Finding purpose admist an existential crisis
A splash into the abyss…
Welcome to The Creativity Digest, a monthly newsletter series from The Creative Directory! We’re bringing you some of the most interesting creative classes, workshops, events, and pop-ups around New York City every month so that you can find your own creative community.
We are hosting TWO exciting events in the next month:
🔥OCTOBER 26TH🔥 We are co-hosting a Paint Your Own (wooden) Pumpkin booth at The Wonder Market’s Fall Fest at LIC Culture Lab this weekend on Saturday, October 26 from 4-7PM. Come by, paint a pumpkin, say hello, and get your hands on one of our free coloring book zines!
🔥NOVEMBER 8TH🔥 We are launching an interview series called Creativity In Action, for anyone who has hesitations about starting their creative journeys. We invite diverse creatives of all backgrounds (some professional, some hobbyists!) to speak on how they got started and found the motivation to keep going. The best part? It’s $FREE.99 and virtual! RSVP now.
A splash into the abyss…
This month’s Musings are brought to you by Sandra, our newest team member and volunteer!
Halloween is around the corner, and nothing is spookier than the existential dread of figuring out your life’s purpose. Growing up, art was my outlet to express my thoughts, process my emotions, and, most importantly, an outlet for fun. Like many young adults, I opted to set aside creativity to pick up ambitions of succeeding in corporate America. I thought once I reached the goal of working for a big-name company, I would be complete. When I made it, not only did I not feel complete, it sent me into an existential spiral. I realized I didn’t even know what my life’s purpose was anymore.
The dictionary defines purpose as “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.” Talk about an existential nightmare! As I scrambled to devise a plan to find my purpose, I slowly realized that purpose isn’t linear; it can evolve and be flexible. Perpetually looking for a hard definition can blind you to the wonderful experiences that happen in the ordinary. Experiences like volunteering after work, chatting with a nice stranger at a coffee shop, and trying new things all contribute to your growing and evolving purpose.
Is my purpose being a top executive at a Fortune 500 company? Probably not. I’m thankful for my experience in corporate but I’m returning to my artistic roots. No matter how clunky the journey of finding my purpose is, tapping into my imaginative, creative, and artsy side reminds me that I am exactly where I’m supposed to be.
I’m so excited to join The Creative Directory team as a volunteer to continue that journey!
Happy creating this month,
Sandra
Spark your creativity with a workshop:
Every Sunday: Work with 2100 degree molten glass and walk away with a glass paperweight and a colorful drinking tumbler in this One Day Glass Blowing Workshop on Sunday from 11 AM-4 PM($265). Brooklyn Glass in Downtown Brooklyn
October 31st: Designers Collab joins Art Gurl for morning art sessions, but SPOOKY EDITION! Build creativity into your weekly wellness ritual by making art in the mornings with a solid group of people! (Free) Art Gurl x Designers Collab in Williamsburg
November 7th: Dive into the world of colorful and kitsch acrylic art at this fun workshop to create your very own dinner party painting while snacking on a charcuterie board and light bites. ($68) The CraftNook at Haricot Vert in Williamsburg
Every Friday in November: Want to learn and practice figure drawing in a casual, non-judgmental space? Drop into this art social where you’ll practice speed portraits! (FREE) Brooklyn Hearts Club in Williamsburg
November 15th: Join this memoir writing intensive class to learn how to tell your life stories with the finesse of fiction. ($175) Gotham Writers in Fashion District
November 17th: Let your dreams talk to you as you learn to unlock your expression and connect with your creativity through your dreams in this workshop! ($130) Dreamwork in Cobble Hill
November 20th: Join this ring carving workshop at L’appartment 4F Bakery with Seelye Designs for an evening of pastries, wine and make your own sterling silver ring! (PS, it’s our favorite place to get a chocolate croissant.) ($265) Seelye Designs at L’appartment 4F in Brooklyn Heights
November 21st: Do you want to give your clothes a new life? Join this workshop for a night of garment embroidery, adding border embellishments to your favorite clothing pieces! ($25-35) RecCreate Collective in Clinton Hill
Whenever you want: Learn the art of Risograph printing, a Japanese printing method that is a combination of screen-printing & photo-copying in this private workshop! ($195) Lucky Risograph in Chinatown
Up-level your creativity with a class series:
