Closing the Creativity Gap: Strategic Sparks in Your Daily Life - Part 2

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Transform Your Work and Life with These Powerful Insights

Let’s cut to the chase. If you think creativity is just for artists or those ‘innately’ talented folks, well, think again. Creativity is a muscle everyone can flex, and it starts with some not-so-obvious places: play, curiosity, and celebration. Intrigued? You should be. Here’s how to unlock your creative potential, step by step.

1. The Power of Play: Not Just for Kids

Hold your horses. I can already hear the collective groan. “Play? Seriously? I have deadlines, Mike!” But stay with me.

Why Play Matters

Play is like a magic potion that frees you from the constraints of everyday grind. It’s about becoming curious, asking those weird ‘what if’ questions, and removing the pressure to produce something perfect. Kids do this naturally. They aren’t thinking about ROI or deadlines. They’re exploring because it’s fun.

How to Play Like a Pro

To channel your inner child, start simple:

• Break Something – No, I’m not telling you to smash your laptop. But get into a mindset of experimentation. Try new things without the fear of screwing up. Use metaphorical “toilet paper” to wrap around your hyper-serious tasks.

• Ask ‘What If?’ – Imagine wildly unrealistic scenarios. What if your annual budget was delivered by a flying Santa with a cape? How would that impact your processes? Sure, it's silly, but it loosens you up for real, impactful brainstorming later.

• Designate Playtime – Set aside a small chunk of your workday to do something just for fun. Could be doodling, tossing ideas around with a team, or, yes, even having a brief “toilet paper fight.”

2. Becoming a Curiosity Jedi

Let’s talk about curiosity. Those shower ideas? Golden nuggets of brilliance. Why? Because you're relaxed, your mind is open, and boom—ideas flow.

Stay Curious, My Friends

Implement these steps to hone your curiosity:

• Walk It Off – Take a walk when stuck. The change in environment and physical movement trigger new thoughts.

• Mix and Match – Do the ‘Monster Mashup’ exercise. Create three columns of random ideas, and mix them. Column A, meet Column B. What can you create together? Column C is where your breakthrough idea will inevitably reside.

• Ask, Don’t Assume – Ask questions without immediately seeking the right answers. Let yourself delve into ‘what if’ scenarios and let your brain marinate.

3. Celebrating Small and Big Wins

Ah, the sweet taste of victory. But, do you celebrate it? Probably not often, or well enough.

Why Celebration is Key

Celebrating your small wins builds momentum and resupplies your creative juices. It’s not just about the big launches or promotions; it's about those tiny steps that get you there.

Steps to Celebrate Like a Boss

• Track Your Progress – Create a visual representation of your work. Think mosaics of your yearly accomplishments or even a list of tasks completed.

• Reward Yourself – Did you finish a massive report? Get yourself those funky sneakers you’ve had your eye on. Rewards create positive reinforcement.

• Share Your Wins – Post about it on social media, tell a friend, or mention it in team meetings. Acknowledgement from others boosts your confidence.

So, what’s your takeaway from all this? Inject some play, curiosity, and celebration into your everyday routine. It’s not just about making your work tolerable; it's about making it exhilarating.

Play. Get curious. Celebrate. Make it a habit, and watch how these strategic sparks can transform your work and life. Remember, when you create, we all win.

And if you’ve made it this far, congratulations! Now go start brainstorming your way to genius!

Closing the Creativity Gap: Strategic Sparks in Your Daily Life - Part 1

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Learn how to bridge the distance between where you are and your creative aspirations

You walk into a room full of self-proclaimed non-creatives, and then you start unpacking what’s in your creative toolbox. And why not? Because it’s about time everyone realized that creativity goes way beyond drawing stick figures, right? Whether you're in marketing, blogging, or just navigating the daily hoops of life, expressing your creative mojo can move mountains and make even the mundane seem super-charged.

The Art and Science of Being Creative

First off, let's shatter the myth that creativity is limited to artsy things like painting or playing the ukulele. No, creativity can pop up in how you organize, draft an email, or even choose toppings for your pizza. Creative blocks are real beasts—we all face them. They can come disguised as life, burnout, ADHD, judgment, oversaturation, lack of inspiration, or just plain old lack of time.

In my presentation at Digital Summit, one brave soul mentioned how burnout could be a major creativity killer. I’ve been there. Hi, my name is Mike, and I once had my creativity shelved for ten whopping years due to burnout and, eventually, depression. Spoiler alert: I found my way back. And so can you.

My Story: From Burnout to Daily Art Love Affair

So, let’s role-play. Imagine being that kid who just loved to create—cartoon greeting cards, mini-masterpieces, gifts for family. Fast-forward through art school, a career in advertising, and bam! Burnout hits you harder than a double espresso. That’s where my story took a detour, one that saw me leaving the industry I loved and falling into another career that was a mismatch for my skills and passion. Hello, depression.

But every depressing dark tunnel has a spark of light somewhere. For me, it was rediscovering my creativity through a 365-day art challenge. It began with sketching a Starbucks cup, and let me tell you—if that drawing were a coffee, it’d be decaf. However, it was my gateway drug to light up my creative neurons again.

