A day of Inspiration and Creativity: my visit to Show Yourself Market in Amsterdam ✨

[15-20 min read]
Yesterday (19th April), I visited the Show Yourself Market! There’s something magical about wandering through a market where every table is a little universe, filled with stories, dreams, and the labor of love. Today, I got to experience exactly that at the Show Yourself Market in Amsterdam, and it left me feeling inspired, full of ideas, and deeply grateful for the creative community we’re part of.

Even though I couldn’t be a seller this year—since I’ll be flying off for my 3 week holiday on April 20 — I knew I didn’t want to miss the chance to soak up all the creative energy, meet other makers, and support the incredible local artists showcasing their handmade goodies. And wow, I’m so glad I went 🤩

🌸 A whirlwind of creativity

The moment I stepped into the venue, I was greeted with colorful booths and a buzzing atmosphere full of passionate creators. From adorable art prints and hand-illustrated postcards to sparkly stickers, plushy crochet friends, and enamel keychains, every stall offered a window into someone’s unique artistic world. It was like walking through an Instagram feed come to life—but better. You could touch the textures, feel the love behind the work, and meet the artists who made it all possible.

I also met Rui Jun from Chuangyi Club, where she hosted a decoden and painting figures workshop. And snapped a nice photo together, hihi 🥰

💌 Artist encounters that left a mark

What stood out the most today wasn’t just the beautiful products—it was the warmth of the people behind them. Every artist I talked to was open, kind, and full of stories. I chatted with makers who have been doing this for years, and others just starting out. Some ran tiny one-person shops from home, while others were turning their side-hustle into a full-time dream. It reminded me how vast and diverse this world is, and how there's truly space for everyone—whether you're a digital illustrator, a ceramicist, or someone like me who loves drawing kawaii-inspired doodles. I recently thought about why I draw what I draw. And I know the answer! I draw what my inner child wants me to draw 💕 I know, it's a bit cringe, but I accept this answer!

I also stocked up on some adorable goodies—because I honestly can’t resist supporting fellow creatives who pour their hearts into what they do. I found pieces that I know I’ll cherish, and I love knowing that my purchases help real people keep doing what they love. I once again realised I'm such a art print / post card and sticker hoarder 🙈

✨ Lessons for a future seller

Although I wasn’t selling this time, I walked away with so many ideas for when I (hopefully!) join as a seller maybe next year. I paid attention to how booths were styled, how artists engaged with visitors, how signs were made, what types of displays worked well, and how different price points helped people browse and buy with ease. There’s definitely an art to setting up a booth that feels both welcoming and unique, and now I’ve made a lot of notes full of ideas.

One big takeaway? People really love stories. When someone shared why they made a particular sticker pack or what inspired a certain plushie, it instantly created connection. I want to keep that in mind for lilalicreates — because behind every product is a spark of something real.

🎉 A big thank you to the organisers

A massive shoutout to the Show Yourself Market team for creating such a beautiful and welcoming event. I saw happy faces everywhere, and it was clear how much love and effort went into making this a smooth and enjoyable experience for both sellers and visitors.

This was my first time visiting Show Yourself Market as a guest, and I left feeling not only inspired but also more determined than ever to continue creating and sharing my work. Whether it’s through stickers, art prints, or blog posts like this one — I want to be part of this world where handmade meets heart.

If you’re a maker, a dreamer, or just someone who loves discovering meaningful, handmade things, I highly recommend checking out this market when it’s back. And who knows you might see be behind the tables selling lilalicreates goodies 😊

Until then, I’ll be drawing, dreaming, and building towards that goal 🌟

With love,
Lina