How Do You Know If You Are Creatively Successful?

I had a conversation with some friends recently that’s been lingering.
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The gist? What does success look like for creativity? What if you get to the end of your life and you’ve never “made it”?

According to a 2012 Adobe study, 25% of people believe they are living up to their creative potential. No wonder that question stings a bit.

I remember that when I was younger, I just wanted to create, and get paid for it. That’s it. Enjoy the work I do and get paid for it.

I went to art school and graduated with a degree in graphic design, and upon graduation hit the pavement seeking employment.
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I never stopped to think about what success looked like (beyond employment) or what I really wanted. The resulting years were one of seeking someone else to define those things for me, and a frustration that would rear its ugly head every few years resulting in a job change.

Creativity is a muscle, and a tool. But we still have to tie it to goals, desires and dreams.
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But here’s a hard truth…

Creative success will remain elusive as long as we’ve left what success looks like undefined. Or maybe worse, we’ll attain it to find out it was the wrong success.
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Do you know what creative success (beyond projects) looks like for you? ​
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• Maybe you’ve defined it as “making a living from your creativity”.

• Or having a regular creative practice just for yourself.

• Or developing a body of work in a certain creative discipline.

• Or becoming a famous artist. ​
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While there are no wrong answers, I would challenge you with this: be as specific as possible.

Want to make money from your creativity? Great. How much? Put a number to it so you can measure, and if need be, adjust or change tactics.

If things are vague or a constant moving target, we’ll never know if we’re on track. We might just get discouraged and quit, while an examination of our expectations is in order.

Both Seth Godin and James Clear have mentioned falling in love with the process more than the outcome. The process keeps us in the game. The process is easier to detach from our identity. That’s what “Daily Creative Habit” is, a process you apply to your own creative modalities.

James says:

“When you fall in love with the process rather than the product, you don’t have to wait to give yourself permission to be happy. You can be satisfied anytime your system is running. And a system can be successful in many different forms, not just the one you first envision.”​
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And under all the work, chasing opportunities and accolades, isn’t that what we really really want? To be …happy?

Creativity and success is a life long pursuit. The definition you have of success today may change tomorrow. And that’s ok. Just know what it is.

Know how to keep yourself in the game. And in such a way that you don’t attach and identify yourself with someone only the struggle.

That’s why I talk about celebrating your wins and making fun a habit. It’s creating new biases and neural pathways that reach for positivity rather than negativity.
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And while it’s cliche at this point, creative success is really about the journey, not the destination.
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So can I ask you?
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What does creative success look like for you? If there was one part of this I could help you with, what would it be?

Art Happens... Here

I stumbled upon this really inspirational show called "Art Happens Here with John Lithgow" (Check out the trailer here).

Picture this: John Lithgow (yeah, the dude from 3rd Rock From the Sun and a gazillion other things) willingly subjects himself to the horrors and joys of going back to school.

And what's the catch? He's there to prove a point about the magic of arts education. From dance to ceramics, silk-screen printing to vocal jazz ensemble, Lithgow dives headfirst into it all, showcasing how creativity can be the ultimate life hack

In his own words, Lithgow states:

"The arts give young people all sorts of tools to move on in life, even in the other areas of academia...They teach them discipline and hard work and patience and collaboration and cooperation and civility. They give young people an early sense of empathy....Hi everybody I'm John Lithgow. Come along and watch me go back to school. Printmaking, ceramics, vocal jazz ensemble, and dance. And celebrate arts in education with a bunch of incredible kids. It's called Art Happens Here."

Now, let's talk about you…

You are never too old to learn or grow. (and I'm not just saying that because I keep getting older...)

It's easy to get stagnant. Complacent. Comfortable.

When was the last time you tried something new? Perhaps something you really suck at? (we don't like that part. We want to be immediately great out of the gate!)

But hey, that's where the magic happens. It's about breaking through those self-imposed ceilings and embracing the chaos of learning something new. (yes, messy)

So, here's the challenge: sign up for a class in a completely alien (yes, a nice call back to 3rd Rock show.. wink, wink) creative discipline. Watch how it shakes up your world, how it breathes new life into your tired routine. And if you're feeling a bit lonely on this journey, fear not! Join us at the Daily Creative Habit Membership for some much-needed company.

