by Kyson Dana
Chapter oneThe origin story
The
Search for
Explore the SeriesFree on YouTube @kysondana
A six-week creative workshop for paying attention to your life and shaping what you find into a story. In it you can uncover meaning, direction, and your next step.
Start here
Your life is
the material.
Go back
Your childhood
is full of clues.
Meet the villain
Face the voice that
says you can’t.
Find the pattern
Find the symbols
that keep returning.
Shape the story
Give what you
found a form.
Let it go
Share your story
with others.
Find your compass
Follow what your
story reveals.
Designed for people like you.
- You have ideas of your own. You never prioritize time to work on them.
- You took the job because it paid well. That was ten years ago.
- AI is changing everything and your place in the world no longer works.
- You are ready for a new chapter. You don’t know where to begin.
Your childhood is the source code. Explore your life to discover what wants to come through you.
Learn the practice
The Spiral Story Method™
Find it.
Your life is the material. Nobody else has it. We start with what’s already there.
Shape it.
Use the Hero’s Journey to arrange it into a story. Invite people into your world.
Share it.
Practice telling your story to a small group of fellow scouts exploring their own stories alongside you.
Follow it.
Your story will reveal things about you that you can’t see. We will help you see what you might not.
Where people start.
Where they end up.
If you’re feeling a bit lost, there is a way through. You can find it in a story.
I’m ready to find my story.
EnrollMeet your guide
Hi, I’m Kyson. I’m a designer and creative director living in Santa Cruz, CA.
In my 10+ years as a brand designer, I’ve worked with small startups and major brands. My work has been featured in magazines like Forbes, Time, Wired, and on the big stage at Adobe Max.
I’ve designed dashboards in cars and snowboards for the backcountry.
Dream job stuff.
Yet, despite success in my corporate career, I became more and more disenchanted with my work.
I loved being creative, but I hated giving all that energy to a company. I chose this career path because of a need to express myself creatively, but ended up trading that innate desire for a paycheck.
A decade later I woke up and couldn’t avoid it anymore. I needed to start creating for myself.
I used the guidance of Carl Jung to explore the hidden parts of my inner world and the teachings of Joseph Campbell to arrange what I found into a story. I uncovered pain and I wrote about triumphs. As I did the work, many critical voices showed up in my mind. But somehow, by shaping my life into a story, something in me changed.
I felt myself become the author of my own life. Not only did I uncover my own myth, but I gave permission for a whole new version of me to step forward.
I bought a small camera, one fixed lens, and despite my fears, I made films about my life. After months of work, I published the films to YouTube.
The
Explore the SeriesIn ten months, the films and the podcast interviews about them have been seen nearly a million times.
This workshop teaches the method I used. It draws on Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung, time in nature, and my own creative practice.
This method isn’t for becoming famous or going viral. This workshop will help you find the center of what wants to be expressed through you. After that, you can decide how you want to go about doing it.
Your story will be different than mine. Your expression of that story will be different than mine.
Your material is your own, and my job is to set the table and guide.
In July 2026 I ran a 4-week pilot version of this workshop with 20 people. I taught the hero’s journey, assigned activities, and collected feedback.
- 4.8 out of 5.
The average rating - 100%
would recommend - 90%
Requested to keep going
Natalie R.
Graphic designerThis class was cathartic. It taught me a lot about myself and how I show up to the world. What I learned will not only help me in my creative process, but in all aspects of my life. Highly recommend!
July 2026 cohort
Anna S.
Marketing directorI’ve always believed that everyone has a story worth sharing. I really appreciated how approachable and genuine the content felt. It left me feeling inspired and excited to keep learning.
July 2026 cohort
R.
Truly, this has been really helpful and impactful and dare I say, life changing!!
July 2026 cohort
D.
It felt very empowering to be brought through my own Hero’s Journey.
July 2026 cohort
L.
I feel empowered to put what I learned in my artwork and share it.
July 2026 cohort
They also gave some feedback on how to make it better. So I designed a new workshop from the bottom up. This is it.
And I love it :)
Join the November cohort.
