Courage is not the absence of fear

Hi, I’m Erin. A lifelong creator. An artist at my core. And someone who has reached a pivotal moment in both life and career — stepping fully into my passion for art and design.

 To be honest, I’m scared.
Scared of being seen.
Scared of failing.
Scared of not being enough.

There is so much I want to make, build, and bring into the world, and at times I have no idea where to begin. So I’m starting here — by accepting where I am, naming what I feel, and letting this beginning be perfectly imperfect.

I’m a neurodivergent, “neurospicy” creative with more ideas than I can count. Ideas I’ve whispered to myself for years. Ideas I’m finally ready to share. And yet, I’d be lying if I said I don’t get intimidated or overwhelmed. There are countless talented artists and designers in the world, and while their work inspires me, endless scrolling can also take a toll. It’s easy to slip into comparison—wondering where I fit in, how I’ll stand out, or what makes me unique.

For most of my life, visibility has felt unsafe. I didn’t grow up with the obvious support or scaffolding that helps a creative person develop confidence. So, I learned to create quietly—behind the scenes, within deadlines, inside systems built for other people. Twenty years in marketing and communications let me participate in creative work, but always from the background. It was safe to build other people’s visions. Safe to stay small and controlled. Safe to not be fully seen.

So yes, even something as simple as putting my photo, full name or email address on my own website feels uncomfortable. But discomfort does not mean I’m on the wrong path. It means I’m doing something new.

Here’s what I do know:

• My aesthetic is strong.

• My understanding of color is advanced.

• My creative intuition is reliable.

• My empathy gives me deep insight into people and their needs.

• I’m a clear communicator.

• I care—about details, about people, about how a space feels.

As I build this new chapter, I’m designing systems that work for my neurodivergent brain—minimalist, structured, and supportive rather than overwhelming. I’m creating a path that aligns with my wiring instead of fighting against it.

My success will come from building a design career around how my brain actually works, not how I’ve been conditioned to operate.

This is the start.

I hope you’ll trust me as I continue learning how to trust myself, unconditionally.

— E.

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.

~Nelson Mandela