- 5 Things Inspiring Me by Chie Tamada
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- 5 Things Inspiring Me: October 2025
5 Things Inspiring Me: October 2025
Slowing down, prepping for holiday season, and staying inspired.
Chie Tamada
November 01, 2025
Glacier National Park, 10/11/25
Hey friends! This month’s been a bit wild, with tons of trips and projects coming along. My October inspo is coming in one day late, but better late than never!
One of the things I’m looking forward to this season is slowing down and creating space for myself to rest and explore without expectations. Holiday season makes this tricky, but I’m committed to having more down time for myself so I can be in a better headspace in 2026.
One way I’m practicing this is by taking a break from holiday markets. I’ve vended at local markets for the past 3 years and I love doing them, especially since it’s a great opportunity to build community and sell my products as xmas gifts. But it’s also a looot of work. My online shop is still open, but I’ll be taking a step back from selling in-person.
Here’s a little challenge for you… ✨ What’s one thing you’ve always done around holiday season that you want to take a break from? Maybe it’s hosting a family gathering, or buying xmas presents for every family member. Pick one thing to press pause on this year so you can give yourself a breather and try something new.
🙌 CHEERFUL NEWS
I’m back from Adobe MAX! ✨🎨 I just got back from Adobe’s biggest design and creator event and I am overflowing with inspiration. I’ll be sharing an in-depth recap video soon but for now, I saved my daily recaps in my IG stories highlights here.
Endless Summer Vol. 2 J-pop Summer Playlist is out! 🎶🎧 I released a new jpop playlist for my summer lovers and it’s loaded with chill tracks I discovered this summer. You can listen while reading about my process of the cover art on my blog here.
✨ 5 THINGS INSPIRING ME
1. ARTIST: Ria SimRia Sim (@coffeecakescafe) is an illustrator and author based in NYC (and mama of my friend @andrewpolo_). I remember Andrew sharing me her IG a decade ago when I first met him, and Ria has continued to hone her craft in whimsical illustrations and paper animations of her city. Lately she’s been sharing more about her love for fashion and community which I admire! Check out her work here. |  |
2. ATHLETE: Matt PaganMatt is a surfer, surfboard shaper, and coach based in Los Angeles who I was lucky enough to work with this fall to improve my surf game. He’s a former pro-surfer with a deep passion for community building and teaching, and shares a ton of great tips online for beginner/intermediate surfers. Check out his surf videos here. |  |
3. BOOK: Why We Swim by Bonnie TsuiWhy We Swim is a beautifully written memoir by Bay Area native, Bonnie Tsui, who explores the cultures and science behind the human relationship with water and swimming. As a long-time swimmer and now surfer, Bonnie’s message on how swimming can heal, improve well-being, and build a sense of community really resonates with me. Check out the book here. |  |
4. PODCAST: Good Hang w/Adam ScottGood Hang with Amy Pohler has been my favorite podcasts this year, and this episode with Adam Scott is at the top of my list. The two chat about their time as Ben and Leslie on Parks and Rec, and I find the chemistry they had on the show really inspiring. It also got me to start rewatching Parks and Rec! Check out the episode here. |  |
5. SMALL BIZ: Saba SurfSaba Surf is a surf wax brand turned cafe, that sells amazing coffee and organic hand-poured wax in the heart of Venice. Founded by surfers, Gal and Laura, the duo are passionate about creating a beautiful space for locals to connect, relax, and get inspired by surf culture. Check out their store here. |  |
 | Thanks for reading! If you'd like to support my art practice further you can... Have a great day and take it easy. ✌️ |
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