Episode 19 : The Power of the Long Road with Julia Speck
In Episode 19 of Creative Diaries, artist Julia Speck shares a powerful reminder: creative growth doesn’t always follow a straight line—or a fast one. At 35, Julia walked away from a successful career in market research to pursue her lifelong dream of studying fine art. Her journey into Germany’s competitive art academy system is both inspiring and deeply human: filled with fear, doubt, courage, and transformation.
Julia talks with Dimitra about why she chose formal art education over the fast-paced world of short courses and online tutorials, and what that decision taught her about presence, experimentation, and community. While many creatives today pursue learning through self-study and digital platforms, Julia was drawn to the immersive, physical experience of being in a space where creativity is taken seriously—where the freedom to explore without immediate results is part of the process.
She shares how art academies function in Germany, describing a rigorous, competitive application process and the deeply self-directed nature of the program. There are no assignments, no rules—just freedom to experiment, fail, and try again. This space has challenged her to develop her own voice, not just in terms of technique, but in how she thinks about her creative identity.
One of the most impactful takeaways from Julia’s story is the shift from productivity to presence. In her previous job, things were structured and goal-oriented. But in the art world, there’s often no clear endpoint. Julia reflects on how learning to trust the slow, messy, nonlinear process has reshaped her mindset—not just in art, but in life. It’s helped her stay open, grounded, and curious, even when doubt or comparison creeps in.
She also opens up about the emotional side of being in a creative community: the inspiration, the comparisons, and the inevitable self-doubt. Julia admits that seeing others produce faster or with more clarity can be overwhelming. But rather than seeing her own uncertainty as a flaw, she’s learning to see it as a feature of her creative personality—someone who is curious, exploratory, and willing to follow ideas wherever they lead.
This conversation is a much-needed counterpoint to the hustle culture that often defines creative success today. Julia’s path reminds us that it’s okay not to know, to be in-between, to be becoming. And that sometimes, slowing down is the most radical thing you can do for your creative growth.
🎧 Want to hear Julia’s full story?
Listen to Episode 19 of Creative Diaries to explore what it really means to take the long road—and how slowing down might just be your biggest creative breakthrough.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Formal education can offer deep creative freedom and structure
Slowing down allows for deeper exploration and artistic clarity
Self-doubt is normal in creative communities—but it doesn’t have to stop you
Creative identity can evolve through experimentation, not just focus
Presence matters more than productivity in the long run
There is no single “right” path—just the one that aligns with your values
About Julia Speck
Julia Speck is a fine artist currently studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich. After a successful career in market research, she returned to her creative roots to pursue her passion for painting and artistic experimentation. Julia’s work is deeply influenced by observation, slowness, and the emotional layers of creative life. She’s passionate about building a life of meaning through intentional artistic practice.
📸 Follow Julia on Instagram