Episode 28 – Creative Energy, Client Work, and Finding Your Groove

In this week’s episode of Pickles and Pasta, Jay and Steph start with some classic winter banter, from Miami “cold” to the relief of longer daylight after a never-ending January. Then they shift into a thoughtful conversation about different types of creativity and why creating “from the soul” feels fundamentally different than creating within client constraints, budgets, and practical parameters.

They unpack the difference between being an artist versus being a creative-for-hire, and how Steph is navigating a new in-between space: making paintings that still use her artistry but are also product-driven (built to meet a need in the marketplace). Jay reflects on how money, time, and materials quietly change the creative process, and how emotional bandwidth (family stress, world stress, exhaustion) can deeply affect whether the creative mind can “access the work.”

They also share a practical takeaway for business owners: choosing the right clients is an art, and protecting peace of mind matters as much as the paycheck. The episode wraps with a light rapid-fire round (seasonal cravings, condiments, and the surprisingly enjoyable doctor visits), plus a warm sign-off to keep you cozy wherever you’re listening.

Topics Covered:

• How and why creatives work differently
• Artist vs designer vs creative entrepreneur
• Product-driven work vs personal art
• How emotional overload blocks creativity
• Balancing care for loved ones with creative focus
• The importance of choosing the right clients
• Rapid fire: seasonal favorites, condiments, and favorite doctors

Wherever you are, stay warm, enjoy the longer light, and we’ll see you next week. Same bat time, same bat channel.