🎨my creative journey since i QUIT TEACHING. whew! ᕦʕ •ᴥ•ʔᕤ

[@Privatewarthog]

You are so wise and cool and such an inspiration to me and I’m so lucky that I got to marry you!!

[@sowhatstudio_]

thank you my honey!!!!!!!! 🥹💋💗

[@DQ_ArtGroupie]

@@sowhatstudio_ Oh you crazy kids in love...!!

[@BangtanAjumma]

I've definitely felt this urge to question why I think my work is special enough to add yet ANOTHER sticker seller to Etsy, but early on when I was starting my shop, I remember asking my self that question and I realized, as trite and cliche as it sounds, I do it because there is only one me. Even if there are hundreds of others who do exactly what I do on that platform I am the only one bringing my personality and "me-ness"! Two people can make exactly the same item, but they will inherently be different because we each bring our own individuality to a piece simply due to the fact that we are individuals with a different set of experiences and attitudes from one person to the next. Thanks for sharing your experiences and your art with us Michelle!! I'm so glad I found your channel last year and can't wait to see what's in store!

[@sowhatstudio_]

EXACTLY!!!!!!! you get 100%!! i couldn’t have said it better myself. 🫶💕we create because it’s like an itch. we need to express ourselves bc no one else can do it like us, for us. thank u for sharing your thoughts with me and thank you for watching. 🌷

[@BangtanAjumma]

@@sowhatstudio_

[@DQ_ArtGroupie]

Yours is easily the coolest Michigan accent I've ever heard!! Your zig-zaggy life story is interesting too. Those are the most interesting life stories, where the person had to try a bunch of things before something eventually floated their boat. I'm paraphrasing Jerry Yarnell, the TV painting teacher guy who said something like, "Bravery isn't not being afraid to do something. It's being afraid to do something, and then doing it afraid." Looks like you've got pretty mad crafting skills too. I'm subbing your channel so I can swing by here from time to time.

[@sowhatstudio_]

what a meaningful quote - thank you for sharing. :o) my accent is a little bit of a hybrid - but it's mostly australian cuz i learned how to speak english there! :-) thank you for subscribing!! hopefully i can get some more crafty vids out soon!

[@DQ_ArtGroupie]

@@sowhatstudio_ I recently learned the meaning of the word "Ute" from Plein Air Painter/Adventurer Kate Bonnie's channel after asking her what it meant. A few years ago I binge-watched "McLeod's Daughters" and picked up heaps of Outback rancher slang, which is fun, but not very useful where I live. Anyway, I'm glad I happened onto your channel. 🙂

[@amiimiis]

Finding your channel during my current art block/imposter syndrome stage was truly a blessing. I truly feel so inspired to get back in the studio and start working on ideas that I've been putting on the backburner purely out of self doubt. Thank you for letting us into your journey and sharing your thoughts on what you've experienced! ✨

[@sowhatstudio_]

ahhh comments like yours are why i make my videos!! so glad you relate and got some encouragement from my story. all the best to you as you get back to your creative journey!! xo 🥰

[@sowhatstudio_]

⏰time stamps: 0:00 who am i 1:49 dumplings and disclaimers 2:47 teacher burnout 5:05 stumbling into UX/product design 7:24 starting my small business 8:52 some thoughts on originality 11:05 don’t be afraid to be seen trying 12:52 there are good things on the other side of your fear!!!

[@yarnrat-rhi]

Omg my birthday is also 2/26!!! :) I've followed and loved your art for a while, but just recently found your youtube channel. I've been enjoying it so much and it's been making me happy! It's so nice and peaceful to have on when I'm crocheting. I appreciate all that you do and am grateful you're sharing it with us all!

[@sowhatstudio_]

yeyyyy february birthdays!!🙌💕im so so glad you're tagging along on my fiber art journey!! im sure you have witnessed my growth and some changes along the way since the beginning days hehe. so grateful to have you here!!! thank you💓💓

[@ariesmry]

this is the exact message that I needed to hear, at the right time. My life has finally gotten to a place where I can support my dreams and I've been in such a creative rut now that I have the space to really dive into my creative practice. And it's really because identity-wise, there is a fear of calling myself an artist because I feel like such a novice. Its always inspiring to see other artists out there creating despite these thoughts- thank you for sharing your journey

[@sowhatstudio_]

i'm so happy for u that you're in a good place to nourish your creativity

[@Tomothy.a]

Thank you for sharing your story, I’ve just found your KZbin channel and I really enjoy the vibes of your videos! I finished my undergrad last year and I’ve been torn between finding a full time corporate job vs building my own small business, so hearing your story is really encouraging!

[@sowhatstudio_]

thank you for tuning in!! congratulations on finishing up your undergrad. so far, i have found that it has been possible to do a little bit of both things. i’m not quite sure if that will last or if that direction will change - but i’m glad i at least got started on *a* path. all the best to you!!! cheering you on as you carve your way into your young adulthood!! 🫶💕

[@ChantelleArts]

This is fascinating, stayed till the end ☺☺

[@sowhatstudio_]

ohh thank u!! i appreciate that very much 🥹🫶💕

[@Alissaemilyart]

I truly enjoyed hearing your story, thank you so much for sharing your journey! What an inspiring 16min for someone like me who's been on the cusp of starting a creative journey for YEARS! I'm super close to opening up a small art/illustration shop for my work and am definitely in the fear phase 😅 Have a lovely day!

