Research on Creativity, Mindfulness, and Sustainable Creative Work
My research sits at the intersection of creative design practice, mindfulness pedagogy, and sustainable professional culture. It is deeply informed by both my lived experience as a creative professional and my ongoing practice as a yoga and mindfulness teacher. These dual perspectives continually inform and challenge one another—grounding my scholarship in real-world experience while expanding how I understand creativity, wellness, and learning.
Through this lens, I explore how embodied awareness, intentional process, and restorative practices can reshape the ways creatives and students learn, work, and thrive. My research investigates burnout in the design industry, mindfulness in art and design education, and the role of process-oriented practice—rather than outcome-driven hustle—in cultivating longevity and well-being in creative careers.
Drawing from my years directing a design agency, teaching in higher education, and leading mindfulness practices, I take a hybrid practice-led research approach that bridges theory and lived experience. My current projects focus on integrating mindfulness into art and design education as a pathway to student learning, creativity, and career readiness.
Research Areas
My work explores how creativity, mindfulness, and sustainable professional practice intersect within design education and the creative industries. I am particularly interested in how intentional processes and embodied awareness can support healthier, more sustainable creative careers.
My research focuses on areas including:
- mindfulness in art and design education
- burnout and sustainability in creative professions
- experiential and practice-led learning in design education
- creative entrepreneurship and professional preparation
- process-oriented creative practice and well-being
CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS
Mindfulness in Art & Design Education
I research how integrating mindfulness practices into art and design education enhances creativity, focus, and sustainable learning for students.
Busyness & Burnout
Through the Busyness & Burnout platform, I explore the intersection of creativity, wellness, and professional culture through research-driven storytelling, conversation, and reflection. The project examines burnout in creative industries and promotes sustainable approaches to creative work.
Art with Sydnea
Art With Sydnea explores painting as a mindful practice—using process, rest, and intuition as acts of creative resistance to burnout.
PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS
2025
The Burnout Blueprint: Reclaiming Creative Energy Without Sacrificing Your Craft.
AIGA National Design Conference – Los Angeles, CA
Thriving Without the Hustle: Building a Sustainable Creative Career.
AIGA DC Design Week – Washington, DC
Adding Mindfulness to the Classroom to Avoid Burnout.
Watermark Conference for Educators – Washington, DC
2023
Adding Mindfulness to the Classroom to Avoid Burnout.
Watermark Engage Conference – Austin, TX