EnrollQuestions
Why does this work matter?
When you tell a story, it changes you and the world around you. If you can learn how to find, shape, and tell a transformational story from your life, you can build an entire creative world around it. Storytelling is the most powerful technology that humans possess. Your story is just the beginning.
Is this a personal branding course?
No, most personal branding courses start with tactics. Pick a niche, write better hooks, post every day. Everyone follows this, and this is why everyone’s work feels the same. To stand out, and differentiate from AI, you need to show your humanity, and you do that through a story. Find your story first, and then later workshops will cover how to build a world around it. This isn’t for people who want follower growth, a quick income formula, or a personal branding template.
I already know my story. What’s next?
Then you have a head start. Stories unfold in layers. Every time you retell yours, you’re telling it from a different place than before. This workshop is a chance to go another layer down and bring something even more beautiful to the surface. In 2027, future workshops will help you turn your story into clear archetypes, symbols, messages, and visuals so you can build an entire creative world around your core truth.
I’m not an artist.
You don’t need to be. You need a sense that there is work of your own to do.
I’m not a very good writer.
You don’t need to be. Plain words work fine, and in the end you tell your story out loud. If you get stuck, I’ll give you a template with prompts to follow.
My life isn’t interesting enough.
The work needs recurring themes, not drama. You are far more interesting than you assume. In the first weeks, we’ll help you find what’s unique about you and guide you to build a story around it. Stories of change and transformation are what makes us all human.
Do I have to build my story around pain?
No. But all myths pass through challenging circumstances. That is what changes the hero. Don’t think you have a story like that? Join us, and you’ll see that you do. We all do.
Will I have to share personal things?
You choose how specific and how deep you want your story to go. It’s yours. You share it with a small private group, never the public. Stories are sacred and we will treat yours that way.
What if I’m afraid of being judged?
Welcome to the club. We all feel that way. It’s scary being seen and having a voice. And that’s exactly what this workshop and community are for. Baby step your way into telling your story. Your future self will thank you.
Some of this isn’t healed yet.
You can go wherever feels safe and helpful for you, as long as it doesn’t violate the agreements of the group.
Is this therapy?
No. I am not a therapist. Making art, writing stories, and being seen in our vulnerability is how humans have always healed in community. This work is more psychological than you’d expect, but it’s very different from therapy. It’s like personal work with a creative director, and creative work with a therapist. I can connect you with some good therapists if you need extra support.
Will this help my career?
Maybe. But maybe not. What it will do is help you better align yourself to what gives you meaning, belonging, and livelihood. Only you can find out where it may take you.
How much time does it take?
One live class a week, plus whatever you give the fieldwork briefs. If you set aside 20 minutes a day for journaling you will go deep. If you can only begin this round, that’s okay too. You keep the recordings.
What time is class?
Tuesdays, 6 to 7 p.m. PT. That’s 9 to 10 p.m. ET. Every class is recorded, so if the time doesn’t work where you live, you can watch it after.
What if I miss a class?
Every class is recorded and you have lifetime access to the recordings, so you can catch up whenever you need to. Every week we also have a Campfire Hangout for questions and discussion, so you can bring anything you missed.
7 minutes in - this is the best video I’ve seen on YouTube in the last year or 2. Brilliant story telling and editing. A labor of love and authenticity and as a viewer I greatly appreciate it ❤️
I’m sobbing. This is so so so beautifully done! I feel seen in ways I didn’t even know I need to be. Thank you for sharing your story and being so open and vulnerable.
My life trajectory is very different from yours and yet...there are elements of your story that resonate with me because they feel universal in nature. I’m delighted that you are still here to create and feel oh so fortunate to be able to experience your work.
This is an amazingly told story. Great story telling. Feels like a movie!
The video was beautiful to watch, but even more moving was the feeling of being seen. Our experiences may vary, yet the emotions are shared. Thank you for giving voice to our story.
I admire your ability to use art to heal and transform, and I feel blessed to be able to witness it as you share these breathtaking films with the world. This is art in the purest sense, and it’s breathtaking and moving.
