Let's get real for a second. How many times have you told yourself, 'I'll start taking my art seriously when I'm a pro'? Or maybe you've thought, 'I can't charge for this - I'm just a hobbyist.' If you're nodding along, you might be sabotaging your creative career. Here's the truth bomb: You're already a professional. If you're getting paid for your creative work, even occasionally, you've crossed that threshold. Stop waiting to 'become' what... read more ›
55 reads
Aug
05
Jul
29
I was so wrong about what success really means in the startup world. It took me years to learn the importance of redefining success rather than following someone else's rules. For years, I prided myself on being someone who didn't know how to lose. Give me a game, and I'd find a way to win. I did this with sports, school, and even work. I was always good at figuring out how to come out... read more ›
58 reads
Jul
15
Does this scenario sound familiar? You've poured countless hours into creating something amazing—perhaps a product, website, artwork, or work presentation. With anticipation, you release it to the world, sharing it with your intended audience. Then... silence. No response, no engagement. It's as if no one cares. Frustrated, you might find yourself enviously eyeing other creators, wondering how they manage to gain traction while your equally impressive work struggles for attention. You review your process, searching... read more ›
85 reads
Jul
08
Let's talk about something we've all faced - that dreaded creative slump. You know the feeling - ideas just aren't flowing, everything feels stale, and you're wondering if you've lost your mojo. I've been there, and I want to share how I broke through and reclaimed my creative fire. Even better, I'll give you 8 actionable boosters you can start using today. 1. Master Your Craft (But Don't Stop There) First things first - there's... read more ›
85 reads
Mar
20
It turns out abandoned mines can actually have great internet reception if you set them up the right way. This one's connection is fast enough to accommodate an extensive interview, thanks to Brent Underwood. He's engaging in an unusual expedition to bring once-old and dilapidated places back to life. The 900-foot-underground cave he's joining me from represents just one transformation in the making. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS9zggwF5pE Brent was like many of us when he saw the onset... read more ›
1.2K reads
Jan
08
Are you looking to expand your network and connect with like-minded individuals in the creative industry? Building a powerful creative network is crucial for growth and success. In today's digital age, there are numerous opportunities to connect both online and offline. The Value of Participating in Creative Communities Whether you're an entrepreneur, artist, or any type of creator, there is a community out there waiting for you. Human beings naturally gravitate towards shared interests and... read more ›
383 reads
Aug
28
Learning is a journey. A transformative and lifelong process that shapes us in every aspect of our lives. As learners, we know that continuously acquiring new skills and knowledge is crucial to excel in our respective fields. But let's be real, sometimes it can feel overwhelming and challenging, right? Trust me, I've been there too. But here's the thing, understanding the three essential phases of learning can make all the difference. It not only makes... read more ›
668 reads
Aug
21
A while back—having grown my business to somewhere around the $25 million in annual revenue mark and still growing at 40% year-over-year—an investor looked me straight in the face and said, with a head tilt and a shoulder shrug, that the business growth I was killing myself for “just wasn’t that interesting.” Wait, what? WTAF?! I swear this is true. This comment was so disjointed from my reality that it led me to a hot... read more ›
697 reads
Aug
14
When I think of the power of community, I'm reminded of the electrifying experience of watching a megaband like Metallica perform live. While the spotlight shines on James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo, it's easy to forget the army of skilled individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes. From lighting artists to sound engineers, it's a collective effort that brings the magic to life. Similarly, as creators, we often find ourselves in the... read more ›
655 reads
Mar
27
A little-known secret that shouldn’t be one: collaboration is the secret to creativity. It's not just about working with other people, it's about working with the *right* people. I look for collaborators outside my area of expertise, people who bring new kinds of expertise to the table. A designer, a developer, a retoucher—everyone contributes to the vision in a different way. This is how I stretch myself as an artist. The benefits of collaboration go... read more ›
948 reads