Progress not perfection quote with flowers

A message from a recovering perfectionist.

Did the title grab your attention? If so, chances are you’re a bit of a perfectionist like me. I wanted to dive into this topic because I’ve been getting questions about my journey as an online entrepreneur and a big part of that journey has been overcoming perfectionism. So, here’s the deal: I call myself a “recovering perfectionist” because, since starting my entrepreneurial journey, perfectionism turned into a hurdle. It’s kind of amusing – I used to flaunt my perfectionist trait like a badge of honor. Having the highest standards sounded great. But, I realized it was holding me back. […]

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Jen Clarke interview Lorena Depante - Full time creative entrepreneur

My Entrepreneurial Journey through Zazzle; What helped me.

When I embarked on my journey to establish an online business as a graphic designer, I stumbled upon a game-changer: Zazzle*. This remarkable print-on-demand platform proved to be a goldmine for independent designers and business owners, offering seamless solutions for printing, shipping, and customer service. It was precisely what I needed to focus on my designs and other aspects of my business. Let me share how Zazzle has become a vital part of my entrepreneurial success and what helped me. While I was on YouTube I discovered Elke and Jen Clarke. They are Gold and Diamond sellers on Zazzle and […]

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Artist putting up watercolor art

How I became a full-time creative entrepreneur.

This is my first week as a full-time creative entrepreneur. I was inspired to write this post while all the feelings were fresh. I’m humbled by the early lessons and eager to share some points that might resonate with those who, like me, are venturing into the world of creative dreams. Perhaps you’re wondering why I decided to step away from a stable day job, one that was working well. It’s true, I had a great time in my corporate role, and I’m deeply grateful for the support it provided. Yet, a yearning for more, both for my family and […]

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watercolor leaves with quote "There's joy in the journey" lddesignloft

AHA, moments in my entrepreneurial journey

Walking a creative entrepreneurial journey takes guts, gumption, and heart. It’s been a few years since LD Design Loft came to be. No fancy ribbon cutting but I surely cut my attachments to fear & resistance. As Steven Pressfield would say: “The more important a call to action is to our soul’s evolution, the more Resistance we will feel about answering it.” I’m grateful I found the courage, I’m thankful for the transformation I’ve gone through. The permission I’ve given myself to explore and create, to find the courage to fail forward. Not everything has worked, but I learned a […]

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succulent plants with iphone case with watercolor leaves

3 Essential Tools for the beginner watercolor artist – (Bonus: How I digitize art and shoot process videos)

I’ve been getting some positive feedback whenever I would paint with my watercolors or illustrate on my social media channels. It’s so fun to know that you enjoy the process as much as I do. Some people have been asking what I use. I thought it would be easier to compile what I’ve found helpful in a post. This video should give you a summary of the process. The #plantmom phone case from the video is a product that I created for our online shop. It can be purchase here or by clicking on the image. The right tools can […]

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Can anyone be a graphic designer. Flatlay photo.

Can anyone be a graphic designer? Questions Graphic Design Students have asked me.

During this coronavirus pandemic, working from home has become necessary. I’m fortunate that my line of work allows this. As a graphic designer, I have been able to continue working with clients and designing online. A lot of people have been exploring different careers that lend itself to working from home. Including graphic design. I thought I’d share this interview which I did with Ryerson University students in 2017. It was an honor to have been able to help Nate and Monica with this. They have told me that their professor now shares this interview with other students too. It […]

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