The Global Ripple: How International Issues Impact My Creative World

Let’s be real, it’s hard to stay inspired when the world feels like it’s on fire. Gun violence is one of those global issues that’s impossible to ignore. Whether it’s school shootings in the U.S., unrest abroad, or communities living in constant fear, this crisis touches way too many corners of the globe. As someone who works in creative spaces like styling, storytelling, and visual branding, I’ve been thinking a lot about how this all impacts the way we show up, create, and connect.

This isn’t just an American problem. From Brazil to South Africa, gun violence is disrupting lives, silencing voices, and creating a kind of collective tension, and the creative world feels it too. Fashion designers, artists, musicians, people everywhere are using their platforms to respond. The global creative community is stepping in not just to reflect what’s happening but to push back with something more powerful: expression.

When the world feels heavy, creativity becomes more than just a moodboard or a perfectly styled photo. It becomes survival. The way we dress, the way we tell stories, the way we design experiences—it all becomes a form of resistance. A reminder that joy and beauty still matter. I’ve seen it firsthand, clients leaning into their voice, brands rethinking how they show up, and creatives using their aesthetic as armor and activism.

I’m a big believer in the power of visuals to make people feel something and do something. Whether it’s a campaign honoring lives lost or an image that sparks conversation, visuals carry weight. They travel. They challenge. And right now, the world needs more creative work that doesn’t just look good but means something. Gun violence might be the crisis, but creativity can be part of the cure.

So yes, this topic is heavy, but that’s exactly why it matters. As creatives, we don’t just make things look nice. We make things make sense. We give voice to the chaos. We remind people there’s still light. And for me, that’s the mission. To lead with intention, show up with heart, and create work that says, “We see what’s happening, and we care enough to create through it.”