We are the risk-takers.
We are the tightrope-walking plate-spinners.
We are the stake-raisers.
But what if we’re not?
The biggest creative risk we can make is to not create. (Tweet this)
Why?
Because when we don’t create our artist dies. Like a once-growing vibrant houseplant stashed in the corner of a dark, dank basement, we wither under the poor conditions of apathy, blame and denial of responsibility.
The remedy? Continue Reading…
I’m always inspired by being around artists that challenge and stretch me and since I’ve given up being a passion basher, I see people differently, places differently and my fellow creatives differently.
This past weekend my wife and I headed to the city for artistic inspiration: New York City. My takeaway from our getaway: real artists work.
We saw a couple Broadway shows…
In Cyrano De Bergerac, Cyrano’s first entrance was from the street–from house right of the theater. He then ranted throughout the entire theater, climbing several floors of steps to deliver lines at various locations while shrouding his facial protuberance in the dark of the performance hall and the tilt of his plumed hat.
Only a top athlete could accomplish this feat without becoming breathless and extremely winded. Continue Reading…
I used to be a passion basher.
+I scoffed passionate creatives.
+I smirked at artists I deemed pretentious.
+I sneered at anyone who was zealous.
Why?
Because I was uncomfortable with their level of commitment and passion.
Because I was jealous of their tenacity.
Because I didn’t understand them and, consequently, was afraid of them.
Something happened recently that turned my desire to criticize the creative leaders of our day into a desire to become their fans.
I stopped hating and started loving. Continue Reading…
What do explorers, inventors, entrepreneurs, and investors have in common with artists?
They’re fear-free, inspirational risk takers.
Chances are, if we aren’t taking risks in our creative work, we’re being held captive by the fear of looking foolish.
Heartlover1717 via Compfight
Picasso and Monet: though many said their paintings were garbage, they’re now regarded as premier artists of their time, reframing how we look at painting.
It costs nothing but a dent to your dignity to be foolish.
Mantra: I will be silly and bring joy to my creative work, giving life and inspiration those who enjoy it. (Tweet this)
Dare to be silly.
Creativity that ends with me, isn’t very creative at all. Creativity inspires.
Your fear-free creating will help others to break free from the contraints of the rational, the predictable, the boring.
Push the limits. Dare to be foolish in your work today and see what you may discover…or uncover.
Quick and simple: this will make you laugh.
These guys are creative…
I’m an artist.
I love creating. I love those who create. I love the whole vibe from creative people.
This past weekend I got to do 24 Hour Plays, where a play is cast, written and performed all the course of 24 hours. Awesome and challenging. It was such a thrill to experience that creativity explosion with other writers, actors and directors (here’s my 24 Hour Play experience from last year).
On Monday, it was back to my day job which isn’t always creative. Like most day jobs, there’s a lot of redundancy, e-mailing, spreadsheets, meetings and numbers.
But…
I love my day job.
1. The “I don’t have the time.”
No one does. Seth Godin doesn’t have time either, but he blogs consistently. The “I don’t have the time” should be “I won’t make the time.” Pull a Nike and just do it.
2. The “I don’t know what I’d say.”
You’re passionate about something. Food. Crayfish. Not talking. Talking. Chances are you do have something to say, you just need to find out what it is.
3. The “someone is already saying what I’d want to say.”
Say it in your voice. It’s completely different from someone else’s voice. Dare yourself to say it better. Continue Reading…
Facebook. Instagram. Twitter. Pinterest.
There’s a lot of social media out there…and I like to consume and get ideas from all of them.
This infographic from Confused.com is hilarious–and true. I might be (happily) guilty of one of these… Continue Reading…
Everyone sells something to someone each and every day.
Moms and Dads sell to their kids. “If you finish your peas you’ll get to watch the Happy Squirrel show.”
Kids sell to their parents. “But I neeeeed this! I want it! Can I have it?”
Spouses sell to eachother. “Honey, we really need a bigger/smaller/older/newer house. It’s time.”
We’re all salespeople–though many of us don’t want to admit it.
Even creatives sell.
Many creatives despise having to sell.
We feel it may compromise our creative process–that it may cheapen our approach our work. Continue Reading…
We all love a journey.
We don’t all love a ‘process.’
The ‘are we there yet’ syndrome sometimes overtakes me from the backseat of my life, robbing me of present joys, wonders and explorations.
Luckily, there’s help…
In his first novel, author and editor (and a great friend of mine) Todd Foley invites you to process the journey with the main character, Aiden Lawrence.
Eastbound Sailing synopsis:
Aiden Lawrence has itchy skin that he can’t scratch–he won’t allow others to scratch it either. Forced to start confronting some of his insecurities, what will Lawrence choose? Community or isolation? Acceptance or rejection? A critical spirit or a compassionate spirit?
check it out on Kindle
or the paper version. While you’re at it, head on over to Todd Foley’s blog. You’ll be glad you did!