Start Small, Think Big

If you're aiming to revive your creative spirit, don’t go all-in with a Sistine Chapel-level project. Start small. I managed just 15-20 minutes a day initially, which is surprisingly rewarding. Here’s why: Small is manageable. Small builds a habit. Small consistently, over time, gets you places.

Action Step: Identify a tiny task connected to your creative goal. Write it down. Is it sketching? Drafting a sentence? Poring over a new recipe? Do it, even if it’s just for five minutes. Baby steps, folks. Baby steps lead to giant creative leaps.

Schedule It Like an Important Date

Yeah, I hear you laughing. Schedule creativity? What is this, a dentist appointment? But trust me, putting it in your calendar is like setting a non-negotiable date with your creative self.

Action Step: Block time for your creative pursuits. Be fierce about protecting it. Call it “Soul Food Session” if you need a swanky title. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s immovable, like your preferred Netflix binge-watching slot.

Overcoming the Gap: From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be

We've all felt that gap—the frustrating void between our current self and that ideal version where creativity flows like a chocolate fountain. Getting comfortable with this gap and finding ways to traverse it is half the battle won.

Action Step: Write down one specific, tangible creative goal. Make sure it excites and terrifies you in equal measure. Now, jot down the next smallest step toward it. Not the big leap, just the very next baby stride.

Why This Matters: Beyond Personal Growth

Here’s the kicker: Creativity is not just personal therapy. It's a game-changer professionally and socially. When you unlock your creative potential, you’re generating value—not just for yourself, but for everyone around you. Plus, you’re way more interesting at parties.

Remember that stat from Adobe: 75% of people think they aren’t living up to their creative potential. That’s a jaw-dropping figure, and I bet some part of it resonates.

The Grand Finale: Keep Showing Up

So, what’s next? Just keep showing up. Day by day, step by step. Your creativity isn’t a switch to flip on. It’s a smoldering ember that needs consistent fanning. Show up in those scheduled slots, even if only to draw the worst Starbucks cup of your life. Before you know it, you're not just living; you’re alive.

So my dear creative aspirant, what’s your Starbucks cup gonna be?

Unleashing Creativity Beyond the Arts with Chris Bent

Let me tell you about Chris Bent—a marvelous fellow who decided that creativity shouldn’t be caged within traditional arts like painting, singing, or dancing. No siree Bob! Chris realized that creativity is broader than an Amazon rainforest, encompassing far more than what you'd find in the back of an elementary-school arts cupboard. His brainchild? The Piccles collaborative coloring book—a delightful, whimsical concept designed to de-stress even the most corporate of suits.

Creativity in a Box? Try Again!

First off, let's set the record straight: creativity isn’t just about whipping out a paintbrush or belting your lungs out in a talent show. Heck no! Chris was caught in that very misconception until he stumbled into the enlightening reality that creativity permeates everything we do. From how you brew your morning coffee to figuring out how to sneak your dog into the office. Creativity is omnipresent!

For those who think creativity is only for the artsy-fartsy—get over yourself! Piccles is here to democratize creativity, making it as accessible as Wi-Fi in a Starbucks. No artistic skills? No problem. The collaborative coloring book is designed for anyone to tap into their creative beat. Think of it as jazz—improvisational, fun, and freeing. Trust me, you don’t need to be Michelangelo to dive in.

From Boardrooms to Epidemics: The Evolution of Piccles

Originally, Piccles was a savior for corporate stiffs yearning for a creative outlet amid their PowerPoints and board meetings. But then drumroll the pandemic hit. Suddenly, Piccles wasn’t just a corporate darling but found itself in children’s hospitals, community centers, and virtual events. The creative beast had been unleashed, proving its adaptability and necessity in various settings.

Marketers struggled to pin down Piccles because it fit snugly into so many different scenarios—a bit like trying to hold water in a colander. Everyone found a use for it: teachers, event professionals, consultants, you name it.

If at First You Don't Succeed… Draw a Tree?

Chris emphasized that the fear of starting can cripple any stab at creativity faster than you can say, “Where’s my courage?” One of his brilliant endeavors involved a "draw a tree, plant a tree" campaign around Earth Day. It was dead simple: draw a tree, send it in, and voilà! A real tree gets planted. Other companies saw the light and started their own versions. Win-win for creativity and Mother Earth!

Actionable step here? Never shy away from starting because of the fear of bombarding your ideas. Grab that pencil and draw your darn tree already!

Drawbacks of Going Digital

Piccles was initially an iOS app, but let’s face it, locking your creativity behind an Apple ID isn’t the most inclusive move. Thus, Chris made the savvy move to shift Piccles to a web application. No app downloads. No credit card trials. Zero friction. One giant leap for inclusivity! Now, anyone can start whimsically doodling away—no app store hurdles to jump.

Want to test it yourself? Go to piccles.com, no strings attached. Stick it to the tech barriers and dive right into your creative zone!

