Joyful Finds

Finding beauty in dark days of winter

Finding beauty in dark days of winter. A collection of joyful photos and creative inspiration from Michelle Hickey Design.

February 1, 2021

I’m Michelle.
A modern maker with a classic approach to design. Ever in search
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Finding beauty in the dark days of winter can be challenging when it is cold, drab, and dreary. In this post, I share how my mood has drawn me to different types of imagery, and how they are inspiring me.

Finding beauty in dark days of winter. A collection of joyful photos and creative inspiration from Michelle Hickey Design.

A couple of months ago, I began a new practice on Instagram— showcasing all the posts I found throughout the week that inspired me creatively. After such a heavy year, I loved the idea of doing something that was purely joyful, with no agenda, sign-ups, or mandatory participation. Simply sharing beauty and encouraging others to seek it.

It all takes place in my Instagram Stories, where I share imagery and thoughts over Saturday morning coffee. The posts are archived and accessible in my saved highlights, but I thought it would be nice to begin sharing what I call “joyful finds” on the blog as well. Here’s a look at this week’s collection:

Finding beauty in dark days of winter

It was a chilly week here, even for Florida, and its effects were noticeable. I’m intrigued by how the temperature influenced the imagery I was drawn to. This #JoyfulFinds collection is a bit moody but beautiful as ever. How would you describe how your week looked/felt visually, in a word?

Finding beauty in dark days of winter. Photo by @angrybaker.

It’s a challenge to achieve a look that’s both dark and inviting, but it is magic when you get it right.
Photo from @angrybaker

Finding beauty in dark days of winter. Photo by @the.sattva.life

Lately, I’ve been pausing to acknowledge. The good and bad. Not in judgment, with observation and curiosity.
Photo from @the.sattva.life

Finding beauty in dark days of winter. Photo from @karolina_maras

All black with that single pop of beige. This is chic, defined.
Photo from @karolina_maras

Finding beauty in dark days of winter. Photo from @theclassicsdarling

1950’s selfies > 2020’s selfies. Sammy Davis, Jr. could not be any cuter in these shots.
Photo from @theclassicsdarling

Finding beauty in dark days of winter. Photo from @jamiebeck.co

An exquisite study of light and composition. It makes me want to write an essay about it. But I won’t. Or at least, I won’t make you read it.
Photo from @jamiebeck.co

Finding beauty in dark days of winter. Photo from @krystal_bick

Saved this for last because the caption is worth a read. You are beautiful, at this moment, as you are.
Photo from @krystal_bick

The end.

Hope you enjoyed this week’s collection of #JoyfulFinds inspired by finding beauty in the dark days of winter. Keep seeking beauty on and off of Instagram. It’s always there.

Join me every Saturday for more joyful finds to inspire your creative work! Click here to follow along.

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  1. […] a difference a week can make! After last week’s moody vibes, I’m excited to share a new collection of imagery and thoughts that are warm, uplifting, and […]

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