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11 Modern Creatives We Admire Right Now

Build Your Website & Brand, Expand Your Reach

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The Individuals Who Inspire Us to Design (pt. 5)

When your job involves building beautiful brands and websites, you can’t help but keep your eye on the modern creatives who are shaping the world around you. The ones whose work makes you pause mid-scroll. The ones who blend aesthetics with purpose. Who create not just for themselves—but for communities, clients, students, and collectors.

We’re constantly inspired by the magic that happens when someone combines their passion with their talent—and has the courage to share it with the world. Whether it’s abstract painting, digital design, or curating the perfect thrifted wardrobe, these creatives are making their mark.

So we rounded up 11 creatives we’re loving lately. Some are artists, some are educators, some are designers—and all of them are wildly inspiring.

What to expect:

  • A mix of fine art, digital design, interiors, and creative entrepreneurship
  • People who are doing the thing while staying true to their values
  • A dose of beauty and a whole lot of heart

Whether you’re here for the inspiration or the aesthetic vibes, we hope you discover a new favorite (or five) to follow.

1. Kate Comen Freeman

Kate’s work feels like sunlight filtered through linen curtains—soft, grounding, and quietly powerful. An artist and creative entrepreneur based in Charleston, Kate creates artwork that brings calm and color into any space. We love how she honors femininity and nature through her soft palette and delicate forms.

2. Way Way Allen

Way Way Allen’s abstract work explores patterns in nature and the beauty of negative space. Her large-scale paintings are bold yet meditative—a combination that’s surprisingly hard to pull off. With a devoted following of interior designers and collectors, she’s mastered the art of minimalism with depth.

3. Kate Mullin

The story of Kate Mullin is a creative’s dream—gallery owner turned full-time artist with a stunning studio in Savannah. Her work is a beautiful intersection of Southern charm and modern color. If you love a mix of fine art and lived-in warmth, you’ll fall hard for Kate’s collection.

4. Myquillyn Smith (The Nester)

Author, cozy minimalist, and all-around home whisperer, Myquillyn is proof that you don’t need a perfect house to create a beautiful home. Her philosophy: creating the most amount of style with the least amount of stuff. That’s a message we can all get behind. Her newest book, House Rules, will help you to do what you know, use what you have and finish what you started.

5. Kendra Adachi

Kendra is a genius at helping overwhelmed creatives and busy moms get it together without losing their minds. Her mix of strategy and grace is exactly what we need in a world that often pushes burnout. Start with her podcast or new book, The PLAN, and thank us later.

6. Dana & John (Minimalist Baker)

Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or just love a good chocolate chip cookie recipe, this site is a goldmine. Dana and John have built a team and a brand that embodies simplicity done beautifully—proving that “minimal” can still feel like a treat.

7. Tyler Speier

A past client and perennial favorite, Tyler creates bespoke celebrations that feel both grand and intimate. Tyler Speier Events designs balance, abundance and restraint in a way that makes your jaw drop without losing the soul of the celebration.

8. Bail Ansari

Bail is the creative genius behind Just One More Project and Laser Craft Fest. With energy for days and a heart for serving creatives, she’s making waves with community-centered design and bold, joyful branding. She’s also laugh-out-loud funny on Instagram, so go follow her already.

9. Alex Kincaid

Watercolor meets wonder in Alex’s world. She creates joyful floral paintings and leads an incredible community of aspiring artists through her courses. If you’ve ever wanted to pick up a paintbrush but didn’t know where to start—start here.

10. Mary Orton

Fashion meets wit in everything Mary touches. Her Instagram captions alone are worth a follow, but she’s also the founder of Chord, a stunning accessories brand. Think polished, clever, and quietly powerful.

11. Lissie Nicole

Lissie’s passion for education shines through everything she creates. With a background in fine art, digital illustration, and university-level teaching, she’s on a mission to make design more accessible and joyful. Lissie Nicole courses are fun, thorough, and packed with heart.

BONUS: Krista Lavrusik

Equal parts thrift queen and confidence coach, Krista is basically your stylish older sister who always finds the best pieces first. Her mission? Helping you feel like a 10 every time you get dressed. Consider us obsessed.

Conclusion

These 11 talented creatives remind us there’s no one “right” way to express your art. Their stories and work inspire us to lean into our passions, explore new ideas, and continue growing as creative entrepreneurs. We hope this list sparks your imagination and inspires you to create.

Which creative inspired you most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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