What Creativity Looks Like: Meet Linda

Welcome back to our What Creativity Looks Like series. Every week this summer, I’ll be introducing you to some amazingly creative women. My hope is as you read these interviews and virtually meet these ladies, you’ll be inspired to create more in your own life.

Let’s get started!

What’s your name (and business name, if you have one)?

Linda Tieu, creator of HappyPrintClub.com

Tell us about YOU. How is your creativity expressed?

As a busy working mom of two little ones, it’s so necessary for me to create as stress-relieving art therapy! The simplest joy is just putting pen to paper and drawing! I also love to take things to the computer and design to my heart’s content and create paper goods. But I certainly experiment with all kinds of media and crafty projects just for fun— embroidery, bookbinding, and scrapbooking just to name a few.

How did you get started in your creative practice? (“Practice” is just a fancy word for all the fun creative things you do. :))

When I first moved to Italy from the United States I had a lot of time on my hands (complete opposite from previous corporate lifestyle) so I experimented with everything I could get my hands on. It was such a fun time to just be a total beginner at everything!

What keeps you going?

Over the years I’ve learned that creative play is an integral part of keeping me healthy! So even if I don’t have a lot of free time, I still make sure I get some minutes for me here and there. It doesn’t have to be a huge project, just as long as it’s for fun!

What is your greatest joy?

My kids and family . . . that is number one. But if you mean in the creative arena, I would say the possibility in experimentation and playing around. It always results in positive feelings, learning, change, and growth!

What’s a “typical” day (or week) like for you? In other words, how do you incorporate creative projects into your life?

My week is very busy keeping up with freelance work and taking care of my kids, but I basically squeeze in creativity for myself whenever I can. I steal 15 minutes here and there throughout the day when possible and often getting up early and/or staying up late. It’s worth it!

What would you say to someone who wants to be creative but can’t find the time?

I would say to really take a time audit. We all have the same amount of time; it’s how we use it. Often we do burn a lot of time on things that ultimately we don’t really care that much about. We also let a lot of minutes tick by when we are waiting, so try to make use of that time.

What do YOU think creativity looks like?

I think ultimately creativity looks MESSY! Often people think that artists have this romantic lifestyle where we are struck with beautiful ideas and we execute in fashion and have this amazing work of art as the result. Whatever work you do, it is beautiful if you step back and look, but really it’s a messy imperfect and roller coaster kind of ride. That is actually normal! It took me a while to realize that.

Yes! Creativity can be very messy, but as Linda says so eloquently above, doing that work (and play) that is creativity is so worth it. It truly feeds your soul.

For all of my snail mail loving friends, (and I know there are a LOT of you out there!) you’ve got to check out Linda’s Happy Print Club. So much cuteness, and you can print her designs from your own computer. She also has an Etsy shop for those of you who love to buy pretty paper goods.

Have a lovely {and creative} day!