Holding Creative Space

Nicole Fende

Have you lost touch with your creativity somewhere along the way? Been told you're "not the creative type"? Or maybe you just need a safe place to play, experiment, and reconnect with the creative person you've always been? Holding Creative Space is the podcast for you. Hosted by Nicole Fende and Monette Satterfield, each episode is a judgment-free zone where we explore creativity as a birthright, not a talent reserved for a lucky few. We talk about permission, the trap of perfectionism, the voices in your head that aren't helping, and how to find your way back to the joy of creating. Whether you haven't picked up a paintbrush, pen, or instrument in decades, or you're a working artist looking for companionship on the creative journey, this space is for you. Let’s hold it together.

  1. 3d ago

    When Creative Ideas Become Practice

    Episode SummaryImagine stepping into a room and feeling that the vibe you bring is the key to connection, even if you’ve never listened before. You’ll hear a story about confronting imposter moments with honest curiosity and a positive attitude, and how that shift turned a professional gathering into a success. You’ll also explore why renaming your creative nook can reshape your mindset and discover a curated list of soundscapes—from rhythmic drumming to airy ambient tones—that can accompany your own making. Come in, settle down, and let this friendly chat wrap around you like a warm blanket on a chilly day. In this Episode“The energy you bring into a room is what people will remember, even if you never say a word.” – Monette SatterfieldThe real-world follow-up to the conversation about imposter syndrome, including Nicole’s experience applying the advice at professional events.The role of attitude, energy, and body language in shaping how we connect with others and approach creative opportunities.The power of names and how changing what we call a space can shift the way we think about and experience our creative practice.Different soundscapes and music to create to, from nature sounds and drumming to ambient sounds and electronic music, and finding what works for you. Links & ResourcesSoundscape PDF from MonetteFavorite Cat TV Bird Videos from YT; Squirrels & Birds, Birds in a Birdbath, Woodland FeederCreative Process PDF DownloadVisit our Etsy StoreReceive a joyful nudge to create delivered right to your inbox. Claim your 30 days of creative prompts! About the HostsNicole Fende is a published author and board game designer. Monette Satterfield is an artist working outside the velvet rope. Together they host Holding Creative Space, a podcast from Creatopia, an imprint of Tesseray Publishing. Keep creating. We are holding the space.

  2. Sep 29

    Creative Process Part Four: Implementation - Turning Ideas into Reality

    Episode SummaryIf you’ve ever wondered why the most visible part of creating feels like the whole story, you’re in the right place. You’ll explore how implementation isn’t just building but also includes a gentle evaluation stage that helps you decide whether to keep moving forward or circle back to earlier insights. You’ll hear how deciding when a project is truly finished can be as personal as choosing to let go, and how a new creative cycle can begin the moment you wrap one up. Come on in, settle into the conversation, and feel the warm invitation to keep shaping your own creative path In this Episode“The person making the work gets to say when it’s finished; you’re done when you say you’re done.” — Monette SatterfieldHow the implementation phase turns creative ideas into something real, and why it’s more than simply “doing the work.”Why rewriting, editing, and refining your first draft are all natural parts of the creative process.How publishing, selling, marketing, and sharing your work can become new creative processes of their own.How to navigate outside opinions and expectations while staying connected to your own creative instincts. Links & ResourcesCreative Process PDF DownloadVisit our Etsy StoreReceive a joyful nudge to create delivered right to your inbox. Claim your 30 days of creative prompts! About the HostsNicole Fende is a published author and board game designer. Monette Satterfield is an artist working outside the velvet rope. Together they host Holding Creative Space, a podcast from Creatopia, an imprint of Tesseray Publishing. Keep creating. We are holding the space.

