Episode 7 : Expanding Your Creative Horizons with Nafsika Tzanou
Pivoting in a creative career isn’t just about changing what you do—it’s about rediscovering what truly drives you. Stepping into a new direction can be both exciting and overwhelming, but it often leads to deeper self-expression and fulfillment. In this episode of Creative Diaries, I sat down with architect and interior designer Nafsika to talk about her journey of expanding into the world of limited-edition prints. Her story is a powerful example of what happens when you allow yourself to explore beyond the familiar.
For years, Nafsika worked within the structured world of architecture, designing for clients with clear objectives and deadlines. But in the quiet moments between projects, she found herself sketching—creating just for the joy of it.What started as personal doodles turned into a yearly tradition of designing Christmas cards for her clients. Over time, these small creative escapes became something she genuinely loved, leading her to consider a new path. Her transition into producing prints wasn’t a sudden shift, but rather a slow realization that art gave her a kind of freedom she didn’t experience in client work.
Moving from client-driven projects to personal artistic expression brought both excitement and challenges. As an architect, external deadlines kept her accountable, but as an artist, she had to create her own discipline. The shift required a new kind of self-motivation—one where she had to push past limiting beliefs and give herself permission to pursue something without a guaranteed outcome. This transition also revealed how deeply ingrained certain ideas about work and productivity can be. Having grown up in a culture that emphasized seriousness and hard work, she realized she hadn’t allowed herself much space for creative play.
One pivotal moment in her journey came when a client who admired her artistic work invited her to be the first exhibitor in a newly designed gallery space. The mix of excitement and fear she felt in that moment made her realize it was time to take her art seriously. Instead of waiting for the “right time,” she embraced the opportunity, proving that sometimes, the best way to grow is to take a leap—even when you’re unsure of where it will lead.
🎧 Want to dive deeper into this conversation? Listen to the full episode of Creative Diaries here and get inspired to embrace new creative possibilities!
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Pivoting is a process, not a sudden change. Small creative explorations can eventually lead to a major shift in your work.
Discipline looks different in personal projects. When there’s no client setting deadlines, creatives must set their own structure.
Fear and excitement often come together. The best opportunities often feel intimidating at first, but they signal growth.
Creativity isn’t just work—it can be play. Making time for creative exploration can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths.
It’s never too late to try something new. If you feel drawn to a new creative direction, give yourself permission to explore it.
About Nafsika Tzanou
Nafsika is a visionary architect, interior designer, and artist whose creative journey is defined by bold reinvention and artistic exploration. With a foundation in architecture and interior design, her career has been built on translating her clients' visions into elegant, functional spaces. But her artistic spirit has led her to expand her creative path into the world of limited-edition prints—a move that represents both professional growth and personal expression.
Blending her structured design background with a passion for freeform artistry, Nafsika’s work captures the essence of balance between precision and emotion. Her limited-edition prints are a celebration of creativity unbound, allowing her to connect directly with her audience and share a deeply personal vision.
This pivot to printmaking has enabled Nafsika to embrace greater autonomy, experiment with bold ideas, and establish herself as a multi-disciplinary artist. Her work resonates with those who value originality, craftsmanship, and the beauty of self-expression.
Through her journey, Nafsika inspires others to explore new avenues of creativity, reminding us all that it’s never too late to redefine our paths and discover new opportunities for artistic fulfillment.
📌 Explore Nafsika’s portfolio of work here and follow her journey on Instagram.
📖 Interested in learning more about Nafsika’s creative journey or buying one of her prints? Click here to read more!