Merging professional expertise with a lifelong passion for ocean conservation.Jessica Adanich shares her journey from a childhood immersed in creativity to founding Fuzzy Sharks and Sharkapalooza, a non-profit art and conservation festival in Florida.Jessica chats with Claire about the challenges of art school, the resilience required to pivot careers during economic downturns, and the importance of separating personal identity from professional critique. We touch on the scientific theory of biophilia and how Jessica's 'fuzzy shark' soft sculptures help people connect with misunderstood marine life. Hear about the bravery involved in moving across the country to follow a dream, the realities of balancing a design agency with passion projects, and why taking a chance on yourself is the ultimate creative act, as well as:How art can hit differently than verbal communication in conservation efforts.The transition from corporate marketing at Mace to launching an independent design studio.Overcoming the fear of failure and the importance of pushing out of your comfort zone.The growth of Sharkapalooza from a microbrewery event to a city-wide festival featuring major aquariums and OSEARCH.Connect with Jessica here.Find Fuzzy Sharks here.I would love some financial support to help me to keep making this podcast. Visit buymeacoffee.com/creativityfoundSupport the showFollow @CreativityFoundPodcast on InstagramWant to be a guest on Creativity Found? Send me a message on PodMatch, herePodcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout