The Creative Diaries Podcast
Are you a creative looking for real, unfiltered insights into the creative journey? Creative Diaries is the podcast for you! Hosted by designer Dimitra Tzanos, each week we dive into the human side of creativity, exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between. Through honest conversations with designers, artists, and dreamers, we uncover the challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons that shape their paths. From mindset and the creative process to branding & marketing, and the role of emerging tools like AI, this podcast offers actionable takeaways to help you grow. Tune in each week for inspiration, fresh perspectives, and the encouragement you need to keep creating.
Episodes

13 hours ago
13 hours ago
In this enlightening conversation, Zorica Obradovic discusses the nature of limiting beliefs, their origins, and their profound impact on creativity and personal growth. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these beliefs, how they are formed through childhood experiences, societal standards, and even ancestral influences. Zorica provides practical steps for identifying and overcoming these beliefs, encouraging listeners to embrace their creative nature and recognize their role as co-creators in life. The discussion culminates in the significance of intuition and self-acceptance as tools for empowerment and fulfillment.
Takeaways
Limiting beliefs are deeply rooted thoughts that create self-imposed boundaries.
They often stem from childhood experiences, societal standards, and ancestral influences.
Understanding the origins of limiting beliefs is crucial for personal growth.
Creatives are essential for the spiritual evolution of humanity.
Healing past traumas can empower individuals to succeed in life.
Self-acceptance and love are vital for embracing one's creative nature.
Intuition is a guiding force that leads to fulfillment and success.
We are all co-creators, and our creative energy is powerful.
Societal standards can distort our self-worth and creativity.
Listening to oneself is key to identifying limiting beliefs.
Useful Links to Zorica's work Zorica’s InstagramZorica on Youtube
Looking for More Support for Your Creative Journey
💡Mastering the Creative Mindset – free guide
📚Explore more resources
More About Creative Diaries
📤 Know someone who needs to hear this? Forward this episode to a creative friend!
💬 Enjoyed this episode?Your feedback means the world! If you loved what you heard, please take a moment to:→ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts→ Give a star rating on SpotifyIt helps other creatives find the show — and it keeps the conversations going.
🎙 Want to be a guest on Creative Diaries?
Come stay Hi!
📷 Come say hi on Instagram and tag me with your takeaways: @tzanos
😎 More About Dimitra Tzanos

13 hours ago
13 hours ago
In this conversation, Kourtni Gunn shares her journey as an artist, discussing the challenges of self-doubt, the impact of social media on creativity, and the importance of celebrating personal achievements. She emphasizes the need for self-acceptance and the understanding that every artist faces their own struggles, including imposter syndrome. Kourtni also highlights the significance of community support and the value of pushing oneself outside of comfort zones to grow creatively.
Takeaways
Self-doubt is a common hurdle for many artists.
Validation from others can motivate creative expression.
Pushing through fear can lead to personal growth.
Celebrating small wins is essential for self-esteem.
Comparison on social media can fuel imposter syndrome.
Every artist has a unique journey and timeline.
It's important to step back from social media when feeling overwhelmed.
Community support can help in overcoming creative challenges.
Imposter syndrome affects even the most successful artists.
Acknowledging limiting beliefs is the first step to overcoming them.
Useful Links about Kourtni's Creative WorldKourtni’s InstagramShop Kourtni Gunn Art Kourtni’s Story on Creative Diaries More about this episode on Creative Diaries
Looking for More Support for Your Creative Journey
💡Mastering the Creative Mindset – free guide
📚Explore more resources
More About Creative Diaries
📤 Know someone who needs to hear this? Forward this episode to a creative friend!
💬 Enjoyed this episode?Your feedback means the world! If you loved what you heard, please take a moment to:→ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts→ Give a star rating on SpotifyIt helps other creatives find the show — and it keeps the conversations going.
🎙 Want to be a guest on Creative Diaries?
Come stay Hi!
📷 Come say hi on Instagram and tag me with your takeaways: @tzanos
😎 More About Dimitra Tzanos

14 hours ago
14 hours ago
In this conversation, Dimitra and Jillian explore the theme of rejection in the creative industry, discussing how to navigate it with resilience and a positive mindset. They delve into personal experiences with rejection, the importance of understanding it as part of the creative process, and strategies for finding one's ideal client. The discussion emphasizes the significance of mindset shifts, the role of trends in creativity, and the necessity of follow-up in the pitching process. Jillian shares her journey of turning rejection into motivation and the importance of continuous improvement in one's work.
Takeaways
Rejection is a natural part of the creative process.
It's essential to separate personal feelings from professional rejection.
Understanding your ideal client avatar can guide your creative direction.
Mindset shifts can significantly impact your creative journey.
Follow-up is crucial in the pitching process.
Use rejection as a tool for self-improvement.
Creating work that resonates with your audience is key.
Trends can inspire creativity without compromising personal style.
Persistence is vital in overcoming rejection.
Every rejection brings you closer to your next opportunity.
Useful Links to Jillian's Creative World: Jillian’s InstagramJoin Jillian's incredible Creative Climb Newsletter Jillian’s Story on Creative Diaries More about this episode on Creative Diaries
Looking for More Support for Your Creative Journey
💡Mastering the Creative Mindset – free guide
📚Explore more resources
More About Creative Diaries
📤 Know someone who needs to hear this? Forward this episode to a creative friend!
💬 Enjoyed this episode?Your feedback means the world! If you loved what you heard, please take a moment to:→ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts→ Give a star rating on SpotifyIt helps other creatives find the show — and it keeps the conversations going.
🎙 Want to be a guest on Creative Diaries?
Come stay Hi!
📷 Come say hi on Instagram and tag me with your takeaways: @tzanos
😎 More About Dimitra Tzanos

14 hours ago
14 hours ago
In this conversation, Dimitra and Lauren discuss the pervasive issue of the comparison trap among creatives. They explore how comparison can lead to self-doubt and hinder creativity, while also sharing personal experiences and strategies to overcome these feelings. The discussion emphasizes the importance of reframing comparison as a source of inspiration rather than a measure of inadequacy. Practical tips for maintaining mental space and finding balance in the creative process are also provided, making this a valuable resource for anyone struggling with comparison in their artistic journey.
Takeaways
The comparison trap can significantly impact creativity and confidence.
It's essential to recognize when comparison leads to self-doubt.
Shifting focus from others to personal achievements can alleviate pressure.
Comparison can be reframed as a learning tool rather than a negative influence.
Creating before consuming content can protect mental space.
Taking breaks from social media can help regain perspective.
Acknowledging that feelings of inadequacy are normal is crucial.
Practicing positive affirmations can rewire negative thought patterns.
Finding inspiration in others should not come at the cost of self-worth.
It's important to share experiences and strategies to support fellow creatives.
Useful Links to Lauren and her creative world: Lauren's InstagramLauren's Story on Creative DiariesMore about this episode on Creative Diaries
Looking for More Support for Your Creative Journey
💡Mastering the Creative Mindset – free guide
📚Explore more resources
More About Creative Diaries
📤 Know someone who needs to hear this? Forward this episode to a creative friend!
💬 Enjoyed this episode?Your feedback means the world! If you loved what you heard, please take a moment to:→ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts→ Give a star rating on SpotifyIt helps other creatives find the show — and it keeps the conversations going.
🎙 Want to be a guest on Creative Diaries?
Come stay Hi!
📷 Come say hi on Instagram and tag me with your takeaways: @tzanos
😎 More About Dimitra Tzanos

14 hours ago
14 hours ago
Welcome to the first episode of Creative Diaries! In this episode, I share why I started this podcast and explore the concept of imperfect beginnings—the messy, uncertain first steps that are essential to every creative journey. I dive into the myths of perfectionism, fear of failure, and comparison, and how they hold us back. Plus, I share my own experience of launching this podcast and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. If you’ve ever hesitated to start something because it wasn’t ‘perfect,’ this episode is for you. Tune in and discover why the best way forward is to start before you're ready!
Takeaways
Waiting for the perfect moment keeps us stuck.
Starting imperfectly frees us from perfection pressure.
The podcast embodies embracing imperfect beginnings.
Growth comes from pushing through doubts and fears.
Mistakes are essential for learning and innovation.
Comparison hinders our ability to start.
Adopting a growth mindset helps overcome challenges.
Celebrating small wins is crucial for progress.
Imperfect beginnings are essential for creative growth.
Looking for More Support for Your Creative Journey
💡Mastering the Creative Mindset – free guide
📚Explore more resources
More About Creative Diaries
📤 Know someone who needs to hear this? Forward this episode to a creative friend!
💬 Enjoyed this episode?Your feedback means the world! If you loved what you heard, please take a moment to:→ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts→ Give a star rating on SpotifyIt helps other creatives find the show — and it keeps the conversations going.
🎙 Want to be a guest on Creative Diaries?
Come stay Hi!
📷 Come say hi on Instagram and tag me with your takeaways: @tzanos
😎 More About Dimitra Tzanos

Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Welcome to Creative Diaries, the podcast that explores the human side of creativity. I'm Dimitra Tzanos, a designer and creative passionate about uncovering the real stories behind the creative journey—the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
I started this podcast to create a space for honest and inspiring conversations about creativity. It's not just about the polished end results we see, but the raw, messy process that brings those ideas to life. Each week, we’ll dive into topics like mindset, the creative process, personal branding and marketing, and even how emerging tools like AI are reshaping the way we work.
Through conversations with designers, artists, storytellers, and dreamers, we’ll uncover the moments that shaped their paths, the challenges they overcame, the breakthroughs that kept them going, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Creative Diaries isn’t just about celebrating creativity—it’s about offering you fresh perspectives, and actionable takeaways to help you grow in your own creative journey. It’s a space to find encouragement, discover new ways to approach challenges, and remind yourself of the power and purpose behind your work.
So, whether you're building a creative business, chasing a dream, or simply looking for inspiration, come join me. Let’s navigate this beautifully imperfect creative world together.