What does it take to build a successful business? Hard work? Grit? Determination? Those are all essential ingredients, but they're unfortunately all wasted without one magically formative element: money. The world runs on it, and there's no escaping the fact that you need a lot of it when starting an entrepreneurial venture. That's especially true in the creative field, where aspiring founders face the challenge of selling their vision in a competitive market, and often... read more ›
Nov
01
Oct
30
Today we’re diving deep into a topic that’s close to my heart and crucial for any artist’s journey: developing your personal style. It’s the golden ticket, the secret sauce, the unique fingerprint that sets you apart in a world saturated with creativity. Let’s get into it. Finding Your Personal Style You’ve probably heard it a thousand times: “Find your style.” But what does that really mean? It’s more than just a way of doing things;... read more ›
Oct
25
The creative field is one that's driven by intrinsic passion. While there are certainly opportunities to make it big and get paid well, most would tell you it's not the reason why they do what they do. Passion is. Whitney Hanson is one of those people. https://youtu.be/qF6YNWKSYX0 The university student is a poet and creative entrepreneur who got her start sharing poetry on TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic. While most home dwellers bread-making careers didn't... read more ›
Oct
24
Here is a list of 10 things I've learned the hard way that every photographer, designer, creative--hell, every creative person--should know. 1. Experts aren’t the answer. The blogs, the teachers, the mentors, the seminars aren’t the answer. They’re not there to tell you exactly what you need to know. If they’re good, then they are there to give you some ideas, some guidelines, or some rules to learn and subsequently break. This isn’t about the... read more ›
Oct
18
Some of us have always known our dreams, while others discover them through life's twists and turns. But regardless of their origin, these dreams ignite a passion within us. 1. Dreams are not just fleeting thoughts; they're a compass guiding us towards our true purpose. Following your dreams might sound idealistic, but it's about taking tangible steps towards them. As Steven Pressfield's book title suggests, "Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants to Be." If... read more ›
Oct
16
In today's hyper-connected, always-on world, moments of genuine boredom are becoming increasingly rare. We're constantly bombarded with notifications, messages, and endless streams of content. The mere thought of being 'bored' seems almost alien. But what if I told you that boredom, that very state we often dread, could be one of your most powerful tools for creative thinking? Let's dive in. The Myth of Constant Stimulation We live in an age of instant gratification. The... read more ›
Oct
09
Remember when we were kids, and we'd just... mess around with stuff? No goal, no agenda, just pure, unbridled curiosity. I’ve always been about experimenting. Most of the things I've built and loved began with tinkering. Fun projects that were simple explorations. Take the first camera on the iPhone, for example. That sparse 2 megapixel "camera" wasn't something to be taken seriously. People actually made fun of me using it. What “pro” photographer uses a... read more ›
Oct
04
In the bustling corridors of our modern world, the term 'burnout' echoes like a haunting refrain. It's a shadow that looms large for many of us, threatening to dim our brightest moments. But what if there was a way out? Enter Suneel Gupta, bestselling author and co-founder of the Gross National Happiness Center. He unveils the secrets to rekindling the lost spark and finding joy in every endeavor. In our journey towards personal and professional... read more ›
Oct
02
In the realm of creativity, there's a misconception that simply producing work is the pinnacle of success. However, the journey doesn't end there. Sharing and promoting your creations are not just marketing tactics; they are integral parts of the creative process. They validate your efforts and showcase the value you see in your own work. The Creative Loop: A Continuous Cycle The Sharing Cycle - A diagram from my book Creative... read more ›
Sep
27
Have a minute to chat? Matt Abrahams and I sure do. It's always a pleasure having experts like him on the show to discuss big issues that impact so many of us. Today, we’re talking about the power of conversation and how it can be mastered and leveraged to your advantage as a creator. Five key teachings have been condensed for your convenience below. 1. Abolish Speaking Anxiety Palms sweaty? Knees weak? Arms heavy? Vomit... read more ›