Oct 24

10 Things Every Creative Person (That’s YOU) Must Learn

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 ›
Apr 26

How To Become A Pro in 5 Simple Steps

chase jarvis photographer
Got a note the other day from an aspiring photographer. He wanted to know what it takes to become a pro. I thought--very pragmatically--that it's really not complicated. HARD maybe, but complicated, no. And this applies to so many FILL-IN-THE-BLANK things you aspire to be: 1. Declare yourself as that thing. That's what you ARE in life. You're not a student, not a finance-guy-slash-part-time-photographer, not a part time anything. You're a photographer, or entrepreneur, or... read more ›
Mar 02

3 Bulletproof Tips for Getting Your Work Noticed by Your Creative Heroes

serena williams on photo shoot with chase jarvis 2
If you’ve been following me for any length of time, then you most likely know my M.O. by now: put your work out there early and often. Steve Martin famously said, “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” But the other side of that is to have so much work out there that people can't swing a stick without hitting something you've made/written/built/produced/directed/etc. I talked about this with fellow sharing advocate, #cjLIVE alum, and all-around... read more ›
Feb 22

How I Learn ANY SKILL + How You Can Too

People ask me all the time if there's one thing that's changed my life the most, what is it? No question it's the ability to learn quickly...new skills whether they be for life, hobby, or career... Life long learning is quite literally what has created anything I would consider a classic "success" in my life. SO... In today's episode of #cjRAW I break down my own learning process into 3 clear, easily repeatable steps. And then I go... read more ›
Jan 11

12 Secrets for Unlocking Your Most Creative Work

A lot of my breakthrough creative thoughts come to me when least expected. I've talked about "finding creativity" and "creative inspiration" all over the place... on podcasts like this and this (twice for example) or given a keynote on it here at SWSW. That said, I've also learned from an entire life in the trenches as an artist what DOESN'T contribute to them (abusing myself, bad head space, partying too much), but more importantly, what... read more ›
Dec 30

When Preparation Meets Opportunity with Paul Ninson

One of my favorite things about the community we have around this show is the ongoing conversation not just between my guests, but with you, the listener. Whether it’s through my email newsletter, social media, or texting, the community we’ve built over 10+ years is real. This year, many of you asked for guests who are on their way up. Folks who have put what they've learned into action. Well, I could not think of... read more ›
Sep 14

Your Job Is More Than Your Job Description

What I've learned over the years is that the truly remarkable people are not just masters of their craft, but a combination of craft + many other things that elevate their work. In fact, the best photographers I know, the best creatives, teachers, accountants, or --insert profession here--, are also entrepreneurs/intra-preneurs, authors, speakers, marketers, and more. We're ALL hyphens. Just as I started as a photographer, then learned skills to become a director, then a... read more ›
Feb 05

Pay Attention to What Ignites You with Jody MacDonald

Imagine this: Your job is good, and safe, but it’s not fueling you anymore. You decide to quit your “real” job and sell all your belongings to live a life of adventure. And just as you are waving your last goodbye, the unthinkable happens and it changes everything. Like most of us, award winning photographer Jody MacDonald didn’t know what her path would be. Yet when her wake up call came, she listened. From train... read more ›
Aug 21

Jump into Fear with Jeremy Cowart

Jeremy Cowart was named the “Most Influential Photographers on the Internet” by Huffington Post in 2014. He’s the founder of a global photography movement, Help-Portrait, to give back to those in need. As well as many photography projects bridging empathy and creativity into awareness and action. If you’ve been a long time listener / watcher of this show, you’ll recognize Jeremy from one of the first episodes nearly 10 years ago. Jeremy’s vision and ambition... read more ›
Jun 05

Top 3 Things ALL Graduates Should Be Thinking About Right Now

Listen to the Podcast Congrats! You did it - you're graduating! Big ups on all the hard work and long hours. But here's the scary part. Graduation is the first day of the rest of your life. Last week by far the most popular question I saw in my social feed was around graduation. Either YOU were graduating, your friends or sons / daughters--and, naturally, there was a lot of concern. Generally you asked what... read more ›