AI: The Judge, Jury, and Art Critic

Ah, AI—our futuristic pal. While helping categorize and understand drawings, it’s also on troll patrol. Remember that slightly embarrassing incident during a virtual workshop? Someone drew an inappropriate image. Yikes! But thanks to AI and moderation panels, crises were handled, and decorum restored. The point? Technology isn't just a tool; it’s a guardian for your creative spaces.

Actionable tip: Use AI moderation creatively in your next brainstorming session to keep it clean and constructive.

Everyday Creativity: It's a Muscle, Baby!

Chris's major takeaway? Creativity isn’t a one-time event; it's like muscle building. You have to exercise it daily. From creating art with business cards to backpack whiteboards for interactive "walkshops," Chris is all about flexing that creative muscle consistently. His journey in entrepreneurship—with family support, mentors, and real-world challenges—underscores the intangible connection between business ingenuity and creativity.

So, what’s stopping you? Start small. Break the mental chains around what you think creativity should be. Build it up day by day. And yes, you're bound to mess up along the way. Who cares? That’s all part of the magic.

Conclusion: It’s Your Turn

So, here’s my challenge to you: Take a leaf out of Chris Bent’s sketchpad. Dive headfirst into your own creative journey. Start by signing up on piccles.com, grab some colored pencils, and get doodling. Remember, creativity is a daily practice. Whether you’re sketching trees, creating art from business cards, or making symbols for Earth Day, embrace the snark, the wit, and the endless possibilities. Let’s get creative, folks! Life’s too short for dull moments.

Check out episode 233 of Creative Chats with guest Chris Bent for more!

Embracing Your Creative Journey: Lessons from Chelsie Tamms

Finding Purpose through Passion Projects and Lettering

Now, if you've ever found yourself wondering, “How do I translate my love for art into something meaningful?” you’re not alone. Today's chatter with the incredible Chelsie Tamms was like unlocking the treasure chest we've all been searching for. This powerhouse of creativity didn't just show up with her stellar lettering and brand design chops — she’s taken the scenic route around life’s blockades, and came bearing the map.

But enough of the tease; let’s unwrap the gift.

Why Documenting Success is Key

We’re diving headfirst into what Chelsie likes to call “documenting successes.” Yeah, sounds simple, right? But think about it: How often do you actually jot down your little victories? Not those grandiose wins worthy of a champagne toast, but the tiny ones, like nailing that tricky brushstroke or getting a compliment on your project. Sure, they might not seem like much, but collectively? They’re your secret weapon.

Step 1: Grab Chelsie's Freebie.

Head over to letteringworks.com and snag her free journaling tool. Trust me, it’s like a GPS for your creative journey. Use it to reflect daily, weekly, and monthly. Figure out what fuels your fire and what you need to douse. We’re all walking bomb cyclones of potential — you’ve just got to track the weather patterns.

Step 2: Document, Rinse, Repeat.

It’s not enough to just jot things down. Reflect on them. Weave them into your bigger narrative. Yep, turn those small wins into a mosaic of your indomitable spirit. You’ll soon realize you’re not stumbling around aimlessly; you’re paving a golden path.

Embracing Intentionality in Creativity

Look, in a world that’s all about the hustle, Chelsie’s ethos on being intentional is a breath of fresh air. She emphasizes that every move you make should be purposeful and aligned with your personal values. I could almost hear the collective sigh of relief from freelancers and creatives around the world: Finally, an excuse to say “no” to the soul-sucking projects.

Step 1: Know Thyself.

Start with a solid brainstorming session: what are your values? Write them down. In bold, if it helps. Align every project and client you take on with these core truths. It’s like Marie Kondo-ing your creative life. If it doesn’t spark joy, it gets the boot.

Step 2: Align Your Work.

Once you’ve got your values listed, it’s time to filter your projects through them. Prioritize those that mesh with your vibe. This is less about being choosy and more about curating your masterpiece of a career. Passion projects are great, but be strategic about them. You’re playing chess, not checkers.

Leveraging Passion Projects for Paid Work

Chelsie’s story is a patchwork quilt of trial-and-error with a sprinkling of strategic outreach. Imagine this: You’ve poured your heart into a passion project, and now you’re eyeing potential clients, trying to make that leap from art-for-fun to art-for-money.

Step 1: Be Smart About Outreach.

Chelsie shared the wisdom of direct outreach over the blind toss of social media posts. It’s like fishing with a rod and reel instead of a net; you may not catch as many, but the ones you do are the ones you want. Identify specific organizations or individuals who would resonate with your work and send a personalized pitch.

Step 2: Show Off Your Portfolio.

When your passion projects are tied to causes that matter to you (like Chelsie’s projects around kidney disease, chronic illness, and mental health), they automatically become more powerful and marketable. Use these projects as cornerstone pieces in your portfolio. They’re not just samples of your work — they’re proof of your commitment, passion, and values.

The Balancing Act: Freelance vs. Small Business

Here's the kicker — balance. Chelsie, the juggle-master, spoke about managing the push and pull of freelance gigs and small business management.