  3. Sep 22

    Creativity Process Part Three: Master the Illumination Phase

    Episode SummaryImagine you finally find the hidden light switch in a dark room and watch everything brighten—just like the instant "aha" that can turn a tangled problem into a clear path. You’ll hear a relaxed, friendly exchange about how that flash of insight both untangles the knot of ideas and gently nudges you back to earlier thinking, all while reminding you to pause and savor the moment. You’ll also wander through playful musings on whether the spark comes from brain chemistry or something larger, feeling guided by a companion who understands your creative journey. So step into the warm glow with us and let the conversation welcome you like an old friend waiting by the door. In this Episode“Those flashes of clarity are addictive—in the best way—because they remind us we’re capable of creating something new.” — Monette SatterfieldHow the illumination phase works and why those sudden “aha!” moments can bring clarity to a tangled creative problem.Why inspiration often arrives after incubation and how the earlier stages of the creative process prepare you for insight.Why you should pause and savor moments of creative clarity instead of immediately rushing into the next task.How to embrace the joy of creative insight and use those flashes of clarity as encouragement to keep creating. Links & ResourcesCreative Process PDF DownloadVisit our Etsy StoreReceive a joyful nudge to create delivered right to your inbox. Claim your 30 days of creative prompts! About the HostsNicole Fende is a published author and board game designer. Monette Satterfield is an artist working outside the velvet rope. Together they host Holding Creative Space, a podcast from Creatopia, an imprint of Tesseray Publishing. Keep creating. We are holding the space.

  4. Sep 15

    Creative Process Part Two: Creative Incubation: Unlock the Black Box of Idea Formation

    Episode SummaryEver wonder why your best ideas seem to hide in a black box, only to surface when you least expect them? You’ll hear us explore how stepping away—whether on a run, a hike, or a casual chat with friends—can feed that hidden incubation stage while avoiding the dead‑end of endless scrolling. You’ll also discover why the frustration you feel during this quiet phase is actually a sign you’re getting close, and how a simple analogy about baking cookies can remind you to trust the process. Come on in, settle down, and let us keep the creative fire warm for you. In this Episode“Incubation is the black box of creativity, where ideas swirl under the surface while you’re taking a coffee break.” – MonetteHow the incubation phase works and why stepping away from a creative problem can actually move your ideas forward.How to use social media mindfully without overwhelming your creative process with too much outside input.Why creative frustration can be a sign of progress and how to respond to it without giving up.How to create space for unexpected ideas and trust that your creative process is still working, even when you can’t see the results yet. Links & ResourcesCreative Process PDF DownloadVisit our Etsy StoreReceive a joyful nudge to create delivered right to your inbox. Claim your 30 days of creative prompts! About the HostsNicole Fende is a published author and board game designer. Monette Satterfield is an artist working outside the velvet rope. Together they host Holding Creative Space, a podcast from Creatopia, an imprint of Tesseray Publishing. Keep creating. We are holding the space.

  5. Sep 8

    Creative Process Part One: Master Investigation for Faster Results

    Episode SummaryIf you’ve ever felt stuck wondering where a creative idea begins, you’re about to discover a fresh way to start. You’ll explore how asking the right question—or even realizing it’s the wrong one—launches a gentle investigation that blends curiosity, research, and note‑making. You’ll hear how the journey can loop back, how embracing the mess leads to insight, and why treating the process as an experiment brings joy rather than pressure. Come in, settle into the conversation, and let the warmth of shared discovery guide you forward. In this Episode“If something doesn’t work, it’s not a failure; it’s just a piece of information that points you to a better question.” – Monette SatterfieldHow asking the right questions can turn a vague creative idea into a workable project.What to do when you realize you’re asking the wrong question and how reframing can lead to better ideas.Why creative setbacks aren’t failures and how to use them as information that guides your next step.How creative practice builds your intuition and gives you a deeper well of knowledge to draw from. Links & ResourcesCreative Process PDF DownloadVisit our Etsy StoreReceive a joyful nudge to create delivered right to your inbox. Claim your 30 days of creative prompts! About the HostsNicole Fende is a published author and board game designer. Monette Satterfield is an artist working outside the velvet rope. Together they host Holding Creative Space, a podcast from Creatopia, an imprint of Tesseray Publishing. Keep creating. We are holding the space.

