complete

the quests

at your own pace

The retreat is self-guided and designed to be anti-burnout while giving you inspiration to get resourced on your creative journey. From community building online and off to investigating your potentially limiting beliefs this retreat will be a balm for you if you have been struggling to make time for your most creative self or find yourself feeling like an impostor among other artists and creative types.

you’ll start with solid and

holistic commitments

to yourself.

the retreat will guide you through preparing, making space and time for yourself.

An important but often overlooked process.

You’ll learn how to make a great retreat experience for yourself from anywhere. If that is a campsite or right at home, you’ll learn how to set yourself up for success step-by-step.

I’ll guide you through making sure you have:

the tools you’ll need at hand, supply lists and suggestions for comfort
intentions set to help yourself feel the most supported
examples of active and restorative engaged creative rest.

why did i

make this?

I wanted to help others experience the magic of creating art in nature.

In February of 2024 I went on my first every backpacking trip to Joshua Tree National Park. The experience was both humbling and inspiring. I was partially unprepared but astonished at how it felt to intentionally go out in nature to create. This was where I was the most clear-headed and at peace with my humanity and creativity. When I got back home, I drew my outdoor gear in my sketchbook. Everything from my hiking poles to my homemade emergency kits. Then the scans of those sketches became a zine, the original version of this PDF.

for the trip, i created a custom kit of art supplies

I was so focused on making something light enough to carry on my back for creating something miles into the desert.

While the prospect was scary, the actual practice felt so aligned for me as an artist. When I returned, I decided to draw my whole kit, supplies and all, to inspire others to start doing this work. Those drawings became the Zine you see here.

But backpacking is no easy feat, not only is it physically challenging, the process itself can be dangerous. To be honest, my preference is car camping where I can be more comfortable and bring other luxuries from daily life.

As someone who has a quilt of disabilities though, I wanted to make something new in solidarity with those who maybe don’t have access to travel in this way.

That is what this

new experience is for

If you are simply just looking for a bit more inspiration in your weekends, this is for you.

If you’re an artist who had previous experiences in art school or another creative program that made you doubt yourself, this is for you.

If you are a creative adult who doesn’t identify with the term artist (yet) and wants a little bit more spark, this is for you too!

And lastly, if you simply see creativity as a hobby but want it to fill your cup with a little more joy and build some community, this is also for you.

Your retreat can happen

anywhere you choose.

on whatever

timeline you choose.

and you can

carve out space for

creative rest.

have any questions before you snag your copy?

This is a do-it-yourself experience, so you will be working on this on your own terms. However, the retreat contains instructions on how to join my Discord Server, an awesome place where you can share how it’s going for you and ask questions.
This is one of the places I hope you’ll choose to build community!
In the 29-page-PDF you will find numerous writing prompts and checklists to help you prepare for your retreat.

The retreat itself will comprise of one or more of the nine Quests laid out in the retreat.
Absolutely not! This creative retreat is for personal growth and self-reflection purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any mental health condition. The author, Mel Mitchell-Jackson, is not a licensed mental health professional.
The content in this guide is entirely based on personal experiences and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms that are difficult to manage, please consult with a qualified therapist. Your well-being matters, and professional support is invaluable.
Totally, the need to go be out in nature is completely optional. Birdwatching from your living room window is great too. Eight of the Nine quests can be completed in the comfort of your own home.