In the end, just remember: age is just a number, and learning is a lifelong adventure.

Whatever you do, just be sure to never stop learning and growing. Your creativity depends on it!

The Monster Under Your Creativity Bed

We've all been there.

Staring at a blank page (or screen) that feels more like a judgmental abyss than a canvas for brilliance. That nagging voice whispers, "Who do you think you are, creating something amazing?" But fear not, because today we're slaying the monsters that lurk under the bed of creativity!

Let's get real actionable!
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Monster #1: The Perfectionist Posse

These guys wear ironed suits of self-doubt and wield pitchforks of "what ifs." They convince you your work needs to be a masterpiece before it even sees the light of day. Actionable Step: Ditch the all-or-nothing mentality. Create something messy, imperfect, and freaking awesome. Nobody wrote a novel on the first try, and Picasso didn't start with masterpieces (seriously, look up his early work, it's...interesting).

Monster #2: The Comparison Goblin

This green-eyed gremlin loves showing you other people's achievements and whispering, "You'll never be that good." Actionable Step: Unfollow the highlight reels! Focus on your own journey, your unique spark. There's room for all kinds of creativity in the world, and yours brings something special nobody else can replicate. You do you boo.

Monster #3: The Time Thief

This shadowy figure steals your hours with "just one more episode" (I feel exposed) and "I'll get to it tomorrow." Actionable Step: Schedule your creativity! Block out dedicated time, even if it's just 15 minutes a day. Treat it like an important appointment you wouldn't dare miss.

Monster #4: The "Someday" Dragon

This mythical beast hoards your ideas in a cave of "somedays" that never come. Actionable Step: Start small. Take one tiny step towards your creative dream today. Write a sentence, sketch a doodle, record a single voice memo. Momentum is magic, and tiny steps lead to big journeys. (Take some Abracadabra naysayers!)

Here's the thing: sometimes, the biggest monster is the one we create ourselves.

Remember the classic children's book, "There's a Monster at the End of This Book?" (It's my FAVORITE!) Grover spends the entire story freaking out because there's supposedly a monster at the end of the book. He keeps telling you NOT to turn the pages. But guess who the monster is? Grover himself!

We are often the monsters stopping ourselves from creating.

So grab your metaphorical flamethrower of self-belief and roast those creativity-sucking monsters! The world needs your unique spark. Now get out there and make something messy, magnificent, and entirely you!

Want to join a merry band of creative monster slayers? Become a Daily Creative Habit Member!

Lost your creative Mojo and feeling burned out?

Talent isn’t enough.

The first time I heard that statement, I don’t think I really agreed, until I took a closer look.

I had seen plenty of talented people have lots of opportunities that seemed to elude me. But I also have witnessed fellow art school students who were the top of the class talent-wise, crash and burn, leaving their art and creativity behind completely.

And all these years later, I have seen the same for many successful professional creative people.

It’s entirely possible to seem to have it all from an outward appearance, but to feel creatively bankrupt inside.

• You can have an impressive client list.

• You can have tons of awards and accolades.

• You can be postured publicly for success.

• And be utterly frustrated and dissatisfied.

I worked with fellow creatives in large advertising agencies with huge global corporate clients you would know. So much creative energy was leveraged for the clients that nothing was left for their personal expression. The clients were king, leaving them feeling like there was no room for self-expression or creative freedom in their life. Creating significant work seemed elusive.

It’s easy to build an empire that you can’t escape from. The never-ending cycle of creative pitches, client kiboshes, followed by frustration and discouragement. Rinse and repeat.

And it’s even more devastating when that empire is yanked away from you, because the powers that be decide on “creatively flushing the system” or the economy turns upside-down. I witnessed this up close in my first full-time creative position. Wide sweeping firing at all levels of the corporation in order to get "new blood." Talent couldn’t save anyone.

