What is messy elegance - how I got started

Michael Kroth • May 2, 2026

Messy Elegance is a process, not a thing

and how a workshop started this whole messy elegance idea

This is what came out of a workshop with Judith Valente back in 2024. 

This video talks about the Messy Elegance Process.  The Substack essay will share what I learned in Judith's 2024 workshop.

Here are the two follow up questions for you:


Questions for you


What does elegance mean to you - in real life, not just in theory? Is it reserved for certain people or can any one of us become more elegant?


Have any examples of messy elegance you have observed or experienced come to mind? I’d love for you to share stories, a reflection, even photos about them if you have them. I want to develop a deep list of examples to share with others. Rest assured, if you share an example here and I use it I’ll be sure to attribute it to you.


Please head over to the essay if you would like to learn about the workshop I took and to kick in some ideas about Messy Elegance, here.


I'd love to hear your answers.

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