  6. Sep 1

    Creative Process: Overcoming the “Ugly” Art Trap

    Episode SummaryIf you’ve ever stared at a piece of your own art and felt the sting of the word “ugly,” you’re about to hear a conversation that turns that feeling into a gentle invitation. You’ll explore how the moment you label a creation as ugly can be swapped for a simple act of love, and why that shift frees space for both acceptance and growth. You’ll discover how expectations can dim your joy, and how seeing your work as a living, evolving part of yourself lets you improve without harsh self‑judgment. Come on in, and let your creative heart find a cozy spot to settle. In this Episode“The point isn’t whether it’s good or bad; the point is that you made it.” — Monette SatterfieldHow to stop calling your art “ugly” and start seeing it as part of your creative process.What you can learn from imperfect art and why creative “failures” can be valuable.Why being content with your art doesn’t mean you have to stop growing.How to embrace the work-in-progress and give yourself permission to experiment, make mistakes, and try again. Links & ResourcesReceive a joyful nudge to create delivered right to your inbox. Claim your 30 days of creative prompts! About the HostsNicole Fende is a published author and board game designer. Monette Satterfield is an artist working outside the velvet rope. Together they host Holding Creative Space, a podcast from Creatopia, an imprint of Tesseray Publishing. Keep creating. We are holding the space.

  7. Aug 25

    Personal Growth: Claiming Your Right to Be an Artist

    Episode SummaryIf you’ve ever wondered whether designing a board game counts as art, you’re in for a lively, heartfelt discussion that challenges the old gatekeepers of creativity. You’ll walk through a spirited debate about the nature of art, from puzzles and AI to the joy of sharing games, and hear how personal passion can outshine any commercial pressure. You’ll also explore how everyday objects—from microphones to hand‑crafted brooms—can hold artistic value, and why the line between fine art and craft might not matter as much as you think. Come on in, take a seat, and let this warm conversation remind you that your creative voice already belongs in the space. In this Episode“You have permission to call yourself an artist—no one else gets to decide what you create is art.” — Monette SatterfieldHow creative labels can become another form of gatekeeping.Who gets to decide what is and isn’t art?Exploring what art really means and why the question can be so complicated.A reminder that you don’t need anyone’s permission to create, make art, or call yourself a creative. Links & ResourcesReceive a joyful nudge to create delivered right to your inbox. Claim your 30 days of creative prompts! About the HostsNicole Fende is a published author and board game designer. Monette Satterfield is an artist working outside the velvet rope. Together they host Holding Creative Space, a podcast from Creatopia, an imprint of Tesseray Publishing. Keep creating. We are holding the space.

  8. Aug 18

    Creative Process: How Outsider Art Redefines Creation

    Episode SummaryEver wondered what it feels like to create without any rules or gallery expectations? You’ll hear a friendly conversation that traces the history of outsider art and explains how the internet is expanding what counts as work outside the traditional gallery system. The dialogue points out how the label can feel both empowering and a little confrontational, and it invites you to adopt an “outside the velvet rope” mindset for your own creative practice. Pull up a chair, stay awhile, and let the conversation warm you up as you step into your next artistic adventure. In this Episode“The credential doesn’t qualify you; the making qualifies you.” – Monette SatterfieldHow approaching art as a mindset can make creativity feel more accessible.Why creating outside the traditional art world can feel freeing and empowering.How letting go of artistic gatekeeping can give you permission to make art.Finding your own way of creating beyond traditional expectations and artistic gatekeeping. Links & ResourcesReceive a joyful nudge to create delivered right to your inbox. Claim your 30 days of creative prompts! About the HostsNicole Fende is a published author and board game designer. Monette Satterfield is an artist working outside the velvet rope. Together they host Holding Creative Space, a podcast from Creatopia, an imprint of Tesseray Publishing. Keep creating. We are holding the space.

    Creative Process: How Outsider Art Redefines Creation
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About

Have you lost touch with your creativity somewhere along the way? Been told you're "not the creative type"? Or maybe you just need a safe place to play, experiment, and reconnect with the creative person you've always been? Holding Creative Space is the podcast for you. Hosted by Nicole Fende and Monette Satterfield, each episode is a judgment-free zone where we explore creativity as a birthright, not a talent reserved for a lucky few. We talk about permission, the trap of perfectionism, the voices in your head that aren't helping, and how to find your way back to the joy of creating. Whether you haven't picked up a paintbrush, pen, or instrument in decades, or you're a working artist looking for companionship on the creative journey, this space is for you. Let’s hold it together.

Information

  • Creator
    Nicole Fende
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Tesseray Publishing LLC
  • Show Website
    Holding Creative Space