Step 1: Create a System.

It's all about contracts and design reviews, people. Make your professional processes as sleek as your art. Not only does it keep things legit, but it also makes you look like the creative rockstar you are. Clients love a good process, almost as much as they love great art.

Step 2: Be Selective with Opportunities.

You don't have to take on every project that comes your way. Be like Chelsie; reserve your precious energy for those that align with your values and ignite your creative spirit. Prioritize projects that nurture your growth and well-being.

Final Reflections

Chelsie’s journey from passion projects to an impactful career is like a handbook on how to win at life — with a creative flourish, of course. Tune into your own values, document those seemingly insignificant wins, and be strategic about your creative pursuits.

What will your day one look like? There’s no time like now to begin. Go forth, create with intention, and most importantly, keep showing up.

Listen to my Creative Chat with Chelsie Tamms on episode 239.

Bridging Tech and Creativity: Gali Erez on Innovation and Design at Wix Studio

I sat down with Gali Erez, the head of Wix Studio, for an engaging discussion for Creative Chats podcast (episode 251) about finding inspiration across different industries and the crucial role of self-awareness in fueling creativity and motivation.

We dove into the unique features of Wix Studio, focusing on its freeform design approach and ease-of-use thanks to its drag-and-drop functionality and no-code capabilities. I shared my frustration with web design often feeling more like science than art, which can lead to burnout. Gali reassured me by highlighting Wix Studio's focus on maintaining a creative and holistic approach to agency processes.

The conversation touched upon standout features that have people buzzing, beyond the ones Gali initially mentioned. She emphasized the importance of imagination, creativity, and human connection in agency work, and the complex yet rewarding process of nailing a project brief. Gali also discussed how Wix Studio makes tedious tasks easier for agencies, which in turn boosts their passion for the platform.

Inspiration was a recurring theme as Gali talked about various sources that feed her creativity—from "The Moth" podcast to fashion week, and even historical books. She stressed the significance of drawing inspiration from outside her industry to broaden her creative horizons.

Wix Studio boasts game-changing features like proportional scaling for dropped elements, an AI solution called AI Responsive that handles automatic resizing for different screens, and a Figma plugin that streamlines the design-to-website workflow. These innovations make Wix Studio not just accessible but incredibly powerful and user-friendly.

Throughout our discussion, Gali recounted her journey from interning at Wix to leading Wix Studio, highlighting her pivots from UX to marketing, strategy, and management. These transitions, despite moments of uncertainty, opened up new opportunities for growth and learning. She also discussed the rapid advancements in technology, particularly AI, and the challenges they pose in terms of investing time and resources wisely while maintaining a human touch.

This conversation brought valuable insights into not just the functionality of an innovative platform like Wix Studio, but also the importance of adaptability and human connection in the face of technological evolution.
For those eager to know more or to dive into Wix Studio themselves, Gali encourages reaching out to her on LinkedIn or Twitter and exploring Wix Studio through their website.

Dress Up Your Walls with These DIY Wall Art Ideas

The following is a guest post by Wendy Dessler

A fresh, new coat of paint, while can really freshen up a room, will only take it so far. If you really want to personalize your home and add a bit of pizazz to any space, then consider using one of the DIY wall art ideas found here.

There are more than a few ideas to try. Keep reading to learn what some of the best DIY wall art ideas are trending now and how you can effectively personalize your space.

A Painted Tarp

When it comes to high-end DIYs for your walls, you’ll find an old canvas is a smart solution. If you have one lying around, don’t toss it out, instead turn it into a work of art. You can use virtually any substance on it – paint, charcoal, pastels, etc. Draw a picture or have your kids draw something. This is a great way to repurpose an old tarp you have, or you can purchase one second-hand if needed.

A Porcelain Gallery

Do you have an extensive China collection? If so, why not take it out of the cupboard or cabinet, and display it on the wall? This is an unexpected twist to the more classic gallery wall look, as well. Be sure to map out your gallery using paper before you start putting holes in the wall, as this is going to minimize problems.

A Fabric Wall Hanging

Do you have a vintage area rug or an antique quilt? Is it sitting in a closet or behind a couch somewhere? If you haven’t been using it, then why not repurpose it by hanging it up on your wall? It’s a great way to add some color and interest to any room in your house.

Children’s Artwork

Your kids have likely created more than a few amazing pieces of art, now is the time to show them off. Not only does this give you a great way to add color and fun to your room, you can also help your child feel like an amazing artist – just look at how proud they seem when you hang up their artwork. You can even have it professionally framed to add a bit more elegance, if desired.

Source: Pixabay

Put a Unique Spin on the Typical Portraits

Do you like the idea of displaying your family on your walls? Is this an appealing option, but you want to go traditional, consider portraits from Instapainting. These portrait paintings provide you with the perfect solution to show off your family, with a more interesting spin.

Clipped Art

Do you like the minimalist look? If so, this is a great option. Just put up a photograph that you love, without a frame. This is a minimalist look that will definitely add some fun and interest to your room.

