Doodles in the Margins

Doodles in the Margin - Episode 10

Sometimes creativity sneaks up on you. You start with a hobby, a side project, or something you do just for fun — and before you know it, people are asking, “Can I pay you for that?” In this episode of Doodles in the Margins, Jacinta explores what it means to be an “accidental artist.” The kind of creative who didn’t plan to start a business but found themselves in demand because of what they love to make. You’ll hear a personal story about the first time someone offered to pay Jacinta for her words and how that moment planted the seed for everything that came after. In this episode, we’ll explore:✨ How to notice when your passion could become something more✨ Why “testing small” helps you grow without pressure✨ How to translate your joy into something valuable for others✨ The power of shifting from “just a hobby” to “a creative service” This is a gentle guide for anyone standing at the edge of creative possibility — wondering if what you love could also sustain you. Reflection Prompt:Think back over the last six months. Has anyone asked you to make or do something creative for them? That might be your breadcrumb trail. Connect with Me: Remember, if you want to connect with me, check out my page here:https://jacintacrousewrites.substack.com/p/contact [https://jacintacrousewrites.substack.com/p/contact] Thanks for reading Jacinta Marshall-Crouse Writes! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jacintacrousewrites.substack.com [https://jacintacrousewrites.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Doodles in the Margin - Episode 9

Ever stared at your long list of creative ideas and thought, “Where do I even begin?” You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into how to plan your creative projects in a way that honors your creative energy, supports your real life, and helps you move your ideas forward. Without feeling boxed in. Jacinta shares her journey from “magpie ideas” to building a planning system that balances structure with freedom. You’ll learn how to create living roadmaps that shift and grow with you, rather than rigid plans that stifle your creativity. In this episode, we’ll explore:✨ Why traditional productivity systems often don’t work for creatives✨ The “creative parking lot” method to safely store ideas✨ How to choose one focus project each season✨ How to break your project into short, mid, and long-term timelines✨ Why regular review and reflection keep your ideas alive Your plans should feel like scaffolding, not a cage… something that supports your growth without trapping you. If you’re ready to bring more ease, flow, and clarity to your creative process, this episode will help you find your rhythm again. Connect Me: Remember, if you want to connect with me, check out my page here:https://jacintacrousewrites.substack.com/p/contact [https://jacintacrousewrites.substack.com/p/contact] Thanks for reading Jacinta Marshall-Crouse Writes! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jacintacrousewrites.substack.com [https://jacintacrousewrites.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Doodles in the Margin - Episode 8

Networking doesn’t have to feel like forced small talk or a stack of business cards. For creatives, it’s simply about showing up with curiosity, presence, and authenticity. In this episode of Doodles in the Margins, Jacinta shares two real-life networking experiences — one at a local book fair in Houston and another at the Women’s Council of Entrepreneurs in Sugarland — and the lessons they taught her about genuine connection. You’ll also learn four practical tips to make networking feel more natural and less like a chore, including: * Prepare with clarity — Know what you’re hoping to get from the event. * Engage with presence — Listen deeply and stay curious. * Craft your unique service proposition — Share who you are, what you do, and who you do it for. * Follow up with intention — Those quick notes and messages can turn a meeting into a meaningful connection. Plus, Jacinta shares a touching story about a simple supermarket encounter that reminds us networking can happen anywhere — even in the checkout line. If you’ve ever felt nervous or unsure about networking, this episode will help you see it as what it truly is: humans connecting through stories, humor, and shared experiences. Connect with the Guests & Mentions: * Women’s Council of Entrepreneurs (WCE): wearewce.com [https://wearewce.com] * Curiosidades de Luna: curiosidadesdeluna.com [https://curiosidadesdeluna.com] | Instagram: @curiosidadesdeluna [https://instagram.com/curiosidadesdeluna] * Homes with Hana (Hana Hussein): Instagram: @homes.withhana [https://instagram.com/homes.withhana] * Better Than Therapy Books: Instagram: @b.t.t.books [https://instagram.com/b.t.t.books] Remember, if you want to connect with me, check out my page here:https://jacintacrousewrites.substack.com/p/contact [https://jacintacrousewrites.substack.com/p/contact] Thanks for reading Jacinta Marshall-Crouse Writes! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jacintacrousewrites.substack.com [https://jacintacrousewrites.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Doodles in the Margin - Episode 7

As creatives, we’re never short on ideas—our notebooks, sticky notes, and voice memos prove it. The challenge is finding a structure that protects time for our own creative work, not just everyone else’s priorities. In this episode, I share the workflow shifts that helped me move from overwhelm to consistency, including: * Blocking time for your creative work like it’s a client * Matching tasks to your natural energy rhythms * Using a weekly framework instead of endless daily lists * Creating containers for your ideas, with flexibility inside them This isn’t about hustle or perfection. It’s about building a rhythm that protects your ideas, makes room for your voice, and helps you go from idea to impact—without burning out. ✨ Mentioned in this episode * inperennial.com [https://inperennial.com] | @inperennial | #inperennial #putitonpaper * My current weekly planner from Inperennial [https://inperennial.com], inspired by a much-loved Kikki.K layout * Tools: Descript (for editing), Blue Yeti Microphones (for recording) 📬 Connect with me * Substack Contact: jacintacrousewrites.substack.com/p/contact [https://jacintacrousewrites.substack.com/p/contact] * LinkedIn: Jacinta Marshall-Crouse [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacintamarshall-crouse/] 💡 If today’s episode resonated, share it with someone who’s ready to bring their ideas to life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jacintacrousewrites.substack.com [https://jacintacrousewrites.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Doodles in the Margins - Episode 6

LinkedIn often feels like the most corporate beige of social media platforms… all buttoned-up resumes and jargon-filled headlines. But what if it didn’t have to be? What if LinkedIn could actually become a space for you, as a creative, to tell your story, build connections, and attract the right people to your work… without losing your voice? In this episode of Doodles in the Margins, I share my journey of learning to use LinkedIn not as a static resume, but as a creative tool for visibility and connection. From my early days in the corporate banking world (and feeling like I didn’t fit the suit-and-tie mold) to showing up as my real, eclectic self. I’ll walk you through how authenticity shifted everything for me. You’ll hear practical tips to help you craft your own digital story and use LinkedIn in a way that feels natural, creative, and true to you. ✨ Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode: * Why LinkedIn doesn’t have to feel stiff or salesy * How to rethink your headline so it reflects who you help and what you bring * Writing your About section like a story (not a resume/CV) * Simple, sustainable ways to share content that resonates * Turning your LinkedIn profile into a landing page for your next step Whether you’re a business owner, freelancer, or multi-passionate creative, this episode will help you see LinkedIn as more than just a platform for job hunters. It can be a place where your creative heart and strategic mind meet in the middle. 💡 Key takeaway: You don’t have to be perfect to be visible. You just have to be real. Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode * Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacintamarshall-crouse/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacintamarshall-crouse/] * Follow Kylie for her “Feel Good Tuesday” posts:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylie-bonello-5ba88439/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylie-bonello-5ba88439/] * Learn more about working with me: https://jacintacrousewrites.substack.com/p/contact [https://jacintacrousewrites.substack.com/p/contact] 👉 If today’s episode encouraged you to rethink LinkedIn, share it with a fellow creative who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Doodles in the Margins. Thanks for reading Jacinta Marshall-Crouse Writes! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jacintacrousewrites.substack.com [https://jacintacrousewrites.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]