A Journey Toward Mindful, Sustainable Creativity and Why I’m Choosing a Different Path

Hi again, and welcome if you’re new here. I’m Britt McQueen, the creator behind EcoBound Art. If you’ve recently subscribed or are just settling into this space, I wanted to take a moment to reintroduce myself and share a little more about what I’m doing and why. If you’ve followed my journey or stumbled upon this space, you’ll see that my path is one of deep connection.. not just to creativity, but to the earth, to my community, and to a more sustainable way of living. The choices I’m making aren’t always easy, and they don’t always feel like the quickest route, but I truly believe in the power of slowing down, being intentional, and aligning what I do with my values.

For some time now, I’ve been wrestling with the overwhelming reality of the digital world. Social media, especially platforms like YouTube and Meta, can be addictive, and they often feel like a distraction from what really matters. Beyond that, I’ve come to realize how harmful they are to our environment. The very nature of constantly creating and consuming content contributes to the strain on our planet, and I just couldn’t ignore that anymore.

So, I decided to step away from those platforms and instead focus on something more personal, meaningful, and sustainable. This shift isn’t about rejecting technology, but rather about reconnecting with what’s real and worthwhile. I’m here to tell you about this journey that I’m on, which is challenging but also rewarding at the same time.

The Shift to Mindful Living

Making the choice to step away from social media giants wasn’t easy. In a world where online presence is often seen as the key to success, it felt like a risky decision. But as I reflected on my life, I realized something important. I didn’t want my presence to be shaped by algorithms and distractions. I wanted my work and my life to reflect something deeper. Something that could offer more than just fleeting entertainment.

As it currently exists, the digital world isn’t in alignment with my values. It’s loud, overwhelming, and often feels like it thrives on keeping us disconnected from what really matters. After much thought, I decided to reduce my footprint on these platforms and instead focus on creating a space that’s quieter, more intentional, and far less harmful to the environment.

This shift has been deeply personal. It’s been about slowing down, which is something that feels counter cultural in our fast-paced world. It’s not just about creating for the sake of creating, but about offering something meaningful and sustainable. It’s about finding a balance that allows me to give back to the world in a way that feels true to who I am.

Creating EcoBound Art

Through EcoBound Art, I’m on a mission to help people connect with nature, themselves, and their communities through creativity. The business isn’t about just selling handmade, up-cycled art or supplies.. it’s about fostering a deeper connection to the world around us, encouraging self-expression, and nurturing a love for nature. I want my art to serve as a reminder that creativity isn’t just about producing something, but about experiencing the process, finding joy, and reconnecting with what is real.

My offerings are simple but intentional. I hope to start teaching free mini art classes at the farmers market, and an intro drawing class at the library. I am building an online masterclass of drawing tutorials that will soon be available through my website and Patreon. I also currently make and sell eco-conscious art supplies, and original art and prints. These aren’t just products to me, they’re tools to help others express themselves, to slow down, and to experience the healing that comes from connecting with the world in a creative way, while also being nicer to the planet. Whether it’s a simple drawing class or a custom piece of artwork, everything I do is guided by the desire to offer something meaningful, sustainable, and community-oriented.

Building Community Beyond Social Media

Now, if you’re like me you’ve probably found yourself exhausted by the noise of social media. I wanted to build a community, not just a following. And for me, that meant finding platforms that didn’t feel like they were contributing to the same cycle of distraction and consumption.

That’s why I’ve chosen Substack, Discord, Patreon, and my blog as the places to build my community. These spaces allow me to connect with people who share similar values, those who are looking for something deeper and more meaningful. It’s not about chasing numbers or creating content just for engagement. It’s about offering value, building relationships, and being present for those who appreciate what I do.

Of course, growing a community takes time, and it’s not always easy. But I believe in the power of slow, organic growth. The people who resonate with my message will find their way here. And when they do, I want them to feel that they’re part of something more.. a space where we can share, grow, and support one another, away from the pressures of bigger, more impersonal platforms.

Navigating Personal Challenges

Creating a life and business around sustainable creativity means I take a path that often moves against the current. I’m not chasing after goals like going viral or hopping on trends. I’m creating work that takes time, heart, and presence. And because of that, I’m also mindful of how to sustain this path in a way that aligns with my values.

Instead of relying on fast-paced sales or algorithms, I’m slowly building up multiple streams of income through art commissions, eco-conscious art supplies, my art classes, and now, this space. It’s a slow build, but one that feels rooted and real. What I offer isn’t mass-produced. It’s created with care, from the heart, for those who resonate with this way of living.

Each piece of this ecosystem supports my family while also contributing to something larger.. a creative, conscious, and connected way of being. That’s the kind of life and business I want to grow. One where integrity, intention, and long-term care are at the center. I’ve chosen a slower road because I want what I build to last and to nourish not just me, but others who are drawn to this kind of life. Every class, every drawing, every post is created with intention. And every person who supports this work becomes part of this story that is unfolding.

The Long-Term Vision

I imagine EcoBound Art growing into something that not only provides for my family but also leaves a lasting impact on the world. My goal is to continue offering art, classes, and supplies that help others reconnect with themselves and the natural world. I also hope my writing will serve as a bridge to deeper understanding and awareness, whether through my blog or the novels I’m working on.

The biggest thing I hope to cultivate through all of this is a community. I would love to connect with a group of like-minded individuals who value creativity, sustainability, and slow living. I believe that when we come together in meaningful ways, we can create a ripple effect that spreads beyond our immediate circles and into the world at large. It’s not about reaching millions, it’s about reaching the right people and creating something that’s built on authenticity and connection. It’s not always easy, and it’s certainly not fast. But it’s meaningful, and that’s what matters. I believe that by staying true to my values and continuing to show up in ways that feel authentic, I can build something that’s not only good for me and my community but also good for the world.

Thank you for being part of this journey, whether you’ve been here from the beginning or you’ve just discovered my work. If you resonate with what I’m doing, I invite you to join me on this path. Together, we can create something that’s not just for today, but for the future.. something that’s sustainable, intentional, and full of heart.

Leave a comment

I’m Britt

image of Britt McQueen

I am an artist, mom, and the creative guide behind EcoBound Earth.

I move slowly. I create intentionally. Living with my feet on the Earth, my heart reaching inward, and my hands offering outwards to others.

Through poetry, story, and handmade work, I found my way back to presence.. to who I really am beneath the roles, the systems, the forgetting. My path is not perfect. It is honest. It is healing.