage you in whatever season you’re in. If this episode resonates, let me know — these letters are meant to remind you that you’re never alo...

In this Guided Creativity episode, we’ll spend 10 gentle minutes exploring bilateral drawing — using both hands at once to create freely and without judgment. This simple exercise can help release stress, calm the nervous system, and give you insight into where you’re at emotionally today. All you need is paper and two writing utensils. Afterward, we’ll take a moment to reflect on what came throug...

In this heartfelt Spotlight Interview, I’m joined by Annathia of Sagely Poetry for a gentle, meaningful conversation about creativity, legacy, and honoring the stories that live on through art. We talk about their journey with poetry and short stories, what it’s been like publishing their own books, and the goals and hurdles they’re currently navigating as a creative. We also reflect on love, loss...

This is the first episode in a new Letter for… series — short, gentle episodes written and read like a letter from a friend. In this episode, I’m sharing words meant for those moments when you feel behind, overwhelmed, or quietly questioning if you’re doing enough. It’s a reminder that your effort matters, your pace is valid, and you’re allowed to keep building without rushing. If affirmations fee...

In this Deep Blog Dive, I reflect on a simple but meaningful tradition — writing a letter to my future self at the start of the year. I share what I wrote, how it helped me stay mindful and kind to myself through 2025, and how even small reflections can bring perspective, encouragement, and growth. Are you planning to write a letter to your future self this year? Or maybe you have another yearly t...

In this guided creativity episode, we’re trying a gentle journaling practice called automatic writing — a simple way to get thoughts out of your head and onto paper without pressure, judgment, or overthinking. This is a space to write freely, let your mind wander, and release whatever’s been sitting beneath the surface. No rules, no expectations — just you, the page, and a few quiet moments to bre...

In this final Spotlight Interview of 2025, I’m sitting down with RJ , a fellow creative I connected with through Instagram and an artist trading card exchange. We chat about his artist trading cards, where his ideas come from, and what inspires his creative process. We also dive into his refreshing outlook on social media — from batching content and documenting his work, to focusing less on follow...