✧ · . Welcome to Studio Diaries .· ✧

A cozy gathering place for artists and creatives + what to expect here.

Hello love,

We live in a noisy online world that makes constant demands on our attention, pulling our focus from one shiny new thing to another. It’s easy to lose ourselves here, to forget why we started doing something, to compare our lives to those we see online, to go running after the twinkling dreams that online influencers sell us.

I know that I’ve been guilty of this multiple times. Chasing dreams that are not mine. Creating goals around things that don’t really matter to me. Feeling like a failure when I couldn’t wrap my head around something seemingly simple, until I realized the problem wasn’t with my lack of comprehension, it was with my utter lack of interest in that seemingly simple thing.

For a long time now, I have craved a space that felt spacious, peaceful, and quiet. Away from algorithms and SEO and website stats. A space where I could hear myself think — where I could share my art and my words without feeling like I was performing or desperately paddling to keep up with the demands of an ever-changing algorithm. And I wanted to gather around with other creatives while doing it.

I found that space here, on Substack. I love the fact that this is an ad-free, distraction-free zone, a place that encourages reflection and conversations. I love all the community tools it has — comments, discussion threads, notes! — and I love how easy it is to use, both as a writer and a reader.

So here I am. And here we are.

What to expect from Studio Diaries

I have a plan of sorts, of course — pages and pages of journaling and heartstorming to clarify what I am doing here and why. And it looks something like this:

• Pages from my art journal, along with some notes on the creative process

• Behind-the-scenes in my studio — works in progress, studio additions, or odes to my favorite supplies

• Essays on the creative life and on other ideas that capture my interest {like productivity, journaling, mindset, etc.}

• Creative prompts to explore in your sketchbooks and art journals

I’m really excited about the possibilities that this space offers, and to see how it evolves and grows. And I would absolutely love to have you along for the ride!

If you have any questions at all, drop me a comment and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of my journey.

Shinjini xx

Kind words from readers

“I really enjoy your letters! I always feel so uplifted and energized when I read them. But, the best part is there are always little nuggets of information and suggestions for helpful practices, so I really do feel like I come away with something great! Thank you so much for all of your letters and for the time and energy you have put into them all.” — Barbara Holt

“I wanted to take a moment to thank you for everything – your podcasts are my absolute favorite, and your emails are just beautiful and always thought provoking and helpful and your website is just full of creative inspiration. You’ve helped me through the last year or so in so many ways. My art practice is still in its infancy, but I’m getting there. Thank you.” — Laura Works

“I appreciate the spaciousness that is in this email, and in most of your communications. There's nothing hurried here. It's a nice place to step into. Thank you.” — Walker Bass