You are officially my hero today! Thank you for your courage, grace, and vulnerability in sharing your story. It resonates more than you probably realize 🙏🏻
I am 74 years old and just coming into my own. It has been worth the wait. Your story completely resonated with me. I just sat down with my four year old self and told her that she would be OK and that we would do this together.
7 minutes in - this is the best video I’ve seen on YouTube in the last year or 2. Brilliant story telling and editing. A labor of love and authenticity and as a viewer I greatly appreciate it ❤️
I’m sobbing. This is so so so beautifully done! I feel seen in ways I didn’t even know I need to be. Thank you for sharing your story and being so open and vulnerable.
My life trajectory is very different from yours and yet...there are elements of your story that resonate with me because they feel universal in nature. I’m delighted that you are still here to create and feel oh so fortunate to be able to experience your work.
This is an amazingly told story. Great story telling. Feels like a movie!
The video was beautiful to watch, but even more moving was the feeling of being seen. Our experiences may vary, yet the emotions are shared. Thank you for giving voice to our story.
I admire your ability to use art to heal and transform, and I feel blessed to be able to witness it as you share these breathtaking films with the world. This is art in the purest sense, and it’s breathtaking and moving.
You are officially my hero today! Thank you for your courage, grace, and vulnerability in sharing your story. It resonates more than you probably realize 🙏🏻
I am 74 years old and just coming into my own. It has been worth the wait. Your story completely resonated with me. I just sat down with my four year old self and told her that she would be OK and that we would do this together.
7 minutes in - this is the best video I’ve seen on YouTube in the last year or 2. Brilliant story telling and editing. A labor of love and authenticity and as a viewer I greatly appreciate it ❤️
I’m sobbing. This is so so so beautifully done! I feel seen in ways I didn’t even know I need to be. Thank you for sharing your story and being so open and vulnerable.
My life trajectory is very different from yours and yet...there are elements of your story that resonate with me because they feel universal in nature. I’m delighted that you are still here to create and feel oh so fortunate to be able to experience your work.
This is an amazingly told story. Great story telling. Feels like a movie!
The video was beautiful to watch, but even more moving was the feeling of being seen. Our experiences may vary, yet the emotions are shared. Thank you for giving voice to our story.
I admire your ability to use art to heal and transform, and I feel blessed to be able to witness it as you share these breathtaking films with the world. This is art in the purest sense, and it’s breathtaking and moving.
You are officially my hero today! Thank you for your courage, grace, and vulnerability in sharing your story. It resonates more than you probably realize 🙏🏻
I am 74 years old and just coming into my own. It has been worth the wait. Your story completely resonated with me. I just sat down with my four year old self and told her that she would be OK and that we would do this together.
7 minutes in - this is the best video I’ve seen on YouTube in the last year or 2. Brilliant story telling and editing. A labor of love and authenticity and as a viewer I greatly appreciate it ❤️
I’m sobbing. This is so so so beautifully done! I feel seen in ways I didn’t even know I need to be. Thank you for sharing your story and being so open and vulnerable.
My life trajectory is very different from yours and yet...there are elements of your story that resonate with me because they feel universal in nature. I’m delighted that you are still here to create and feel oh so fortunate to be able to experience your work.
This is an amazingly told story. Great story telling. Feels like a movie!
The video was beautiful to watch, but even more moving was the feeling of being seen. Our experiences may vary, yet the emotions are shared. Thank you for giving voice to our story.
I admire your ability to use art to heal and transform, and I feel blessed to be able to witness it as you share these breathtaking films with the world. This is art in the purest sense, and it’s breathtaking and moving.
You are officially my hero today! Thank you for your courage, grace, and vulnerability in sharing your story. It resonates more than you probably realize 🙏🏻
I am 74 years old and just coming into my own. It has been worth the wait. Your story completely resonated with me. I just sat down with my four year old self and told her that she would be OK and that we would do this together.
Thanks for sharing such a beautifully rendered story. Our stories may differ, but I think many of us have gone through the destruction of an identity we can no longer bear. I am glad you made it to the other side.
