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 ›
84.6K reads
Oct
24
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 ›
538 reads
Oct
11
Clinical neuropsychologist Andy Mitchell is well-respected for his work in the fields of neurology and psychiatry. In this episode, he sits down with me to share the groundbreaking, real-world experiences with psychedelics detailed in his new book, 'Ten Trips: The New Reality of Psychedelics', and shine a light on how they can be used to help creative individuals on their journey of self-realization, stress management and growth. What are Psychedelics? Let's start off with a... read more ›
430 reads
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 ›
867 reads
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 ›
601 reads
Sep
25
Let's dive into a paradox that's been on my mind lately: the idea that in a world of boundless creative freedom, we can sometimes feel utterly... stuck. It's like standing in front of a canvas that stretches endlessly in every direction, and feeling overwhelmed about where to place that first brushstroke. Sound familiar? You see, while the allure of unlimited possibilities and unfettered exploration is undeniably seductive, it can also be paralyzing. It's like being... read more ›
670 reads
Aug
16
For some, the idea of being a perfectionist is desirable. "I'm so disciplined that it's a problem," says the person who wants you to respect their hard-working attitude. But for Thomas Curran, a man that has taught psychology at the London School of Economics for years, it's a trap. We recently sat down to discuss his book of a similar title, the arguments it makes about how perfectionism can hold us back, and what we... read more ›
1.3K 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 ›
663 reads
Jul
31
Curiosity is the fuel that propels us forward, that drives innovation and growth. Yet, so many of us lose curiosity as we grow older. There’s some evidence that suggests that our decrease in curiosity may be related to our increase of knowledge as we grow up. If we already know what we want to know, why should we care? But here's the thing: curiosity is not a luxury. It is critical for life-long learning, keeping... read more ›
570 reads
Jul
24
In this episode, we dig into the importance of taking creative risks. We all know that some risk is necessary. Simply said, you cannot stand out and fit in at the same time. If you're not sharing your work, you're hiding, and this tends to compound on itself. Once you start hiding, you stop growing. Creativity requires taking risks and embracing failure. Failure is the forward propulsion toward success and the sooner we can change... read more ›
549 reads