PROJECT SPOTLIGHT: A Soulful Session with Dana Carlson of Artful Awakening

Some shoots feel like work.
Others feel like magic.

Our recent shoot with Dana Carlson—intuitive artist, therapeutic arts coach, and all-around creative powerhouse—was definitely the latter. From the moment we started chatting, it felt less like a production and more like hanging out with an old friend, swapping stories about the wild journey of being a creative human.

Dana and I connected over something we both know deeply: we don’t fit in a box. We’re not just one thing. We’re artists, storytellers, coaches, dreamers, makers. We carry a thousand roles and passions—and we wear them all with pride. It was refreshing to sit across from someone who gets it. Who’s also carving a path led by instinct, not convention.

We shared the bumps and breakthroughs of personal growth, talked about what it feels like to hit creative roadblocks—and what it takes to move through them. We talked about following the pull of curiosity, trusting the process, and making things that come from the soul. The kind of stuff that makes you feel alive.

On camera, Dana painted with this quiet, grounded focus that was mesmerizing to witness. Light poured into the space—soft, golden, and full of energy. I moved around her as she worked, catching little flares of sunlight and these gorgeous, unscripted moments. It was less about performance, more about presence. Just two artists, creating in flow.

By the end, we were buzzing with ideas and couldn’t wait to create more together.

This is the kind of work that fills me up. Work that’s rooted in real connection, mutual inspiration, and making space for people to be fully themselves.

Keep an eye out for the full video soon—this one’s something special.