Hey man, I love your videos. They are so high-quality and impactful and real, and I can feel the emotions you convey through your art. Please keep creating ❤
Thank you Kyson. You are not alone and after hearing you beautifully explain what is going on with you, neither am I. Thank you for giving words to what’s been going on with me.
Your content is deep thoughtful and I’ve learned a lot from the two films that I’ve watched. I also wanted to say that your filmmaking is top-notch. It’s so beautiful & striking actually. the combo of the content and visuals is stunning in my opinion. Keep doing what you’re doing.
One of the most beautiful videos I’ve seen on YouTube. Thank you for your honesty, vulnerability and commitment to tell your story. I have heard you
Truly meaningful, powerful, stunning. This is award winning incredible art. I hope it can be seen by many.
Incredibly beautiful stunning and engaging film! This was a brave and meaningful but deeply personal project. Thanks for sharing it with the world <3
Thanks for sharing such a beautifully rendered story. Our stories may differ, but I think many of us have gone through the destruction of an identity we can no longer bear. I am glad you made it to the other side.
Hey man, I love your videos. They are so high-quality and impactful and real, and I can feel the emotions you convey through your art. Please keep creating ❤
Thank you Kyson. You are not alone and after hearing you beautifully explain what is going on with you, neither am I. Thank you for giving words to what’s been going on with me.
Your content is deep thoughtful and I’ve learned a lot from the two films that I’ve watched. I also wanted to say that your filmmaking is top-notch. It’s so beautiful & striking actually. the combo of the content and visuals is stunning in my opinion. Keep doing what you’re doing.
One of the most beautiful videos I’ve seen on YouTube. Thank you for your honesty, vulnerability and commitment to tell your story. I have heard you
Truly meaningful, powerful, stunning. This is award winning incredible art. I hope it can be seen by many.
Incredibly beautiful stunning and engaging film! This was a brave and meaningful but deeply personal project. Thanks for sharing it with the world <3
Thanks for sharing such a beautifully rendered story. Our stories may differ, but I think many of us have gone through the destruction of an identity we can no longer bear. I am glad you made it to the other side.
Hey man, I love your videos. They are so high-quality and impactful and real, and I can feel the emotions you convey through your art. Please keep creating ❤
Thank you Kyson. You are not alone and after hearing you beautifully explain what is going on with you, neither am I. Thank you for giving words to what’s been going on with me.
Your content is deep thoughtful and I’ve learned a lot from the two films that I’ve watched. I also wanted to say that your filmmaking is top-notch. It’s so beautiful & striking actually. the combo of the content and visuals is stunning in my opinion. Keep doing what you’re doing.
One of the most beautiful videos I’ve seen on YouTube. Thank you for your honesty, vulnerability and commitment to tell your story. I have heard you
Truly meaningful, powerful, stunning. This is award winning incredible art. I hope it can be seen by many.
Incredibly beautiful stunning and engaging film! This was a brave and meaningful but deeply personal project. Thanks for sharing it with the world <3
Thanks for sharing such a beautifully rendered story. Our stories may differ, but I think many of us have gone through the destruction of an identity we can no longer bear. I am glad you made it to the other side.
Hey man, I love your videos. They are so high-quality and impactful and real, and I can feel the emotions you convey through your art. Please keep creating ❤
Thank you Kyson. You are not alone and after hearing you beautifully explain what is going on with you, neither am I. Thank you for giving words to what’s been going on with me.
Your content is deep thoughtful and I’ve learned a lot from the two films that I’ve watched. I also wanted to say that your filmmaking is top-notch. It’s so beautiful & striking actually. the combo of the content and visuals is stunning in my opinion. Keep doing what you’re doing.
One of the most beautiful videos I’ve seen on YouTube. Thank you for your honesty, vulnerability and commitment to tell your story. I have heard you
Truly meaningful, powerful, stunning. This is award winning incredible art. I hope it can be seen by many.
Incredibly beautiful stunning and engaging film! This was a brave and meaningful but deeply personal project. Thanks for sharing it with the world <3