October-November: Join Carly Ann Filbin, a multi-faceted entertainer, comedian, and storyteller for a 6-week storytelling and writing class series designed to make you an expert on the key elements of a great story. If succinct prose is your thing, check out the other 5-minute Stories class that she teaches. No previous writing skills are required! ($330) Written in Brooklyn in Brooklyn
Fridays and Sundays in November: Paint candles, create moss art, and make mosaics at Brooklyn Renaissance’s self-guided art lounge on Fridays 6-10 PM and Saturdays and Sundays 12-8 PM! (Offerings range from $15-$34) Brooklyn Renaissance in Williamsburg
November 1st & November 9th: The Met hosts Drop-In Drawing sessions to encourage creative drawing challenges with expert artists. Two of their upcoming events celebrate Día de los Muertos and highlight sculptures at the Met Cloisters. (FREE). The Met in Upper East Side and Washington Heights
November 3rd - 24th: Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a total beginner, this HOT GIRLS CROCHET series is perfect for anyone looking to learn new skills, connect with fellow craft enthusiasts, and make a brushed mohair sweater! ($475) Lil Fairy Marketplace in Dumbo
November 14th-January 23rd: Ever wondered how abstract paintings look so beautiful and complex? You can explore the process of layering, composition, textures, and mixing colors with this Introduction to Abstract Painting course on Thursdays from 4-7PM! New York School of the Arts in Upper East Side
Attend a fun creative event:
Everyday: Peak Design invites local photographers and creatives to use their store as a coworking space. They have free wifi, bottomless coffee, a big wooden table with power outlets, a clean bathroom, and a friendly and knowledgeable staff! (FREE but ticket required) Peak Design in Soho
October 26th: Spend time with visual artist, Arlina Cai, for her solo exhibition “The Sound of Stillness” as part of Third Space’s Artist Highlight series. Event runs from 4PM-8PM and you can get tickets here. (FREE) Third Space in Bushwick
October 28th: Tune in to former Casper exec turned visionary life coach Michelle Casazza as she shares her experience on shifting identity, making room for new parts of yourself by thinking creatively and practicing self-trust amid life changes. ($20) RSVP here Art Gurl in Williamsburg
October 29th: Life Mapping for Creatives - Feeling stuck with too many ideas? Whether you're juggling creative projects or life decisions, Mischa Volf will teach creatives a simple technique to prioritize what truly matters. ($37.80) Tiny Arts Supply in Queens
November 1st: Attend a special screening of animations made by women and children in Gaza who’ve been learning how to animate under the guidance of Palestinian animator + educator Haneen Muhammad Koraz. Pop in anytime between 6-8 to view the animations! ($10 suggested donation) Land to Sea in Bushwick
November 7th: Feeling like you need a laugh? Come to this standup + wine event for a surprise lineup of New York’s best comedians from Comedy Central, Netflix, Late Night, Just for Laughs, and The Comedy Cellar. ($20-25) Biblioteque in Soho
November 9th: Come to The Art Cart, an artist market and day party, where you’ll get to discover local artists, shop local goods, and groove to fun and funky music. (Free) Theater District
November 19th-24th: Each November, NYC Jewelry Week proudly presents ‘The Week,’ a 7-day celebration dedicated to the art of jewelry. This annual event invites a global audience to explore the world of jewelry through a dynamic mix of in-person and virtual experiences, spanning New York City and beyond. Check out their events here. (Price varies) Various locations in NYC
November 22nd: Looking for collaborations, connections, and new friends in your creative circle? If you work in entertainment, get added to Final Night’s creative database and add your portfolio sites and social media to be sought for collaboration! ($32.90) Bonnie Vee in Lower Manhattan
Follow us on instagram @_thecreativedirectory for the most up to date news & exclusive content. Tag us whenever you do something creative to be featured on our page!
Happy creating and thank you for joining us on this creative journey!
Visit The Creative Directory to access the directory and learn more about us.
Until next time,
Your Creativity Guides 👨🎨
Read our monthly newsletter, The Creative Digest, here! Subscribe to get monthly creative community-driven classes, workshops, and events in New York City delivered right to your inbox.
Do you know of a community-driven creative studio, art cafe, third place, or maker space that isn’t on our directory? Are you a business owner of a community-driven space?
Fill out our form to get the business added to The Creative Directory!