We recently connected with Selina Christensen and have shared our conversation below.
Selina, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
When I think back on my past self (who lacked confidence in many ways), I laugh! How easy it would have been for Selina-of-the-past to be more comfortable and joyful each day if she had made a simple shift – a shift in her mindset.
Thankfully, I’ve since practiced this shift. I’ve given myself permission to change the narrative that I tell myself, and I’ve started to believe that new, beautiful narrative.
I’ve started to do the things I truly want to do and try things just because they sound interesting! Even though for so long I had felt that my creative talents were inadequate, I’ve started to believe that I am an artist. I’ve started to think more about my values and my dreams. I’ve started to invest in myself.
Of course, self-doubt stops by from time to time. When that happens, I reset and determine again to be intentional in selecting the lens I view myself through.
I used to believe that this practice was dishonest or selfish perhaps, but it isn’t! We all bring biases to the table – that is inevitable. So why not choose the bias or perspective that is closest to the truth? Because the truth is that each of us is innately good and capable of incredible things. The human mind is powerful! Why not use it to our advantage?
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Selina Christensen and I’m the artist behind Lina Lou Design.
I’m a Surface Pattern Designer and Illustrator who’s work is inspired by the simple wonders of nature and daily life.
For me, being a pattern designer and creative entrepreneur is the most joyful job in the world! It’s a field that gives you permission to explore and tap into your truest. It’s also as wholesome and fun as can be! Designing patterns is a practice that employs a lovely balance of your creative and analytical mind. I love it!
I’ve created most of my current designs for textiles and wallpaper primarily, but am itching to explore more possibilities as well!
I just finished a new collection that I’m so excited to share! It’s called, “Gulf Breeze”, and is inspired by the natural calm I’ve experienced living here on the Gulf Coast for the past year.
You can find my work at Raspberry Creek Fabrics and Spoonflower.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three things that have continually shaped and saved me in my creative journey are:
1) Asking “Dumb Questions”
2) The Permission to be Imperfect
3) My “Big Hairy Audacious Goal”
Ask the Dumb Questions:
For some reason, it’s human nature to think that everyone else has things figured out. It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one drowning in questions. In reality, though, we all have questions regularly (and that’s a good thing)! Recognizing this truth helps you understand that you’re absolutely allowed to ask the questions you have. Especially when you’re trying out a new skill or technique, asking questions is an important part of the learning process. There are so many individuals who have been where you are and they’re happy to assist you. I love that many have recognized this need and made great resources to help! Skillshare and YouTube are great spots to find these resources. And, actually, there’s no rule against an email/DM to a peer or mentor you admire. I’d bet they’ll be flattered you recognized their expertise and be happy to help you in your journey.
Give Yourself Permission to Be Imperfect:
Growth requires trial AND error. Too often, we are paralyzed by the possibility of failure. But if we can reframe our understanding of “failure” as “opportunity”, that’s when true growth can occur. If we can truly give ourselves permission to be imperfect (over and over), that’s when the magic happens.
The “Big Hairy Audacious Goal”:
The concept of a “Big Hairy Audacious Goal”, or “BHAG”, comes from Clair Canfield, an incredible professor of Communication Studies and Philosophy at Utah State University. He encourages his students to deeply examine themselves to determine their true core values and dreams. He invites them to uncover and embrace their biggest dream and honestly set the goal of reaching it (no matter how vulnerable, intimidating, or ‘hairy’ that goal may be). I so love this practice and philosophy! It’s an amazing and intentional practice that makes an invaluable difference in our personal and professional lives. We all owe it to ourselves to take the time to genuinely examine and understand ourselves, and to have our own “BHAG”.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking for opportunities to collaborate! I’d love to work with individuals and companies who share my goal of bringing beauty and joy to others through human creativity.
Some projects I’d love to work on and put out into the world are: textiles, wallpaper, gift wrap, greeting cards, child apparel, and baby products.
I’d love to connect with you!
linaloudesign.com
[email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.linaloudesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina.lou.design/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