A Beaded Wall Hanging

You can create your own unique wall hanging and all you need is a branch and some beads. This will create a type of bohemian vibe. Consider an asymmetrical look and design as this offers a more whimsical look and will take up much less real estate on your wall than a woven hanging.

Use Found Objects

Virtually anything can be used as wall décor – even a skateboard – if you style it properly. Use found objects as wall art in your home. With a bit of imagination and creativity, the options are unlimited.

If you want to enhance your home and dress up your walls, then the tips here will help you get started. You’ll find all the ideas here as viable options and can feel confident that everyone will love the look you have created. 

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Wendy Dessler

Outreach manager

Wendy Dessler is a super-connector who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition.

2 Things You can Do Today to Advance as an Artist

There are two things you can do right now, where ever & whoever you are, to put your creative skills to work and advance as an artist.

1. Create for YOU.

When was the last time you created something "just because"? Something that you just felt inspired to do that had nothing to do with work, or getting paid. Something born of passion. There might be a million reasons you can come up with why you shouldn't or can't. But tell them to stuff it, and get to creating. It just might be the best thing you've done in a long while. Even if no one else ever sees it.

2. Create for THEM.

You have this amazing ability. And you have it for a reason - to share it! Once you get past the objections of why you can't create for someone else (It's not good enough, i can't afford it, i need to get paid for it...) you can experience the joy of giving. You never know what impact sharing your art with others might have. And while I'm not saying to give away all your art and do it for free- I am saying that sometimes you do need to give it away. Because it's about more than money. It's about creating something uniquely, beautifully you and having your creation impact someone else's life for good.

What are you going to create today? Who needs to experience your art?

How I found my "Signature Style"

This year I was determined to open my pool early and get ahead of the curve. But after a long hard winter that caved in my pool cover, the bottom of my pool was stacked up with leaves. I did what I could to scoop them out, but I started to get impatient. So I did what any red blooded impatient male would do, I dumped a bunch of chemicals in it hoping to clear things up. Then I added more. And some more. But it got worse. I couldn't see a thing.

Against my pride, I took a sample to the local pool place expecting a pricey remedy, but a remedy none the less. What I got was "Keep blindly scooping and vacuuming leaves". I couldn't add any more chemicals. It was off the charts already in chlorine. So I have been slowly, inch by inch, hour by hour, blindly moving forward, hoping that clarity will come the next morning.

If you've ever been a part of discussions with artists when talking about a "signature style" and you don't feel you have one, it might feel like you're poking around on the bottom of a green pool searching for the answers. Honestly, we all want the magic chemical to bring clarity. Or we want to go to the experts to have them tell us the answers. 

But in the search for a signature style, the answer is the same I got for my pool: show up everyday and put the work in, sometimes blindly. 

There are no shortcuts to finding your style. No one is going to do it for you. You aren't born with it. You DISCOVER it.

I embarked upon 2 years (and into my third currently) of 365 daily drawings / paintings. This journey was priceless. Was it hard work? yes. Did I feel like skipping some days? Yes. But I pushed on. And something clicked. It happened. Somewhere through the course of showing up and working consistently - my style emerged.

Perhaps in your journey, you are desperately wanting to discover your signature style. You've been reading, searching, hoping maybe today will be the day. If I can offer any word of encouragement from my own journey - just keep showing up and doing the work. Play. Discover. Experiment. Don't be so critical of yourself. Don't restrain yourself so much.

Maybe you're like me. You need to work in time bound projects. Do a thirty day series of drawings or paintings of a certain subject. Then do another thirty days. Or take on a 100 Day Project. Do it with some friends. If you feel like you don't have any local artists to connect with join some Facebook groups or other artist groups online. The truth is, if you want it, you'll figure it out. 

Stop trying to dump chemicals in, or seeking the counsel of the experts. Roll up your sleeves and dive in.  Now excuse me, I have to take another pass at cleaning my pool. Here's to clarity!

Stand on a Ledge

Previously, I posted about my first two of "3 rules of creating" - #1 Show Up and Work, #2 Dare to be Stupid, And now for my 3rd and final rule...

#3 Stand on a Ledge

Last year, while on a missions trip to Nicaragua, I faced a fear of mine. Everyone wanted to go zip-lining. I'm really afraid of heights. But instead of letting my fear dictate what set of memories this trip would hold, I decided to push past and literally stand on the ledge. The experience was terrifying (height + speed + uncertain safety regulations in a foreign country = gulp). I don't remember the last time my body was that physically wracked with terror. But on this side of it, I can say I did it. And I have a few photos even. I will NEVER forget the experience. And it's highly unlikely that I will repeat this. But I faced my fear.

zipline

As artists, we all have those looming fears too. The ones that stop us, divert us, cause us to choose another route, or just plain procrastinate or give up. That's why I've listed standing on a ledge as my number three rule. It's only on the edge looking over to what may seem like certain death do we gain a new perspective, even if it's an uncomfortable one. And some of our most interesting art can come from uncomfortable places. Because it's real. And relatable. Or it's in pushing into those places where we cross a barrier that's been holding us back. We take new ground. And in the process prove to ourselves we can actually do it.

