Creating Joy

The Importance of Celebrating Milestones as an Artist and a Parent

"Creativity thrives not just in the work we produce, but in the moments we choose to cherish. Celebrate, embrace joy, and let life be your greatest inspiration."

Life as an artist is unpredictable—one moment, you're riding the high of creativity, and the next, you're navigating financial uncertainty. The struggle to balance passion, work, and personal life is a constant push and pull.

But amidst the chaos, some moments remind us why we push forward, why we hustle, and why we refuse to give up.

For me, that moment was my daughter's 5th birthday.

She had been counting down the days, her excitement bubbling over every morning as she woke up asking, “When are we going to the playground?” So, my wife and I decided to go all in—renting a kid’s playground, setting up a Super Mario & Princess Peach theme, and making sure she had the celebration she dreamed of.

When the big day arrived, she wore her Princess Peach costume with pride, running around with boundless energy, her joy radiating in every laugh and every hug.

Watching her play with her friends, completely immersed in the moment, reminded me of something that I, as an artist, often forget—the power of joy, of living in the present, and of giving yourself permission to celebrate.

Why This Matters

Growing up, I didn’t have the luxury of grand birthday parties or themed celebrations. Money was tight, and survival often took precedence over celebration. So when I had my own child, I made a promise to give her the experiences I never had—not just in material things, but in moments of happiness, togetherness, and pure childhood wonder.

As artists, we tend to put everything—our energy, our resources, our emotions—into our work. We chase projects, deadlines, and creative breakthroughs, sometimes at the cost of living our lives fully.

How many times have we:

Turned down quality time with loved ones because we were "too busy" working?
Did you feel guilty for taking a break or spending on something non-work related?
Prioritized career growth over personal growth and experiences?

But what’s the point of creating beautiful things if we don’t take the time to experience beauty in our own lives?

Balancing Creativity & Life’s Precious Moments

This birthday celebration wasn’t just for my daughter—it was for me, too. A reminder that life isn’t just about hustling, surviving, or chasing the next gig.

It’s about making memories, finding joy in the little things, and embracing the present moment.

So, to my fellow artists, creators, and dreamers—don’t forget to celebrate.

Here’s how you can start:

Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy Life – It’s okay to take breaks. It’s okay to spend money on experiences. Not everything has to be an investment in your career; some things should just be for the soul.
Cherish the People Who Support You – Whether it’s family, friends, or a close-knit creative community, celebrate with those who lift you up. Success feels empty without people to share it with.
Find Inspiration in Moments, Not Just in Work – Some of the best creative ideas come when you step away from the desk. Live. Experience. Let life be your muse.
Remember Why You Started – We create not just for money, fame, or recognition, but because art is a way of connecting with the world. Stay grounded in the moments that make life worth living.

As I watched my daughter’s face light up that day, I knew we had made the right choice. She won’t remember every detail, but she’ll remember the feeling—the love, the laughter, the joy.

And in the end, isn’t that what truly matters?

What’s a moment in your life that reminded you to slow down and celebrate?

Let’s talk.

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