A&B: An Ode To Effort

Why I’m done pretending it was easy.

This past award season, fellow Capricorn Timothée Chalamet gave a speech that I think about at least once a week. While accepting an award for his portrayal of Bob Dylan, he said:

"I know the classiest thing would be to downplay the effort that went into this role and how much this means to me, but the truth is this was five years of my life. I poured everything I had into playing this incomparable artist...
And lastly, I can't downplay the significance of this award. Cause it means the most to me... I know people don’t usually talk like that, but I want to be one of the greats... So I’m deeply grateful. This doesn’t signify that, but it’s a little more fuel. It’s a little more ammo to keep going."

What struck me wasn’t just what he said—it was that he prefaced it with, “I know people don’t usually talk like that.” As if being earnest about ambition, about caring deeply, is taboo. And I realized: I do this too.

I’ve downplayed how much I want to succeed. When I reach a big milestone, I make it sound like a fluke. I breeze past the hours, the sweat, the heartache. I act like it was easy. Like I just “got lucky.”

Because isn’t that the story we’re sold?
That success should be effortless?

We glamorize overnight success. Instant fame. The million-dollar idea that strikes like lightning. We scroll past stories of virality and forget the years that led up to it.

But that’s not the truth for most people. And honestly, why don’t we reward effort? Why is intentionality so unsexy?

Maybe it’s fear. If we admit how badly we want something, how much heart we’ve poured in, then failure feels too painful. If we act casual, at least we can pretend we never really tried.

But famous over-achiever, and personal favorite March sister, Amy March once said:

“I want to be great or nothing.” (or something like that)

And greatness demands effort.

Real effort. The kind that isn’t visible in an Instagram story.

I’ve said things like, “Oh, I just ended up with this business by coincidence” when that’s not even close to true.

I showed up and worked every day for two years. I only started taking weekends off a year ago (thanks Mckinley!)

I networked. I built relationships with clients, collaborators, mentors. Some became dear friends who shaped both my business and my life.

I invested in courses, workshops, and spent hours learning everything I could: not just about design, but all the things it takes to run a creative business.

“Lucky” doesn’t cover it.

I’ve given my studio my entire heart and soul. And I don’t want to act casual about that anymore.

I want to, just like Timmy, to be one of the greats. And I don’t want to hide that.

Success isn’t a glitch in the algorithm.

It’s not being discovered at a café or going viral overnight.

Success is what happens in the invisible years—when no one is clapping, but you keep showing up.

People only start noticing when the highlight reel starts looking shiny. But everything I’ve made has been filled with effort. Every brand, every story, every late-night edit.
And I don’t want to pretend otherwise.

So here’s my small rebellion: I want to make effort cool. I want to celebrate the people who care too much, try too hard, and dream too big. I want to be seen not for how effortlessly something appears, but for the devotion and persistence it took to get there. Because effort isn’t weakness. It’s proof of love. And I am endlessly in love with the life and business I’m building. And I’m done being apologetic about that.

I’m reading — One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
My summer/spring reading has almost exclusively only consisted of romance novels and I am so happy about it. This one has stood out as a favorite for the last few weeks and it is exactly what you think it’s going to be. Fun, sexy, banter is top notch. I also need to mention Bittersweet by Susan Cain, a read that is giving words to so many things I’ve felt in recent years. It’s about the science (and benefits) of longing, sorrow and grief. But it’s fun, I swear!

I’m singing to — future self soundtrack
I started a playlist inspired by what I hope my future self is feeling / experiencing / believing about herself. I’m adding in songs all the time, and I think you should make one of your own so we can talk about it. And yes, I do want to feel like Liz On Top of The World in Pride and Prejudice (2005).

I’m loving — Sharing just more of myself online with ya’ll
Starting this Substack was a scary move, but I’m so so grateful for all of your sweet messages and comments and encouragement. I’m really proud of the content that’s coming out and the ideas that I continue to get through our conversations. So thank you thank you thank you.

Brand and Web Design Projects — We’re booking Summer!
If you want to work with us for branding, web, creative direction this spring, we have two spaces open for the first week of July. Inquire here for more info!

Planetaria Branding Course
A course that teaches you how to build your brand through the lens of the planets in astrology. You can learn all about it here. Perfect for you to re-think your brand or establish the building blocks for it to fully bloom.

Live Creative Consults
I’m now offering live 1:1 consults to help you brainstorm, answer burning questions, and dream up your next big brand move — campaigns, content, newsletters, you name it. Let’s scheme together. Book yours here.

With all the love,

Daniela