While not everything you create is meant for public consumption or has a place within client-driven projects, what I am saying is that we need our own creative space. No clients. No agendas. No financial pressures. A place where we are free to play, experiment and make mistakes without occupational repercussions.

While everyone is clamoring for the latest and greatest creative ideas, it’s easy to copy the culture around us while never diving deep enough to find something connected to what we uniquely have to offer. But here’s the honest truth: if you don’t take the time to cultivate your own voice, no one is going to do it for you.

This has all been part of my own creative journey. And as I talk with fellow creative people, I know I’m not alone. Does this resonate?

That’s a part of why I launched the Daily Creative Habit Membership. It's a place to invest in YOU and your creativity. To hone your voice, style, see results and creative transformation through consistent work. All in the context of a supportive creative community, and a live monthly call.

If you're ready to reignite your passion, discover your unique voice, and build a wellspring of creative inspiration, head over to the Daily Creative Habit Membership to learn more about or join today:

JOIN NOW

Why Your Next Big Idea Might Just Be a Classic

How Jim Henson Turned Rejection into Creative Gold.

If you haven’t seen the Ron Howard documentary yet, do yourself a favor and watch “Jim Henson: Idea Man” on Disney Plus. (It’s a game-changer!) After watching I found myself swirling in thoughts and inspiration.

Let's take a dive into the genius of Jim Henson and discover some valuable lessons for our own creative journeys.

Jim Henson: The Ultimate Idea Machine

I've always felt a deep connection with Jim Henson’s work—way more than Disney, to be honest. Disney was an occasional trip to fantasyland - it was "out there." But Henson? He was in my living room every day, making me laugh and feel understood. (I mean Sesame Street, the Muppets, on and on). His humor, creativity, and relentless pursuit of ideas are something we can all learn from.

Lesson 1: Curiosity Fuels Creativity

Watching the Disney Plus documentary “Jim Henson: Idea Man” was a solid reminder of his relentless curiosity. Henson didn’t just stick to one thing; he followed his ideas wherever they led (Even when they never led to becoming a real thing, like the night club he envisioned). It’s this curiosity that drove him from project to project, making him a true creative powerhouse.

Takeaway: Don’t box yourself in. Let your curiosity guide you. Explore new mediums, experiment, and keep the creative flame alive.

Lesson 2: Embrace Failure

Let’s be real—most of what we create won’t be instant hits (cue sad horns). Henson’s Muppet Show faced rejection after rejection. "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth" were initially flops. Yet, they’re now classics.

Takeaway: Failure isn’t the end; it’s part of the journey (but it still stings in the moment). Every rejection is a step closer to your next success. Keep creating, no matter what.

Lesson 3: The Joy of Making

Henson’s life and work are a testament to the joy of making. The process of creating—drawing, painting, sculpting, designing, writing, performing—is fulfilling in itself.

Takeaway: Focus on the joy of creation. Whether it’s a masterpiece or a forgotten project, the act of creating is what truly matters.

Lesson 4: Creativity as a Calling

Being a creative is no easy feat. It’s full of hurdles, both internal and external. Someone once told me (in a former career life), “You go into ministry because you can’t not do it. But it’s not for the faint of heart.” The same goes for creativity. It’s a calling, something you can’t shake off.

Takeaway: Embrace your creative calling. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Keep making, keep dreaming, and keep pushing forward.

Like Jim Henson, I’m driven by the need to create. I’ve made everything from drawings and music to events and books. Not everything has been successful, but the process has shaped me into who I am today.

Be inspired by Henson’s legacy. Keep chasing your ideas and turning them into real things. We need those real things—both for ourselves and for the world.

Keep creating, keep dreaming, and keep being awesome!

Are You the Best Kept Secret?

Unlocking New Audiences and Building Your Credibility

In a world where the hum of creative voices seems to get lost in the noise (and algorithm) , finding a platform that enhances your reach can feel like striking gold.

That’s why as the host of Creative Chats, I created an episode that offers a treasure trove of practical advice for those looking to step into the spotlight as podcast guests. This insightful podcast episode, 227: How to Crush It as a Podcast Guest, democratizes the idea that anyone with value to share can indeed broaden their horizon by being featured on podcasts.