"Each of us must confront our own fears, must come face to face with them. How we handle our fears will determine where we go with the rest of our lives. To experience adventure or to be limited by the fear of it." ~ Judy Blume

I've got a few things even right now that I need to crawl out on the ledge with. I feel the paralyzing presence of fear. Want to know one of them? I am doing a 4 foot by 4 foot live painting during my church's worship service. It was one of those things that when i was asked I immediately had several excuses: My comfort zone in painting is 11 x 14 inches usually. I've never painted like that in public. What if it looks crappy when I'm done and I have 200 plus people stating at me & my art scratching their heads. But that's why I knew this was a "ledge" moment. So I said yes. And then I'd just figure it out as I go. (I'll let you know how it goes..)

What's that thing you need to bring out on the ledge? If you keep it in it's safe confines, the only certainty is more of the same of what you've already experienced. Go on. Crawl out there. And watch that first step. It may be a doozy, but it's also the first step into something larger.

Dare To Be Stupid

(Image available here for purchase)

Last time, I introduced you to one of my "3 Rules for Creating" - Show Up and Work!

Today, let me introduce you to my next rule...

#2 Dare To Be Stupid

Yes my friends, Weird Al Yankovic had it correct back in 1985 when he released a song by this very title. He's been doing stupid for a really long time. With no signs of slowing down. As a matter of fact he's in the height of his career with having nabbed the number one slot for a comedy album on the Billboard charts. Now before you click some other link to leave this page, hear me out...

This rule is about loosing you inhibitions. Every time you sit down to create something, you start hearing "those" voices. You know the ones.

"You can't do it that way. You'll look foolish".

"What on Earth are you thinking? No one is going to {buy, read, watch} that. You'll just prove to others that you really aren't that good and don't have a clue what you are doing."

By adopting Rule number 3, you kick those voices in the teeth and actually do something "stupid" just to spite them. It's not just for stupidity's sake. But it's in doing something stupid that we experience the sense of PLAY. And that my friends, is where the good stuff is.

Last week, I decided to try something stupid. Instead of using a paintbrush, I used a stick. Yes, from my backyard. And I made a video Instagram post of me using it. Stupid. But you know what? It was also freeing and playful. And I really like the results. Results, I might add, that I would never had come upon if I had not dared to be stupid.

What stupidity should you be chasing? Odds are you know. It's that thing that the "voice of reason" is trying to stifle right now.

What are you waiting for? Go for it. You never know what breakthrough might be just beyond stupid. Take Al's advice. Watch his video if you like, then muster up all the stupid you can find and have FUN!

...Get your mojo working now I'll show you how You can dare to be stupid...

...Come on and dare to be stupid It's so easy to do Dare to be stupid We're all waiting for you Let's go...

...You can be a coffee achiever You can sit around the house and watch Leave It To Beaver The future's up to you So what you gonna do...

Dare to be stupid

~ Weird Al Yankovic, "Dare To Be Stupid"

http://youtu.be/SMhwddNQSWQ

If the 80's style is a bit much for your sensibilities, try this one on for size.

30 in 30: Day 23

Day 23 of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I'm using sketches i created from Instagram photos on my iPhone I did as part of a 100 day project and turing 30 of them into paintings. User: @heredes

Original Instagram photo:

100 Day iPhone Sketch:

30 in 30 day painting:

Acrylic & Ink. 8 x 8 on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

30 in 30: Day 11

Day 11 of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I'm using sketches i created from Instagram photos on my iPhone I did as part of a 100 day project and turing 30 of them into paintings. User: @jaimiealexander

Original Instagram photo:

100 Day iPhone Sketch:

30 in 30 day painting:

Acrylic & Ink. 8 x 8 on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

Learning from Jim Henson

I grew up on Jim Henson's work - Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and Fraggle Rock (to name a few). He was a master at creating magical realities. Unfortunately, as a kid you don't recognize the work and genius. You just enter it and enjoy it. With the release of the new Muppets Most Wanted movie, a whole new generation is getting to experience his brilliant work, long after his untimely passing in 1990.

I recently found myself checking out from my library, the audiobook of his biography "Jim Henson: The Biography" by Brian Jay Jones. While I had admired his work for years, and the part it played in my childhood, to be honest I knew very little about the man behind it. It was great to hear of his humble beginnings, and drive to succeed at his dream. I'm only on chapter three, but I'm finding his story inspiring and refreshing.

Especially noteworthy to me was a description of how he learned by experimenting and playing to problem solve. This often led him to breakthroughs that were unusual, because he wasn't trapped by traditional thinking or training. He often didn't know any better, and this freedom was the exact thing that he needed to try new things. Case in point - he decided instead of creating an immersive physical theater for his puppets, that he would wed his love of television and consider the monitor his puppets theater and world. Everything had to look good and operate with Television viewing in mind. This was not how his predecessors worked. It was revolutionary thinking for his time.

