Why I embraced creativity: AI took my job, health issues, and quietly working through grief
Pre-aesthetic lifestyle Before this life change to as an aesthetic[1], I was a proofreader and editor for international academics, with a steady workflow on a huge number of mostly fascinating topics. I loved it, and I loved the contact with people all around the world, all arriving quietly by email. Perfect for an expert introvert like me.
Big changes afoot Then that changed when ChatGPT entered our vocabulary and COVID 19 curtailed our lives. I realised that the work emails had slowed to a trickle. Universities seemed to be turning toward AI for proofreading: a tricky proposition given the nuances of writing an academic paper in English as your second, third or fourth language. I wish them all the best! Serendipitously, I was ready for a change.
Health issues Around that time, I had also been diagnosed with a Hypermobile Syndrome Disorder (HSD) – a disorder of the connective tissue similar to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, but not yet definitively unclassified, alongside Hypersensitivity, Gastroparesis, etc. With this came several spine fusions, and ‘an embarrassment’ of other health issues. I genuinely didn’t know what each week might bring and started finding that I cancelled more commitments than I could keep. (I’m now on first-name basis with the MRI staff.)
Death and grief Next, and in the middle of this, our aged parents breathed their last. I always take a long time to process events, and thankfully, I was able to lean on the gift of creativity from my parents. I wanted to learn to paint with watercolour, and once I knew some tips and tricks (thanks again, Jennifer), I started off on my own colourful adventure. I was unstoppable – my output was prolific, and my design inspirations kept changing.
Sadness I do believe I was working through the sadness of losing my parents; I would even get up in the wee hours to work on something creative, rather than lie awake in bed unable to sleep. I eventually stopped my prolific output when I realised that I would quite like to share my work with others, as I had enough to fill two large boxes.
Working with felt I had also been enjoying Larissa Holland’s felt work introduced to me by my sister. I made the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ series and was inspired to make my own Aotearoa-themed felt designs. Then came some unexpected requests for: a) a dancing lady, b) three tortoiseshell cats with pink flowers on their heads, c) a quantity surveyor in hi-vis clothing, hard hat and clipboard, and d) an Aotearoa-inspired Christmas fairy with a feather cloak. I couldn’t believe the joy with which they were received, and that I had the skills to bring these commissions to life!
Born again, creatively speaking And so, Sara Meade Design was born, with the initial help of an excellent website designer who went above and beyond (thanks, Misha) and ongoing help from my very clever designer daughter. I’m loving this change of direction (but I’ve promised myself that I will not use the word ‘pivot’. Oops).
Generally held view? I’m guessing this is quite a general aesthetic experience, but I often struggle with doubts of whether my work is ‘good enough’, especially when feedback from others is sometimes unexpectedly low key. Plus, I’m new to the whole, rather competitive, creative world.
My lovely husband said something that helped: if I like what I make, and I truly do, then there will be others who like it as well.
It flicked a switch for me and gave me more confidence. I’ve held onto that gem of guidance.
Promotion, personal contact, and a creative partner I love my new creative life as an artist and designer. However, people-facing promotion does not come easily to me as an introvert with health issues (I want to run a million miles away. It’s me – not you!), and so I’m learning to be brave and manage these things around fluctuating energy levels. My lovely, clever, creative daughter works closely with me too (she has health challenges too: EDS plus she is in her second year of her second bout of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). It’s wonderful to have someone to bounce ideas off.
Question for you… Do you have any health challenges that you work around? Has your life as a ‘creative’ changed significantly due to illness? Have you any tips and tricks to help others who face these challenges? Please do leave a comment by writing to me in the section below or email me. I’d LOVE to hear from you. And, I sincerely hope our work brings you as much joy and satisfaction as it brings us.
Best wishes (and remember, my shop is a veritable wonderland of gifts for all ages!) Visit: Sara Meade Design for an increasing selection of beautiful products and DIY craft kits, plus much more! Our 2026 calendars are on to their second print run ;-)
Sara x
[1] I love this word. It describes a philosophy that focuses on the principles of beauty and artistic taste – suits me!