The Power of Podcasting for Creatives

Podcasts present a unique opportunity to narrate your story on a stage that's both intimate and widespread. I’m an advocate for creatives to conquering their initial resistance and throw down the challenge to dive into the sea of possibilities that podcast guesting offers. From extending your creative community to netting in potential collaborators and audiences, the podcast platform serves as a launchpad for visibility and networking.

Creating Your One-Sheet Passport

To embark on this journey, preparation is key. A podcast guest one-sheet is your passport to podcast appearances; it should encapsulate your expertise, accolades, and a dash of personality, enticing hosts and listeners alike. Including testimonials can reinforce your status as a thought leader, while a clear call to action ensures interested parties know how to connect with you.

Strategy and Storytelling

Readying yourself to take to the airwaves involves more than just an impressive body of work—it's about crafting a narrative. I stress the importance of aligning your story with the podcast's theme, resonating with its audience through relatability and value. As part of your pitch strategy, zero in on a few captivating topics.

Overcoming The Talk-Show Jitters

For many, the mere idea of being in the guest chair triggers fear. This episode is a rallying cry for creatives to challenge themselves, face uncertainties head-on, and honor their stories’ worth.

Connecting with Podcast Hosts

When you're ready to step into the podcast guest role, the approach is crucial. I recommend researching and listening to podcasts that speak to your work and audience, tailoring your communication to their needs. With a thoughtful approach, you become not just a guest but a partner in the podcast's journey.

Resource Toolkit

To sweeten the pot, I’m providing a Canva template for crafting your one-sheet at a nominal price (just $9), simplifying your preparation phase. Why? Because I want you to win!

What’s Next?

On Creative Chats episode 227, the value unfolded isn't just in being heard—it's in what comes next — connecting with kindred spirits, growing your community, and cementing your space in the creative cosmos.

So, what's your next chapter in your creative voyage?

Grab your Podcast Guest "One Sheet" Canva Template for $9

Connecting and Communicating Creatively with Gina London

I had the opportunity to chat with the extraordinary Gina London, CEO of the Language of Leadership company, a distinguished Emmy award winning former CNN anchor, and a dynamic author. We talked about the power of communication, relationships, and creativity.

Building Lasting Relationships for Success and Happiness

Hearing about Gina London's insights and perspectives brought an enlightening view on the importance of relationships for lasting success and happiness. It's apparent that achievements aren't just about the solitary wins; it's the human connections forged along the way that truly make a difference. Gina emphasizes that it's these strong bonds that support and sustain us over time.

The Transformative Power of Effective Communication

Observing Gina's approach highlights the transformative power of effective communication in the workplace. She teaches that nurturing a culture where people feel included and significant can lead to enhanced work performance and a better overall atmosphere.

Embracing Continuous Self-Improvement

Gina advocates for continuous self-improvement in communication. This isn't a one-off effort; it's a day-by-day practice, akin to a fitness routine for communication skills. With resources like the Language of Leadership, individuals can make incremental progress toward mastering the art of connection.

Creativity: A Cornerstone of Business

Her belief that creativity is essential in business shines through. Storytelling, showing real interest in colleagues, and promoting a positive environment are creative strategies that she believes can change the business landscape for the better. Combining authority with approachability is a formula she champions for team engagement and achievement.

Infusing Fun into Work: The Role of Playfulness

Gina also recognizes the role of fun in the workplace. (A shared value between us!) By infusing a sense of playfulness and imagination into professional environments, companies can transform into spaces where people are eager to contribute creatively. Recounting a gamification workshop in Saudi Arabia, Gina shows that even top executives can embrace this aspect, leading to exciting and successful outcomes.

Harnessing Creative and Sincere Connections

Gina's work confirms that every interaction we have is an opportunity for positive and creative influence. She teaches that being mindful of how we communicate and building deep connections can lead to significant progress in both business and personal realms. My conversation with her is a powerful reminder of how essential creative and sincere connections are to moving forward.

