This spring was initially rainy and introspective, but now the sun is finally out and so am I.
In April and May I focused on two essential themes:
Escaping distorted online lifestyles and reconnecting with real life, real people, and real creative energy.
We’ve all seen those perfectly aesthetic YouTube videos - slow tea sipping, cozy reading corners, cats purring on cue, endless crafting sessions. Beautiful, yes… but also completely unrealistic. No one lives like that 24/7. Even the most curated “dream life” includes messy moments, bathroom breaks, and days when creativity simply doesn’t flow.
Recognizing this helped me step away from false ideals and return to something more grounded: a creative life supported by community.
Creativity need Space - But also People
These past months taught me that while carving out time to create is essential, creating in isolation isn’t enough. We need people who inspire us, support us, and grow with us.
The romantic idea of “a room of one’s own” is powerful - but it’s stepping out of that room that makes life move, expand , and spark new ideas.
The power of Creative Communities
At the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, I spot a wonderful panel with Sophie Blackall, Isabelle Arsenault, and Lynn Caponera. They spoke about the importance of Artist Residencies - places where illustrators and creators can work side by side, share experiences, and build a sense of belonging.
Spaces like Milkwood, the Maurice Sendak Foundation, and Leporello show how vital is to have physical places dedicated to artistic growth.
And that’s why I’m thrilled about the new space my friend Raffaella Bolaffio opened in April: LA BELICONDA LAB - A fresh, vibrant hub for Artists and Illustrators.
So I’m grateful to be part of:
An in-person collective of illustrators and artists
Online communities that truly share, support, and uplift (SCBWI-Italy & Gommapane)
A network that makes this challenging profession feel less lonely
Because let’s be honest: no one makes it alone - as Mazzantini reminds us.
A Spring filled with Real Life
April and May were months of connection, shared projects, and meaningful choices. I invested my time in initiatives that matter, and more are coming.
This season reminded me something simple but powerful:
Life becomes richer when we stop chasing perfect images and start living imperfect, beautiful reality - together.
Growing as an Illustrator: My #JuneCharacterAday Journey
This June I also started a new creative adventure: a series of illustrations inspired by the #junecharacteraday challenge on Instagram, promoted by Josh Cleland. And I have to say - I’m genuinely happy with how it’s going.
Every drawing feels like a small milestone. All those uphill steps I’ve taken so far suddenly make sense, because for the first time I’m catching myself thinking:
“Maybe I’m actually getting good at this.”
It’s a quiet but powerful shift - the kind that arrives only after years of showing up, trying again, and believing just a little more each day.
And now, finally, I feel ready. Ready to share my work. Ready to propose my Illustrations. Ready to step forward.
I’m dreaming big - but one small step at a time, and finally without pressure, without anxiety.
Just joy, curiosity, and the steady feeling that I’m exactly where I need to be.
Before I Go…
If this journey resonates with you - the messy part, the small victories, the slow but steady growth - I’d truly love to hear from you.
Tell me in the comments:
What creative step are you taking this month?
Or even just:
What’s inspiring you lately?
Your words help this space stay alive, warm and real.
And if you want to follow my daily characters and see how the June Character a Day challenge is unfolding, come visit me on Instagram at @Jdeebella - I’d be so happy to have you there.
That’s all for now, since next time, xoxo Jdeebella at Soulfulcrane - the creative nest in Italy
