In this conversation, Dimitra and artist Julia Speck explore what it means to take the long road in a world that rewards speed, clarity, and instant results. From leaving a career in market research to studying fine art at the Academy of Arts in Munich, Julia shares her decision to return to painting after 35—and how stepping into a slower, deeper creative environment helped her reconnect with her identity.They discuss how art school offers a kind of physical, emotional, and intellectual immersion that’s hard to replicate online. Julia opens up about the challenges of navigating freedom, comparison, and uncertainty in a community of high-level creatives, and how she’s learning to trust experimentation as part of her process. She also reflects on how balancing part-time work and studio time has shaped her creative flow—and how to build resilience when you feel overwhelmed by other people’s progress.Whether you’re curious about formal art education or simply navigating a slower, more intentional creative path, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what it means to grow as an artist—on your own terms.