Connect with Gina London:

www.languageofleadership.org

https://ginalondon.com/

Want more? Listen to the full Creative Chats episode 228

Multiliner Pens and Watercolor: The Perfect Combination for On-The-Go Artists

Most of the visual art I create these days is digital, using my trusty iPad.
But every so often I love to return to some tactile roots and grab my sketchbook, Multiliner pens and travel watercolor kit. There’s nothing like setting up on location to capture some sights and experiences that are playing out right before you. It’s a great way to remember moments, special or ordinary.

If you’re new to the sketch scene, or returning after some time away, here are some pointers to help you navigate your sketch opportunity!

Multiliner pens are a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of drawing techniques. They are especially well-suited for drawing on the spot, as they allow you to create precise lines and details. If you want to add a touch of color to your drawings, you can also use watercolor. (That really makes your sketches sing!)

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to combine multiliner pens and watercolor:

1. Choose your subject. This could be anything from a landscape to a portrait to a still life.

2. Sketch your subject using a multiliner pen. Use light lines so that you can easily adjust them later if needed.

3. Add details to your sketch using a thicker multiliner pen.

4. If you want to add color, dilute some watercolor paint with water.

5. Use a brush to apply the watercolor to your drawing. Start with light washes and build up the color gradually.

6. Let the watercolor dry completely.

Need some tips for combining multiliner pens and watercolor?

• Use a high-quality watercolor paper. This will help to prevent the watercolor from bleeding through the paper.

• Be careful not to overwork the watercolor. Too much water can make the paper buckle.

• If you make a mistake, you can erase the watercolor while it is still wet.

• Experiment with different colors and techniques to find what works best for you.

• Combining multiliner pens and watercolor is a great way to create detailed and colorful drawings. With a little practice, you can learn to create beautiful and unique artwork.

Here are a few additional tips to help you succeed:

• Use a light touch when sketching with the multiliner pen. You can always add more lines later, but it is difficult to erase lines once they are drawn.

• If you are using a watercolor pencil, you can apply the color directly to the paper without diluting it with water. This will give you a more opaque color.

• You can also use watercolor markers to add color to your drawings. Markers are a quick and easy way to add color, but they can be more difficult to blend than watercolor paint.

With a little practice, you will be able to create beautiful drawings that combine the precision of multiliner pens with the vibrancy of watercolor.

So get out there and start experimenting!

I don’t know if it was the ghost of Elvis, denied entry in downtown Nashville, or retracing Tom Cruise’s steps but it was certainly memorable.

I’ve been reflecting on a road trip that I took during my college years. I referred to it as my “Triangle Tour”, as I had three major destinations.

I started at my sister’s house in North Carolina, then headed to a friend in Memphis, TN, over to another friend in Augusta, GA, then back to my sister in North Carolina completing my triangle.

I rented a car, and settled in with my music and snacks to embark upon my solo journey. These were days pre-cell phones and GPS maps, so I had a printed trip via AAA with highlighted routes and stops, and my trusty Rand McNally map that I dared not unfold for fear of never getting it folded back up again.

Although I had major destinations in mind, I left room for exploring along the way.

This was the first time I landed in Nashville, and right in the middle of some major music festival that shut the place down. I had no idea where I was, where I was going, nor did I know a soul. What I did have was a crush on Faith Hill, and an eagerness to try to find her and make her fall in love with me (all this from getting her first CD in a bargain bin, because I thought she looked beautiful. She was unknown at this point.) Alas, I never did find her.

Next, I found my way to Mud Island, the Memphis river museum, and the film location of the Tom Cruise movie The Firm (a clue to the time period). I took in the sights, the history, and the experiences.

Then I got locked out of my car by the ghost of Elvis (kidding… maybe) at Graceland. So I took the tour as I waited for a locksmith to come and bail me out.

I went to a huge drive-in theatre in Memphis and saw The Flintstones movie (bad choice), walked the streets of Memphis to see all the sights like Sun studios, and baked in the sun.

