Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What's Next

Life doesn’t come with a roadmap. We’re all figuring it out as we go.

I’m Judy Oskam, and on Stories of Change, I talk with people about the changes and unexpected turns that have shaped their lives—and what they’ve learned along the way.

Sometimes change is a choice. Sometimes it isn’t. I’m curious about how people find their way through it. What helped? What did they learn?

Maybe you’re navigating a career change, moving through a life transition, or wondering what you want your next chapter to look like. These conversations are a reminder that there’s more than one way forward.

Because sometimes someone else’s story gives us a little wisdom, a new perspective, or just what we need to help us figure out what’s next.

Welcome to Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next.

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Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What's Next

Vicky Cardwell Balcou - Visual Creativity

June 18, 2020 • Judy Oskam • Episode 14

0:00 | 22:30

In this episode, I interview Vicky Cardwell Balcou - about art, life and the creative process. We also talked about how she embraces change and keeps moving forward.

Fort Worth native Vicky Cardwell Balcou was destined to be an artist. Born into a family of artists, designers and teachers, her mother and father supported her creativity. Since graduating from The University of Texas, Vicky has had a long, successful career in commercial art, product design, illustration and advertising. Vicky's vast portfolio includes book design at top university presses and freelance projects from portraits to murals. For more than 25 years, Vicky was a lead product designer for Fitz and Floyd.

Balcou's daughter, Elisa Jimenez, followed her family's creative lead and is building a prosperous career in interdisciplinary art. You can hear Elisa's interview in episode 5, released earlier this season.

In 2017, Balcou and long time college friend and fellow artist, Tina Woodruff, collaborated on a joint exhibit. Their work was part of an art show entitled, Old Friends, New Directions. The Austin American Statesman wrote about the show and their friendship.

I loved Ms. Balcou's strategy about reinvention every 5 years. Now with macular degeneration, she is updating her artistic style once again. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Please share, subscribe and review this podcast. You can connect with me via email at drjudyoskam@gmail.com or on Instagram and Twitter @judyoskam

Please follow along for real stories, take away a little wisdom and maybe find something that helps you figure out what's next.