Let's face it, we all have our fair share of work that is uncreative. Pushing pixels. Work that doesn't tap into our full potential. Work that's dictated by someone else. And honestly it can leave us feeling rather flat (and frustrated).

If I had one pearl of wisdom to share with the next generation of artists (or maybe some in this generation too), it would be to hire yourself. Yes, take yourself on as a pro bono client. Every day.

Now before you start slinging the excuses (trust me i've used them all), understand that you NEED to do work that maters to you. Work that pleases you. That's where the good stuff comes from. Your voice. Your style.

You might not be in a place where you can only do this, but that's not the point. The point here is to take steps to create work that matters by hiring yourself, then keep rehiring. Become your own best client.

Wish you could do a certain type of work that you're currently not hired to do? No problem. Hire yourself. Your portfolio of work doesn't display your true abilities or interests? Hire yourself.

If you need to, set up a contract. Spell out hours & expectations. Are you someone who feels like they need permission? Then hear me - YOU HAVE PERMISSION! You know yourself and how you operate and what you need to do to get around the internal nay-saying. Do what you need to. Trust me. Something in your soul will come alive again. And when your soul is alive, it affects all of what you do and how you do it.

So what are you waiting for? Go HIRE YOURSELF!