She/Her Artists Inspiring Me Lately
For Women's History Month, here are a few artists who inspire me to think, feel, and create more
Hi friends.
Usually when I report a story and eventually sit down to write, my inner voice chimes in to help. This inner voice is my editor, my coach, and my guide. She keeps the thoughts and writing flowing. Once I have a chunks of text to work with, even if they consist of “put interview with so-and-so source here,” she’ll get to work editing and revising in my subconscious. Her best work happens when I’m away from my desk, out running or reading a book or falling asleep. A few placeholder lines turn into crafted sentences that I can then transfer into my document. This is crucial part of my writing process. It’s all thanks to her.
But last month, I lost her. I’ve been working on two big writing projects and in desperate need of her help, but I couldn’t find her voice within me. She was silent. Day after day, I put thousands of words onto paper, stepped back, and heard nothing. This was devastating. After a week of this torment, I finally understood why. I started grabbing magazines off my bookshelves to spur some sort of thought, and I realized I hadn’t read a single piece of long-form journalism in a few months. I was out of practice. I hadn’t sat still enough to listen to her.
What I’m getting at is inspiration is such an important piece in any creator’s creative process. It’s why I just wrote about artists as art collectors and how a graphic designer turned my mood board into a new HHC logo. We as creators, as artists surround ourselves with materials that stir new ideas and motivate us to make more. What we consume influences what we create.
Now that my projects are wrapping up (I made my way through them, hallelujah) I’ve had time to read long-form stories again and I’ve been returning to artists who spark my creativity. It feels good to reignite the fire. So for Women’s History Month, I pulled together a short list of some of the female-identifying content creators, writers, designers, curators, and other types of artists to share with you.
I hope you never lose your inner voice.
With love,
1. Anna Fusco of
A newsletter I always read as soon as it lands in my inbox. Anna makes art and writes about self-actualization, relationships, and creativity.
2. Justine Agana
Justine is a Calgary creator and athlete who documents her outfits and adventures. I love that she combines technical outdoor gear with high fashion.
3. Mélanie Johnson
Mélanie is a UK-based illustrator. Her patterns are fun, but I also appreciate that she’s always so transparent about what she’s going through as an entrepreneur.
4. Britt Hawkes of Sea + Pattern
The most beautiful jewelry, from freshwater pearls to colorful glass beads. I discovered her brand at one of my favorite boutiques in Portland.
5. Erin Rose
Erin is a writer who shares snippets of her words on the page. I love that she intentionally situates photos of her life next to words from her life in her grid.
6. Mal of Snarky But Delish
Plated comfort food that has my mouth watering. Her visual food journal motivates me to look for new recipes and amp up my cooking game.
7. Natasha Garrett of Roam Studio
Every vintage piece that Natasha sources for her studio is gorgeous. Trench coats, fringed jackets, mock necks, linen shifts. I simply want them all. Also the tones 😍
8. Jordan Barton
A Portland-based illustrator, Jordan’s designs are whimsical and full of love. She also knits the coolest sweaters and documents her slow-fashion fits.
9. Erica Kim of A History of Architecture
Another slow-fashion curator! Erica makes getting dressed look easy. I’m constantly inspired by how she pairs surprising colors.
10. Leila of Leila Makes
Of course I had to include a sewist on this list! I’m always keeping an eye on what Leila sews next. She often posts process photos and hack tutorials.
Let me know if you like these lists! To discover more inspiring female makers and artists, dive into the Honing Her Craft archives to read 30+ interviews.