Today we’d like to introduce you to Peggy Dean

Hi Peggy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

My favorite part about what I do is not simply how I got started, but WHY I did. This may not be expected, but I’m going to get personal right away. Art has a special power to help soothe, embrace, inspire, ignite, and heal, all at once. I’m sure many can relate to this having developed some less than desirable coping mechanisms earlier in life that, although helpful at the time, turn into detrimental habits in adulthood. Mental health has been a persistent theme in my life, often presenting in ways that felt overwhelming and destructive. For years, I hid these struggles behind a facade of positivity, not realizing how much personal growth lay ahead of me.

It wasn’t until I pressed a big pause button in my late 20s that I realized I had the power to change my reaction to my own life. To explore mindfulness. To use creativity as part of my healing journey. This approach didn’t judge my restless mind but instead embraced it, allowing me to transform my life as an artist and educator. Creativity became my form of coping—a way to channel my thoughts and find peace. And my favorite part about all of it is that creating art is about the process, not the end result. Because the end result is just a bonus. What an incredible gift that is to accept.

In short, when I felt the profound results of leaning into my creativity, my enthusiasm grew louder than I could contain and I wanted to run to the top of a mountain and share it with anyone and everyone. And it continues each and every time someone shares with me how much the art they’re embracing is changing their lives, too.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Has it been a smooth road? Not at all. My answer to this is rooted in mindset. In our modern world, it’s incredibly easy to get discouraged. If we look for reasons why we aren’t succeeding, we’ll find plenty. The polished images on the internet often lead us into the comparison trap, and we all know that “comparison is the thief of joy.”

I embrace rough roads because challenges bring growth opportunities. I consider myself a lifelong learner, thriving on curiosity and discovery. When I fail, it becomes a game of finding solutions and learning from mistakes.

I could list numerous struggles I’ve faced, such as lack of time, overwhelm, creative block, comparison, lack of funds, lack of exposure, feeling obsolete, family loss, anxiety, lack of skills, technology issues, and more. However, focusing solely on these challenges can diminish the richness of the creative experience. By adopting radical acceptance, we can own our journey and not let doubts overshadow our progress. These struggles will exist, but they don’t need to dominate our attention.

I love the acronym F.A.I.L.—First Attempt In Learning. It reminds us that failure is just a part of the learning process. Each failure is a step towards improvement, and we’re allowed countless attempts to get it right.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

At the core of what I do, I facilitate creativity by providing accessible classes, workshops, and resources for anyone passionate about making art. My world revolves around creativity in its many forms, including watercolor, gouache, line drawing, digital art, urban sketching, fiber art, brush lettering, and calligraphy. Each medium has its unique charm and challenges, and I enjoy exploring and sharing them all.

I specialize in teaching and empowering aspiring artists. I offer a range of online courses that delve into specific techniques and mediums, designed to not only develop skills but also to help artists find their unique voice and style. I never try to over-polish my work or my persona. I show up as my true self—unapologetically weird, full of humor, and embracing the playful side of creativity. I want to facilitate a relaxed and fun learning environment where students feel free to express themselves without fear of judgment. My aim is to make art approachable and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their experience level.

How do you think about luck?

While we can’t control luck, we can control how we respond to what we are faced with along our journey. I believe that luck often intersects with preparation and opportunity. Embracing a mindset of curiosity and growth has helped me turn setbacks into learning experiences.

I’ve had moments of serendipity that propelled me, like stumbling upon a community of like-minded creatives who supported and encouraged my work. I’ve also faced my share of bad luck. Technical issues, unexpected obstacles, and personal losses have all tested my resilience. These challenges, while difficult, have taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability. They pushed me to find creative solutions and to continue moving forward even when the path was uncertain.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thepigeonletters.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thepigeonletters
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/thepigeonletters