I suppose that in the past I never really thought to look into his story because I wasn't really interested in puppets. But there's so much more to his life and story. If you're looking for an inspirational book, from a guy who followed his dreams and passions - check this one out! You just might find some influential thoughts to your own dreams and creative process!

If opportunity hasn't knocked, start going door to door.

What do you do if you feel like you're doing everything you possibly can to advance in your art and yet there seems a lack of opportunity? You try and try and yet it's like there's no traction. Where is that "lucky break"?

You have two choices:

1. Complain about the lack of opportunity and become jealous of those around you who seem to be succeeding with such ease. I could so do what they're doing, you think. But you're not. To be honest, you're barely doing what YOU are doing. It's not luck. It's hard work on what is before you right now, no matter how small or big.

2. Make opportunities. Yeah I know. I hear the push back. The truth is though, if you are HUNGRY enough you can take advantage of opportunities all around you. They just aren't those sexy opportunities that thrust you into the public eye with accolades and acclaim. And let's be honest. If we're going to bust our butt, we want it to count for something BIG right?

What I have found is that you might have to redefine your idea of what great opportunities look like.

If opportunity hasn't knocked, start going door to door.

Are you doing work you love? (If not - then get to it. Stop waiting for someone to ask or invite you to do it).

Ok. I'll use myself as an example. Would I like to have my art valued, hung in galleries and sold for a lot of dough, and soak in all that goes along with being a "successful" professional artist? Sure. But I'm not waiting for someone to come knocking. I keep taking the right next step. TODAY (That's my mantra, as you know well if you frequent my blog).

Practically here's what that looks like:

- I committed to a drawing or painting a day for an entire year. April 4th will be an entire year. I have held to that. And even done more some days. Did I do this because some one asked me to? No. I did it to kick to the curb the lie I believed for too long that I because I couldn't draw in a photo realistic style my art was no good. This experience is more valuable than your could possibly imagine.

- I have taken advantage of FREE (and cheap) opportunities. Visit the Sketch book project. Sign up to not only do a sketchbook but every so often they have other projects to join in on. Most recently it was The "Dreadful" Project and it was free to enter. Sign up for a class at a local art center. Take a class from Craftsy.com

- A fellow artist i follow on Instagram decided to do a #100dayproject and asked who might want to join in. (see my previous post) So for the past 21 days I've posted an iPhone sketch of someone else's photo in my Instagram feed. This has been great because I get to keep myself sketching and benefit from brightening up someone's day when I tag them in my post. They often are flattered & think it's way cool. And I even won a t-shirt from one post :)

- A few weeks ago I joined up with the NYC Urban Sketchers group. These are people who just love to draw. They meet up every Saturday in NYC and sketch in various places. Urban Sketchers have groups meeting world-wide. And it's F-R-double-E except when there's an admission to a place they are sketching (like the Central Park Zoo, which was $12 admission).

- Make things for other people. Give your art away. Give some to friends and family. Surprise someone with a handwritten letter and draw on the envelope. You'd be surprised how this could make someone's day. I did a watercolor painting of my daughter as a surprise for her 11th birthday. Your art is a gift, and while you need to make money if this is a career, there are also times when you need to gift it.

- Use social media to share your art. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google Plus, Pinterest - you never know who might be exposed to your art, like it or even share it. It's todays networking. And if you're an introvert, this is great news as you don't have to have the personality of a mayor to connect.

- Look for local venues to display your work. In april, I will have one piece in a show at a local library. In August, I'll have my first solo show at another library. While it's not a SOHO gallery in NYC, it's getting your work out there that counts!

I don't say all this to brag. On the contrary, I say it to show that everyone has opportunity. Sometimes you just have to get creative, or change your perspective. And before you tell me it's easy for me because I'm a "creative professional" - all that I mentioned above has nothing to do with my full-time graphic design job. This is extra.

So, still think there's no opportunity? Get to creating...

Kick Your Creativity in the Pants

Everyone finds themselves stuck in a rut at some point. Getting out can seem difficult if not impossible. (Where did I put that motivation?) When it comes to creativity, it's easy to fall back on the same ol', and to stop growing, pushing, reaching, risking...

So here's a suggestion. Join me on a journey over the next 100 days. March 6th through June13th.

I was looking through my Instagram feed and happened upon a post by Elle Luna (@elleluna on Instagram) where she was throwing down the challenge to do a #100dayproject. She's even set up a website for it. What is it? Simply put - One thing. Every Day. 100 times.

It could be five minutes a day. Everyone has five minutes to invest. Keep it simple. Small. Light. Portable.  To be honest, I hesitated because I have already committed to doing a drawing or painting for a year (finishing up in April). Did I really want to commit to another goal? Yes. Why? To keep pushing just a little further than where I am now. But I am keeping it light. I'm doing a black continuos line drawing on my iPhone each day based on a photo that shows up in my Instagram feed each day. (So be warned that if I follow you on Instagram, you're fair game). A quick drawing. The challenge for me comes in the size.

