In the realm where creativity intertwines with entrepreneurship, the next synthesis of ideas is always at the edge of emergence for Ariel Grace Snapp. As an award-winning artist and vision-oriented entrepreneur, Ariel has sculpted her career in tech design and art through an embodiment path of what she simply refers to as “magic”; a deep appreciation for the sensate world and an ability to dance with and create from the beauty of the natural world. Today, we embark on a fascinating journey with Ariel as she unveils the layers of her story, the evolution of her artistry, and the birth of the brand Creatively Free.
Ariel Grace Snapp, Creativity Coach
Can you share a bit about your artistic journey and what led you to venture into entrepreneurship?
Absolutely. My journey as an artist began as a form of self-expression when I was very young writing picture stories at the age of three. I loved spending hours immersed in make-believe. My mom had a craft room and we would experiment with art and crafts all the time. By the time I was a teenager, I was into poetry, pottery, photography, and jewelry making. I started my first business after taking a course on entrepreneurship and learned a lot. I ran a purse and jewelry business in my college years with my best friend from college. I also ran a design and online marketing agency, which has morphed throughout my life but is still a part of my livelihood. I found that some things work and some don’t early on with creative businesses, you always have to be open to pivot and adjust. I learned about not spending all your profits on more beautiful things. I learned about boundaries and setting goals. I also struggled with the intersection of creating my expression and the external demands of “what sells”. This tension between service and the expression of the soul as an artist I think is fairly common. Creatively Free was born after deep contemplation of wanting to create from a set of aspirational values; it is about softening in a hardened world and feeling deeply safe in knowing oneself and expressing that fully into the world.
Wow, that sounds intriguing. Please tell us more about the Creatively Free values.
Creatively Free is more than the offerings that support creatives; it's a philosophy that celebrates the potential available for the freedom that can be found in expressing ourselves as boldly as possible while staying open to collaborations and the “how.” The “Be as Art” offerings are about cultivating the beingness we desire so that our lives become an easeful reflection of our truest nature in how we act. The mission is to break out of the fears and limitations we learn as we grow up and harden our perspective, at times, on “how the world works”. We want to encourage everyone, but particularly sensitive and empathetic folks who enjoy contemplation, to tap into their creative potential and live life from the deep well of true artistic freedom.
Your bio mentions a unique fusion of artistry and entrepreneurship. How do you navigate the intersection of these two worlds?
It's a delicate dance, but one that I find incredibly fulfilling. Entrepreneurship allows me to share my passion for art on a broader scale. Through Creatively Free, I've been able to showcase my own multipassionate creations and co-creative offers that support the blossoming and growth of other creatives. It's about building a community that values creativity and fosters a sense of liberation through artistic expression.
Your commitment to fostering a creative community is commendable. How do you see creativity contributing to personal and collective well-being?
Creativity is a powerful force that transcends boundaries. On a personal level, it serves as a form of therapy, allowing individuals to express emotions, heal, and find joy.
Collectively, a society that values and encourages creativity thrives. It sparks innovation, collaboration, and a shared appreciation for the diverse perspectives that art brings to the table. Creativity is the innate human ability to find a spark and move it through the complexity of their wholeness - something artificial intelligence is missing and where I believe we will find the need to move more and more into creative entrepreneurship as technology automates monotonous tasks.
Can you share a defining moment or project in your artistic journey that has left a lasting impact on you?
One of the most important projects for me has still not been completed! I created a beautiful underwater world of little creatures and a wonderful heroine’s journey storyline that my daughter and I have worked on over the years to bring to life through a graphic novel, with the ultimate goal of a Netflix animated series! I’m currently looking for partners and film festivals to pitch at to get exposure.
As we wrap up, what message would you like to share with aspiring artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs?
Embrace your creativity fearlessly. While we all have different ways of using our creativity, it is the source of our life force, the spark, the well of our intuitive truth, and the depth of our knowing that points us to create. Let your passion guide you, and don’t worry if you are multi-passionate, find yourself in creative slumps, and don’t finish every project. Just keep going and find the tiny light that leads you into curiosity, expansion, creation, and synthesis. Don't be afraid to carve out your unique path and create a space where your artistry can flourish. The world needs your unique expression more than you will ever know.
In the dynamic intersection of creative careers, art, and entrepreneurship, Ariel Grace Snapp stands as a beacon of inspiration. Her journey, marked by vibrant strokes of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, has not only shaped her narrative but has also given life to a thriving creative community of her clients and podcast guests on the Creatively Free show. As we reflect on Ariel's insights, we are reminded of the transformative power that creativity holds, to crack open and soften our hearts as we heal and share our stories which inspire others to be their truest self.