In Augusta, GA, I went exploring a local park, had heart-to-heart convos, and went to a college graduation with my host, and the family party that followed.

I wish I had taken a camera with me as all I have are these fading memories, mental snapshots of the trip.

I remember driving all that time by myself, wishing that I had someone to experience it with. Some things feel more real in the presence of others.

I remember being chatty at a gas station because I was looking for someone to connect with (unlike me as a NYer where you don’t talk to strangers).

Fragments of memories. Of a different time. Of a different me.

Yet, part of my journey, both physically and experientially.

Part of the reason why I was thinking about this road trip from long ago is that I’ve been reviewing my creative journey as I approach eleven years of daily creativity.

My creative journey has been like that road trip at times. I had anchor points and a lot of discovery along the way. Points where I got locked out of my car, creatively speaking. Points where the journey was lonely, wishing for some connection. And then thankful when I found some community among friends.

There were points of following my interests that led to new understandings, and then ones that led to dead ends.

It was a journey of self-discovery as much as it was a journey of destinations.

And for creativity, there is no final destination.

My creativity looks different today than it did when I came back to my art following my ten-year absence. I was broken. Suffering. Searching. I needed my creativity for me. To help me heal. To help me make sense of things.

These days, there’s less angst (thank God!), and I know a larger part of my journey is to help be a guide. To keep creating, and these days, it is much more than visual art. My creativity has enlarged.

And while the tools and technology have changed since my early days (much like gps replacing those paper maps) the desire to make something where there was once nothing has only increased.

I know the difference creativity has made in my life. And so this is why I’m on such a mission to help others step into their creativity, personally and professionally.

I really do believe that when YOU create, we all win.

We’re all on our own journeys, our own road trips. Different schedules. Different locations.

Yet, still so much the same.

Here’s to hoping to meet up at a gas station along the way, to fill up in more ways than one.

I’m glad we’re connected, even if it’s just for a season.

And if we go our separate ways, may we have some snapshots that we fondly look upon and recount the stories of days gone by. As we set out to new places. Creating as we go.

Unlock Your Creative Potential with This Simple Time Management Strateg

I started using this method a couple of days ago, and it’s helping me focus so I can not only be creative but prioritize my time and be productive. I shared this video in the Daily Creative Habit Facebook group.

Give it a shot and let me know how it works for you!

Need some Post-it notes?
Grab some here: https://amzn.to/3TmY19q

Capturing Priceless Moments in Time - The 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for me, like many, is a tradition that ushers in not only Thanksgiving day, but the Christmas season. I’ve been watching the iconic parade for as long as I remember. It’s both nostalgic and new, every year.

The parade means “family.” And in recent years with the holidays looking a lot different (due to Covid and personal circumstances) having the normalcy and dependability of the Macy’s parade has been all the more important and special.

I was even fortunate enough one year (in the 90’s) to join some friends to participate as balloon handlers in the parade. We were in charge of Harold the Firefighter. It’s much more difficult than it looks, especially on a windy day when walking through the cross streets. That year we got to be behind the scenes with the likes of Debbie Gibson, John Tesh, and Al Roker as they got into their positions. I was so thankful to have had that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of being in the parade!

So this year, I decided to employ my illustration skills (and live event sketching) to sketch my way through the 2022 parade. All while sitting on my couch (Thanks NBC & Peacock!)

It was a fast and furious 3-hour (ish) sprint of sketching select participants. The programming is kept tight, so I didn’t have much time to spend on each sketch (maybe 10-15 minutes tops, and the app I was using on my iPad crashed a few times, leaving me to start over on about 5 of them!)

As I worked my way through, sketching helped me to freeze each moment in my mind. Capturing a drawing is a lot different than snapping a photo. Drawing forces you to not just look, but to really see. And when you see, the memories and images are stored deeper.

So please enjoy the following sketches that I created in real-time as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade aired on Peacock and NBC. Special thanks to all who were involved in a variety of ways (including Ram Trucks & Remo)! You made my 2022 Thanksgiving like a much-needed, warm hug from an old friend.

Hoda Kotb & Savannah Guthrie hosting this year’s parade.