Want more ideas? Check out this and this.

This isn't just for artists either. Do anything for 100 days. Send an encouraging email to someone different each day. Take a photo. Get creative in your thinking and approach.

The reason why you haven't moved forward is because you keep doing the same things. The same ways. You can't expect different results when everything is the same (definition of insanity I believe). A small step is better than no step. And you can join a community of others on this journey as well. So...

Who's with me?

And if you have Instagram be sure to hashtag your daily progress with #100dayproject

And spread the word.

LET'S DO THIS!

Creating Summer Troopers

Let's face it, here in the Northeast, we're all beyond sick of snow this winter. So besides complaining on Facebook, I found a little inspiration to follow hoping it leads to sunny days soon. I was perusing my Facebook stream and came across the following photo from the Star Wars page I follow (don't judge). As soon as I saw it, my mind saw the image I needed to create.

The following was my process on creating "Summer Troopers" as a digital art file on my iPad.

First I downloaded the Trooper photo from Facebook to my photo camera roll on my iPad.

Then using an app called "Sketchclub" I created a new document and placed the photo on the first layer. After rotating and scaling, I changed the opacity to somewhere around 50%.

The I went hunting for the additional images I needed to use as source for the umbrella and man's legs/swim trunks. Once I found those I imported them on separate layers, scaled them, cropped out all the excess of the image and change the opacity to 50% as well.

Starting with the Trooper layer, I selected a new layer where my black line art would live. Once I hid the umbrella & swim trunks layers - I was ready to trace over the troopers with a black fountain pen setting.

I did the same process for each the umbrella layer & the swim trunks layer until my black line drawing was complete. Then I selected another layer where i added flat colors for the ground and the sky. I placed this layer underneath the line art. I then created another layer on top of the flat color to add a few shadow spots and set the layer to "Darken" mode and decreased the opacity to taste. The only portions left to color were the umbrella and swim trunks, so I created another layer directly under the line art and applied the color with a brush tool.

Once my art was complete I saved a JPEG back to my camera roll. Then I opened that Jpeg in an app called Snapseed (a great little photography app!). In Snapseed I adjusted some contrast, saturation (in the "Tune Image" area), added a frame from one of the presets (Frames) that gave it a nice messy edge, and lastly some texture (The Grunge feature - messed around until I got the style & strength I wanted), added some "scratches" for final touches. The reason I added a frame and then the grunge waas so that the grunge effect would show on the frame as well as the image area. Finally, I exported again to my camera roll and Viola - the final digital image of "Summer Troopers"

I hope you enjoyed that quick description of my process. Just remember - have fun, play and remember there's a bunch of tools and methods to help you experiment! Happy creating!

You Can't Make it on Talent Alone

When I was in High School I remember a few kids in my art classes who's work was just stunning. They were so talented and made it seem so easy. It was hard not to be either disheartened or jealous. I remember one day, my Art teacher telling us all that "you couldn't make it on talent alone". At the time I thought that was such a dumb statement.

But the reality of that statement started showing true through my years in art school (2 different ones even). We all started out bright eyed, eager, naive... along the way the crowd was thinned. Some people couldn't hack it, others lost interest. I remember one sad extreme example vividly.

There was a fellow student we'll call "Steve". Steve was so naturally gifted. His work was always praised, and seemed to need little reworking following our critiques. I would have bet he was on the fast track for success. Yet he started to miss some classes here and there. And soon he was absent more than present.  Rumors of alcoholism surfaced. And one day sitting on a bar stool at a local pub, I saw this first hand. He confessed he had no hope. His addiction swallowed him. And Steve disappeared for good one day.

I remember thinking that was such a tragedy. From outward appearances he was this shining star, ultra-talented artist. But his demons got the best of him.

Other Art School dropouts just seemed to be victims of wayward passions, dead-end jobs, financial situations... the normal stuff of life. "You can't make it on talent alone." Now I got it. But what do I do with it?

Keep showing up. Make the best of YOUR situation. Take YOUR experiences and create your art in them, through them, and even in spite of them. Keep learning and growing.

For a long time I didn't. I got sidetracked. Lost. Buried with other responsibilities, false identities, believing lies about myself and my art. But it's never too late.

You can't make it on talent alone: A beacon of hope for those who feel talentless; A tale of warning for those who rely too much on their natural giftedness. Take it as you want. But either way - Just show up. Do the Work. Be yourself. Offer the best you can right now. Keep following the path before you.

I heard Will Smith make a statement on the first episode of the Tonight show with Jimmy Fallon. When Jimmy asked what advice Will gave his kids who are in show business, Will's answer was to make their Art a gift to others. As artists we have the opportunity to make someone smile. To brighten their day even just for a moment. Don't make your craft about pursuing success, but rather a gift to the world around you.

Talent gets you noticed and opens doors. Character and hard work lay the track for your best work, work that impacts your life and  the lives of those around you.

Stop lamenting your lack of talent or opportunity. Give your gift of Art today. Someone in your world needs it.

 {Photo Credit: Louis du Mont}