I'm joined by Lee-Sean Huang and Giulia Donatello from AIGA to explore the future of creative careers. We dig into why community matters more than ever, the opportunities that come from conferences, and the shifts happening with freelancing, agency life, and AI. Whether you're just starting out or you're seasoned in the design world, this conversation is packed with insights for building a sustainable and connected career.

✨ Special Giveaway Alert! ✨
Share this episode on Instagram by Friday, October 3. Tag @dianadaviscreative and @aigadesign, and include your biggest takeaway from the episode. You'll be entered to win two free tickets to the AIGA Design Conference in LA, October 9–11. 🎟 Conference details here.

👉 Winners will be announced on Saturday, October 4.

• The free resources AIGA provides for designers at all stages

• Why community is essential for creative professionals

• The networking magic of conferences

• Freelancing vs. agency life — and what you learn from both

• The evolving impact of AI on design and creativity

• Building a portfolio that opens doors

• Why authenticity in networking matters

• How participating in events can fuel inspiration

• Translating creative ideas into real results

🎨 AIGA Design Conference — October 9–11 in Los Angeles. Learn more here.

💡 1:1 Coaching — Private coaching to get clarity, strategy, and aligned action in your creative business. Apply here

🌈 HUMAN: The Personal Brand Accelerator — A self-paced program to help you build a magnetic, aligned brand that feels like you. Go at your own pace while unlocking major clarity. Learn more

🛝 Recess for Creatives — The community playground where collaboration and connection fuel your business. Two live calls a month and an amazing crew of creatives. Join here

☎️ Follow me on Instagram @dianadaviscreative for behind-the-scenes and creative biz inspo.

This one's emotional, raw, and a big moment in my journey. And we recorded it on the 999 portal! I sit down with Candace to talk about transformation, intuition, and the powerful, sometimes painful, process of letting go.

We unpack in LIVE TIME my decision to close Camp Clarity, what it means to listen to your intuition even when it's scary, and why community is the backbone of growth. We also dive into the role of the inner critic, the magic of the divine collective, and the way tarot can reveal clarity when you're standing at a crossroads.

This is an episode about vulnerability, evolution, and embracing creativity as a non-negotiable. If you've ever been in the messy middle of change, this conversation is for you.

She also gives us a live group reading. Don't miss it.

Sign up for Candace's Private Pod, Energy here!

• My emotional journey and recent quantum leap

• The significance of ending Camp Clarity

• Why community and connection matter so deeply

• Transformation as hard but necessary work

• The inner critic — as both challenge and teacher

• How to trust intuition when making big decisions

• The concept of a divine collective for guidance and support

• Tarot insights for clarity and direction

• Why non-negotiables fuel joy and focus

• Creativity as a divine obligation

⛺️ Camp Clarity has its final round running now — a three-month journey to clarity, clients, and cash. Come join us for the finale.

🛝 Recess for Creatives is our playground for community and connection — with two calls a month and an incredible group of creatives who get it.

☎️ Follow me on Instagram @dianadaviscreative for daily behind-the-scenes, inspiration, and updates.

I get vulnerable and real about the messy side of entrepreneurship — the parts we don't see on Instagram. From debt and negative months to burnout and the emotional rollercoaster of running a creative business, I'm sharing my behind-the-scenes truth and why I believe these struggles need to be normalized.

This isn't about chasing shiny revenue numbers. It's about redefining success, letting go of shame, and realizing you're not broken if business feels hard sometimes. This episode is for every creative entrepreneur who's ever thought: "Am I the only one going through this?"

• Why I almost didn't record this episode (and why it matters)

• Whether success is only about money (spoiler: it's not)

• Debt and why it's not the big bad monster it's made out to be

• Permission to have a negative month in business

• The emotional toll entrepreneurship takes on your mental health

• Why artists and creatives often feel undeserving of success

• The importance of normalizing struggle in our industry

• Asking the real question: Can I be excited about it all?

⛺️ Camp Clarity kicks off September 18 — This is my 3-month live group program for creatives ready to get clients, build clarity, and make cash in their business—with no blueprints required. Apply here!

🛝 Recess for Creatives is the community playground where you'll find connection, collaboration, and support. Two live calls a month + a whole network of creatives who get it. Join the playground!

☎️ Follow me on Instagram @dianadaviscreative for more behind-the-scenes and daily business real-talk.

✅ Success isn't only about revenue
✅ Debt doesn't define your worth or your business
✅ You're allowed to have a negative month
✅ Artists are allowed to be successful
✅ Entrepreneurship takes an emotional toll — and that's normal
✅ Struggle doesn't mean you're failing — it means you're human
✅ Sometimes the messiest moments bring the clearest answers

00:00 – Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity
07:39 – Redefining Success Beyond Financial Metrics
10:34 – Navigating Debt and Business Challenges
13:41 – The Emotional Toll of Entrepreneurship
16:58 – Normalizing Business Struggles and Failures
19:46 – The Artist's Dilemma: Success vs. Authenticity