Meet Phoebe Seward | Brand Designer, Creativity Coach & Host of the Clearly Creative Podcast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Phoebe Seward and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phoebe, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
One of my favorite quotes is by Maya Angelou: “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

I’ve come back to that line so many times, especially when I’m feeling stuck or questioning if I have anything left to give creatively. It’s such a simple idea, but it shifts everything. Instead of seeing creativity as something that runs dry, it reminds me it’s actually something that grows the more I tap into it. That mindset has helped me take more creative risks and trust that the well won’t run out. It just needs me to keep showing up.

What should our readers know about your business?
My work lives at the intersection of design, creativity, and personal growth. I’m a brand designer, creativity coach, and the host of the Clearly Creative Podcast. I also write the Creative Empowerment Blog, which is all about helping creatives navigate the ups and downs of their journey with more confidence and clarity.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just focus on visuals. I focus on people. Whether I’m designing a brand or coaching a creative, my goal is always to bring out what’s already there. I want to help others recognize their voice, trust their instincts, and build something that feels meaningful to them.

Getting to this point took time. I spent years working in design roles where I was good at what I did, but I often felt like I had to hide the deeper parts of myself. The parts that wanted to talk about self-doubt, burnout, imposter syndrome, and all the quiet stuff that comes with being a creative person. It wasn’t until I started having honest conversations through the podcast and blog that I realized how many others felt the same way. That’s what inspired me to create space for that kind of work.

It definitely wasn’t easy. There were moments when I felt invisible and unsure if what I had to say mattered. But I kept going, and over time, I learned that showing up consistently, even when things felt uncertain, was enough.

What I want people to take away from my story is that creativity is not a one-size-fits-all experience. It looks different for everyone. Some people move fast and loud. Others move with quiet intention. Both are valid. The most important thing is to stay connected to what feels true to you and to find ways to keep creating, even when it’s messy or unclear. That’s where the real growth happens.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Houston for a week, I’d plan a mix of good food, culture, and relaxing moments to really give them a feel for the city. We’d start at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, hopefully on a Mixers & Elixirs night so we could sip cocktails, explore the exhibits after hours, and maybe even dance a little under the dinosaur bones. The next day, we’d head downtown to catch a show at the Alley Theatre and grab a drink afterward at La Carafe. It’s one of my favorite spots—charming, candlelit, and full of old Houston character.

Later in the week, we’d spend the morning in Montrose visiting the Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel, then stop by Empire Café for a cozy brunch. Another day would be all about being outdoors. We’d walk the trails at Buffalo Bayou Park or rent bikes to explore more of the area. After that, we’d grab dinner and catch some live music at Capone’s. It’s one of those places that feels low-key in the best way. Then we’d head to Miller Outdoor Theatre for a concert under the stars, which is one of the most underrated things to do in Houston.

I’d also plan a day trip to Galveston. We’d wander through the boutiques, walk along the beach, and have lunch at Brewchachos for something casual and fun. Back in Houston, we’d spend an afternoon shopping at River Oaks District, then catch a movie at the historic River Oaks Theatre nearby. On another evening, we’d have dinner at Soma Sushi, one of my absolute favorite spots. The food is always fresh, beautifully plated, and perfect for catching up over a long meal. On the last day, we’d take a peaceful walk through the Houston Botanic Garden and wrap things up with dinner at Pacific Coast Tacos. It would be the perfect ending to a week filled with creativity, great conversation, and all my favorite places in the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely. There’s no way I could do what I do without the support and encouragement of a few key people in my life. First, my husband. He’s been my biggest cheerleader, my sounding board, and my late-night brainstorm partner more times than I can count. I also want to thank my mom and dad, who have always believed in my creativity, even when I wasn’t totally sure where it was taking me. Their steady support gave me the space to grow, explore, and figure things out in my own way.

I’m also really grateful for the creative friends and mentors I’ve met over the years, especially the ones who reminded me that there’s no single path to success. And honestly, a quiet thank you to all the books, podcasts, and videos that found me when I needed them most. Those unexpected sparks—whether they came through a story, an idea, or a bit of encouragement—really do stick with you. I carry all of it with me.

Website: https://www.phoebeseward.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearlycreativepodcast

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebeseward/

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7DPwpQmiGuI3kkCHbsyHbk?si=ZDCkoyH0Rs-ZMsNd6c-_pQ&nd=1&dlsi=2d9b7798042e41db

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clearly-creative/id1788410872

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/phoebeseward/