Pursuing a creative career often means stepping into the unknown—but with curiosity, community, and courage, the journey becomes something special.

In today’s episode, Cass sits down with Ashton Masek, an experiential designer and former muralist, to dive into how creative paths evolve and what it really takes to grow through the process. From navigating social media perceptions to finding purpose through community, Ashton and Cass open up about the lessons they’ve learned along the way—both in art and in life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How staying curious and open to new experiences leads to growth.
• Why community and relationships are key to sustaining creativity.
• How social media’s curated nature can shape (and sometimes distort) creative identity.
• The resilience and adaptability needed to pursue a creative career.
• How personal growth often comes through discomfort and challenge.
• The importance of authenticity and balance in creative work.
• Practical ways to approach creative problem-solving.
• How passion can fuel both your personal and professional success.

Cass and Ashton get real about creative pivots, identity shifts, and the process of learning to embrace change. Whether you’re an artist, designer, or simply someone navigating a creative calling, this episode is full of honest reflections and encouragement to keep growing—no matter where you are on the journey.

Find more content on:

• The Creative Friends Podcast Instagram
• Your creative friend Cass’ LinkedIn