Being a creative marketing agency, we’re no strangers to the benefit of professional development. We have bi-weekly time blocks for self-driven creative development — anything that inspires us and leads our team to create stronger branding and creative marketing campaigns. In the past, we’ve dug into design tutorials, marketing summits, web demonstrations, and so much more. Digging into our personal interests within our professional practice fuels us to be better designers, marketers, and all-around creative professionals.

Even with this professional development time built in, lately I’ve felt urgently drawn to creative work outside of our business. I love what I do, but I wanted to dig my hands into something outside of the confines of the computer. I’ve always been a creative person and dabbled in a variety of crafts, with sewing taking a front seat in the last few years. But at the end of 2022 I dove back into my pre-teen interest: pottery.

With a new studio opening down the street from our office at the Cotton Factory, I enrolled in a 6-week ceramics course to make a few things and spend quality time with my mom. What I didn’t expect was to finish the course and feel called to keep going. I dove back into the studio after our winter break and have quickly transitioned my pottery practice from twice a month to every few days. When I walk into the studio, I feel rejuvenated. I feel compelled to create, both personally and professionally.

I’ve been working to strike a balance between personal and professional development. The connection to me can be hard to explain, yet feels so unbelievably clear. By creating space for creativity, both inside and outside of the office, I become more patient, more compassionate, and more inspired to use my creativity to make an impact.

Sometimes, that impact is simply gifting a bowl that brings a friend a little joy. Other times, that’s crafting creative marketing campaigns that build community, connections, and compassion.

I love chatting about the connection between creativity and business, and the challenges that come with being “creative on demand” when working for clients. If you’re a creative human (including our clients!), my door is always open for good conversation.

Want to chat about creativity in business or how we can work together on a compassionate design project? Connect with Marin on LinkedIn or shoot her an email. Curious about Marin’s creative work outside of the office? Follow @marinmadethis on Instagram.