The Creative Couch with Sam Marshall
The Creative Couch is a podcast about creativity, doubt, and finding your own way of making work. Hosted by artist and coach Sam Marshall, it’s a place to talk honestly about making work, staying connected to creativity, and building confidence over time.
The Creative Couch with Sam Marshall
Episode 3: Creative Identity, Overwhelm & Open Calls
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In this episode of The Creative Couch, I respond to three thoughtful creative dilemmas from Jenny, Becky and Liza – each exploring identity, overwhelm and how we move forward with courage in our creative lives.
Jenny did an art degree but hasn’t made work for years. When someone close to her questioned whether she should still call herself creative, it struck a nerve. Can you claim a creative identity if you’re not actively producing work? What actually defines a creative life?
Becky is starting again after years of not prioritising her practice. She’s full of ideas and ambition, but paralysed by wanting to do everything at once. How do you begin when the possibilities feel endless and overwhelming?
Liza is navigating open calls and submissions. How do you put yourself forward without tying your self-worth to the outcome? And what’s really happening behind the scenes on judging panels?
In this episode, I explore:
• Creativity beyond visible output
• How to choose one idea and build momentum
• The emotional reality of rejection
• Practical ways to move forward with clarity and confidence
Each dilemma is unpacked gently, with both emotional insight and clear, practical homework you can try in your own practice.
If you have a creative dilemma you’d like me to explore, please email me at
thecreativecouchpod@gmail.com