Nat Carroll

Had a lovely chat with Creative Lady Directory about my experiences as an independent creative recently, including my rebrand, what I can’t live without while working on a project, how I stay inspired and more — check it and the directory out over here: http://bit.ly/2Fz84UC ☺️

Today is brought to you by the letter ❝W❞ (…or, continued exploration of sponge-roller-type experiment) 🙃

Sometimes I like practicing my lettering whilst also ‘listening/watching’ The West Wing in the background. Sometimes these two worlds collide.

Diving into the weekend with this little lady – and a little sneaky peek at something I’m working on!
💦

Ten years ago, almost to the day I was timidly sitting down at my new desk on the other side of the world. I was both anxious and excited by the enormity of the decision I'd made — taking a giant leap of faith in moving from Australia to The Netherlands for new love, and deciding, instead of finding a job in a country where I didn't speak the language, I'd build a remote business, instead.
Everything would work itself out, right?!
I'm not gonna lie friends, there's been some pretty down-and-out moments. Where I've almost given in. Felt completely undeserving and lagging behind in life. Drained accounts and extended draughts. I'm sure I've made every business mistake in the playbook. In those times though, I've literally clinged to these words from Marie Forleo – "Everything is figure-outable" — and have found my courage again and again.
Despite the uncertainties of this creative life, the universe has also unlocked some unreal treasures on my path.
It was after I started working in my own business that I felt truely in love with what I do. Unearthing and expressing people's stories and ideas is an adventure I'm always drawing energy and a deep connection from.
It's also taught me to believe in and back myself, to courageously own my voice and style, and that surprisingly, I'm capable of making this business work, despite being a shy, introverted soul.
Most of all I wanted to say to everyone who has hired, empowered and recommended me along the way, I'm forever, thankful — x 1 million! — you've bestowed me the courage to stay the course, ten years on.
This anniversary has me thinking about doors opening and wholeheartedly saying, YES ⚡️ To shaking s**t up, friends! To feeling and letting go of fear, diving in, and doing it anyway.
What's in your next 10? ✨ To answer that, go check out this brilliant writing exercise I stumbled on, listening to an interview on Tim Ferriss’ podcast with design superstar Debbie Millman a while ago: https://yourtenyearplan.com/
Much love x Nat
P.S. In case you were wondering, the love I moved across oceans for is now eleven years in 💗 I couldn't have done this without the amazing Sats Kramer by my side x 😍

From the archives ✱ a spread and hand-lettering pieces for the Annual, 2016.
📷 by Foliolio

We had to take Mollie to the vet this morning. One of her nails had split into two 😨 After an anxiety-ridden visit where we both had to hold her down with our combined strengths while the vet ripped it off, she’s completely forgotten all about the traumatic experience. Five minutes later and she’s back on her feet, leaping and bounding about, completely carefree. I just love that she shows me resilience, even if she doesn’t mean to… 🐕💗