[@sowhatstudio_]

ohhhh thank you for sharing that with me!!! so glad my story has helped you. ❤️‍🩹 congrats on the steps you have taken for your illustration and art!! cheering you on as you embark on your creative journey💗💗💗

[@Itzamyzeng]

I’m currently just getting into teaching and I’ve been second guessing myself. There are so many things I want to get into (teaching, art and etc) and this video made me feel more sorted with my feelings regarding it all 💗

[@sowhatstudio_]

take your time~ there is time to explore.🪴🌱 you can always start something and decide to change your mind along the way (or not). i know it isn't easy and i am not even sure myself where to put my foot next on some days. but somehow i do!! we can do it!! step by step hahah💪

[@sara.m.a179]

thankyou for being vulnerable with us. i relate to u so much and thankyou for ur advice

[@sowhatstudio_]

aww im so glad you found my story relatable!! thank you so much for tuning in and listening☺💕

[@empty_shrimp]

Hello Michelle! I’m watching you, but you’ve given me hope to create something. I’m from a small town in Russia and I’m slowly creating keychains/badges from canvas, I’m also trying to learn how to knit, create something from clay and also from felt. There was a lot of worry about this, that maybe someone wouldn’t particularly like my idea and idea, but it worked out anyway! I do everything in a measured manner and make people happy on TikTok and hope that my products will be bought. So thank you for the inspiration you gave me in this choice of path. Sincerely, a Russian fan of your work ✨

[@sowhatstudio_]

hello!!! I'm so glad I was able to encourage you to keep creating!! I am so grateful that us creative people can connect like this from all over the world. keep up the great work! thank you so much for the lovely message and for tuning into my channel🥰🥰🥰

[@kcarra247]

I'm at the beginning of this pathway for the exact reasons; thank you for being an inspiration

[@sowhatstudio_]

thank you so much for tagging along!! i wish you only the best as embark on this path!!

[@ashleyrichardson8971]

Just have to say I love your videos and following your creative journey!

[@sowhatstudio_]

thank you so much ashley!! your words always brighten my day🥰🌷

[@CatCake579]

Ive been struggling with confidence for me and my art. I made these hand sewn felt creatures during the lockdown and i have a small collection that im too scared to show off.

[@sowhatstudio_]

aww i understand how you’re feeling 🥺. i think sometimes it helps to start small. the confidence will grow as you improve and try new things. confidence is not a prerequisite- it comes later, in my experience. if you’re willing, you can send me a message privately if you’d like some new eyes on your creations🥰 but no pressure at all - only if you feel like it🫶❤️‍🩹!!! xo no pressure and no rush. anytime at all.💕💕

[@Midori_Seabreeze]

Right now I’ve been forced to switch locations for teaching. The limitations set by the new schools are trying my patience. I enjoy teaching but not with both arms tied behind my back. I am a creative at heart, went to school for it. I have a novel in its final draft I’m *this* close to finishing. I’m not sure why YT showed me your channel, but it feels like the right choice. ❤

[@sowhatstudio_]

i'm sorry to hear about the restrictions the schools have placed on you. it must be very frustrating. i want to congratulate you that you're so close to finishing your novel!!! that's amazing. i admire writers and their gifts so much. i am cheering you on in your next steps!! 🥹💪💗

[@HippieHooray]

Loved this video 🥰 my first job also was teacher and got burned out immediately! I have a bachelor in webdesign/digital design but now I don't know if I want to use that creative juice for jobs 😂 I'm currently on a point I'm gonna try out different types of jobs as internships so this was very nice to see ❤

[@sowhatstudio_]

ohhhh yes you get it 100%! burnout is no joke. sending you all the positivity so that you can funnel your creativity into the things you love!! good luck on the internship search! 💕💕💕

[@HerbalAssailant]

I really needed to hear that last bit about pushing through fear. I've been stuck inactive for a long time after quitting my last job and it has been difficult for me to go out and find a new job after moving 😢

[@sowhatstudio_]

oh yes 🥺it can be tricky navigating after a life change like quitting your job and moving! how are you adjusting with everything else after your move? i hope you're doing well and taking things one by one. ❤‍🩹

[@HerbalAssailant]

@@sowhatstudio_ I moved to a new country! 😬 Which I love but it's difficult to find a job when I don't speak the main language yet (and have horrible anxiety...) Thankfully I have a wonderful boyfriend that has been taking care of me so even when things are tough I have him for support ❤

[@sowhatstudio_]

@@HerbalAssailant congrats on the big move!! i'm so glad to hear you have a support system! sometimes that makes all the difference you need

[@mathildacrafts]

MICHELLE!! I used to be a teacher too!! I'm 33 this year too!!!!!!! Great video again! I really enjoyed watching it 😋

[@sowhatstudio_]

NOOOO WAYYY mathilda!!!!! so many similarities lololololll 😭💕 how did you find teaching??

[@seng9670]

I love all your videos especially this one ❤I can so relate to everything!

[@sowhatstudio_]

ahhh i’m so glad to hear that you relate!!!! makes me feel not alone. thank you for tuning in and for your lovely comment. 🥹🫶💕xx

[@themultifacetedlady]

This was so very interesting to listen to and to watch 🩷🌷 and also, everything you make is beautiful 🧚🫶

[@sowhatstudio_]

oh my goodness thank you!! i appreciate that so much and thanks for tuning in. i just watched one of your videos. you have such a calming energy. keep up the lovely work! ☺💗

[@themultifacetedlady]

@@sowhatstudio_ 🥺 thank you so so much, you made me really emotional that is so sweet 🩷🩷

[@sowhatstudio_]

@@themultifacetedlady 💌💌💌💌!!!!