Hi friends,
I've taken a different approach for this newsletter. It's a "seasonal" one rather than a "monthly" one, because I have some news β I'm heading out on maternity leave!
It's been a busy time as my husband and I prepare to welcome our little one, and we couldn't be more excited. And nervous. And overwhelmed. And grateful...all of the things, really. This means I'll be stepping back from Heartseed Creative (and sending newsletters) until July / August.
It feels difficult to back away and slow down amidst all of the climate chaos and disheartening U.S. climate policy news around us. One of the strongest things that keeps me energized and hopeful is doing the daily work with clients who are making a difference.
But, I'm choosing to embrace rest and this new life chapter β and a whole new reason to care deeply about protecting our collective future. I think the best thing for myself, my daughter, and the world is to settle into this newness (motherhood! a topic I could mull on for ages) and then come back with renewed excitement for the work. Even when it feels like the world β and so much of the progress made β is falling apart, I think weaponizing our joy is an essential tactic for how we approach climate momentum. And I'm about to experience a whole lot of new love and joy, that's for sure.
One last note: these past few months have been all about community, from friends and family to acquaintances showing up to help. It's been a true gift; and I wouldn't be able to take a maternity leave without some pretty incredible contractors coming in to support the work and carry on Heartseed while I'm out. [Adjoa and Elza are so lovely, folks]. I'm grateful to have found these two.
I look forward to reconnecting in the summer!
With gratitude,
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Lauren Boritzke Smith
Founder
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WHAT I'M READING & LISTENING TO:
π Do you have any recommendations for climate / environmental books for kids and littles? Would love to know your favorites!
π΅ Love by FACESOULβ
ROOTS OF CHANGE
Climate Comms Resource
Climate of Possibility is a project created by Ashley Fairbanks and the 100% Campaign to shine a light on the modern mistakes of climate communications. It's super to-the-point about what we've been doing so far and what we need to do instead to mobilize target audiences and make real impact. Plus, it's beautiful to look at β and the website is cool too!
LINKS ON LINKS
Featured Climate Artist: Heather Bird Harris
The muted colors and unique shapes of Heather Bird Harris' work drew me in. And then I stayed for the deeper messaging of each piece! Harris explores the throughlines between history and ecological crises, engaging with communities, scientists, and site-specific materials to investigate land memory, systems of complicity, and possibilities for emergence.
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HEARTSEED CREATIVE FEATURE
Podcast Cover Art for Change Narrative
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This month, we were tasked by Change Narrative to design the cover artwork for Rising Within: A Meditation for the Future, and the episode is officially up on Spotify!
Imagination is one of our most powerful tools in this work. It helps us fix our gaze on a more vibrant, just, and livable planet. Listen in for a meditation featuring music and poetry to envision that futureβtogether.
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How We Can Help You
At Heartseed Creative, we work with climate organizations and small businesses to scale their impact with communications and design.
Book a time on our calendar for August! We're filling spots for the end of the year. So if youβ¦
- Are a nonprofit or small businesses working on climate change solutions
- Value the importance of storytelling and graphic design to make an impact
- Are looking to build more connection and engagement with your audiences
Please reach out!
WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS SEASON:
π¨ Nesting and resting with my newborn. [And figuring sooo many new things out!]
π Tending the garden as time allows.
π Reading a book or two off my climate shelf.
βI lay in bed thinking about the future
and how I would like it to be
even if I am not there.β
β Eddie Mabo
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