The Collector

May 24

The Collector

CONFESSIONS OF A CREATIVE | Episode #1

I’ll admit it—I'm a collector. A saver. A stasher. Some might even say... a borderline hoarder (I see you, husband). But to me? I’m simply a curator of beautiful possibilities.

To the untrained eye, my home might look like it’s sprinkled with randomness: stacks of untouched magazines, perfectly good glass jars waiting for their second act, beach glass and driftwood from countless beach walks, bins of old organizers, ribbons I’ll reuse “one day,” and a graveyard of candle vessels too pretty to toss. But in my creative world, these aren’t clutter—they’re treasure.

Because you just never know when inspiration will strike.

That magazine from 2017? I might flip it open next week and find the perfect color palette for a client brand. The jar? A charming desk caddy. Those beach finds? A crafting project with my kids. Everything I save has a story, a purpose, or the potential to become part of one.

Being a collector is just part of who I am as a designer and creator. I’m constantly gathering things—ideas, textures, colors, memories—that might not fit in the moment, but someday? Someday they’ll shine.

For the past eight years, beachcombing has become a kind of family tradition. What started as a fun way to keep little hands busy turned into a bonding ritual—searching for beach glass and broken bits of shells, pockets heavy with “just one more” piece of driftwood. We bring them home, rinse off the sand, and save them. Some get tucked into jars, others sit on shelves. Each one carries a moment of joy and togetherness.

I collect because I create. I save because I see value in the overlooked. And I hold onto the little things, because sometimes, they help bring the big visions to life.

So here’s to jars without purpose, magazines with unread pages, and beach glass in random drawers. They’re not clutter—they’re future magic.

And I wouldn't have it any other way.