Hoda Kotb & Jeff Gennette (Chief Executive Officer, Macy’s) cutting the ribbon at this year’s parade.

The Lion King is always a crowd-pleaser!

No NYC Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade is complete without the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes! I’ve seen them many times over the years and appreciate their hard work, dedication, and creativity!

My personal favorite, Grogu, from Star Wars / Disney Plus show, the Mandalorian.

There were so many talented marching bands in the parade. Captured here is University of Central Missouri marching band.

Ho, ho, ho.. Green Giant! A brand I have grown up with.

It’s always great to see the Sesame Street crew!

What’s not to like about BLUEY!

Mickey, Minnie, Goofy - all about the Disney Wish - a dream come true!

Only you can prevent forest fires! Smokey the Bear.

Geoffrey, I’m still a Toys“R”Us kid!

Ronald McDonald! I’m lovin’ it!

Jimmy Fallon & the Roots rocking the float!

There’s nothing Despicable about Minion Kevin!

Snoopy first debuted in 1968!

Besides Santa himself, nothing ushers in Christmas like Mariah Carey singing “All I want for Christmas is You!”

And to close out the parade every year - the big man himself - Santa Claus! ( I know him!)

Shout out to Carpenter Collective on their stellar design & branding job for this year.

Enjoy this wrap-up video too. See you next year Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Interested in hiring me to live sketch your event or conference? Check out more work here.

4 Strategies To Revive Your Creativity After A Bout Of Stress

Let's be honest: the world hasn't been an easy place to live in lately. Soaring gas prices, general inflation, and nearly two full years of a pandemic has nearly everyone in America experiencing unprecedented amounts of stress. Though you may think this'll pass, it's likely that your body won't see things in the same way.

That's right: stress can negatively impact our bodies in lasting ways. Online health resource SymptomFind explains that stress can put you in "fight-or-flight" mode. This triggers the production of inflammatory hormones that can put your health at risk in the long run.

You may even find that stress can kill your drive to create. As an artist, this can be especially harmful. Fortunately, there are ways of relieving stress, reviving your creativity, and even keeping yourself healthy in the long run. So below are a few strategies you can try out.

Create a conducive environment

Have you ever noticed that people tend to work better at coffee shops? The lighting, soft music, and low chatter of diners combine to create an ambiance perfect for productivity. The same principle applies to creativity. A workspace needs to motivate you — and if it's not doing that at a time when your stress levels are high, it's probably time for a revamp. On our blog, contributor Wendy Dressler mentioned you can go beyond a fresh coat of paint by dressing up your walls with art to inspire you. You can also try rearranging some furniture, organizing your desk, adding a few plants, and making sure that you're getting an ample amount of natural light.

Socialize

By getting in touch with family, friends, and fellow artists, you can do more than just fish for new and inspiring creative ideas. By doing so, it helps release a brain chemical called oxytocin, which this 2021 article from Scientific Journals explains is linked to improved creative thinking. What's more, the release of oxytocin into the bloodstream also has some anti-stress effects. What you get is the spread of a chemical that won't just offer you stress relief, but allows you to easily find creative ways to express ideas that are shared with and received from others.

Go for a walk

If you're more of an introvert but want to get that same burst of inspiration, walking is a great alternative — and a wonderful solution to this creativity-stress dilemma all on its own. This exposes you to a wide variety of stimuli that can fire your neurons and get you going. Walking at a comfortable pace in the sun while breathing in that fresh air also releases endorphins, another feel-good chemical that has stress-relieving effects. Researchers from Stanford even found that walking can boost your creativity by over 60%. By losing yourself in your surroundings and noticing things you haven't before, you're sure to find creativity knocking on your mental doorstep.

Indulge in some self-care

Don't underestimate the power of an all-out self-care session. Enhance your bubble bath with candles, a glass of wine, and a good book. When getting a massage, hit the sauna too. Finally let yourself try that skincare routine with more than 10 steps in it. This should be enough to give your brain a creative reset. You can even immerse yourself in crafts that need creativity on a level you don't really need to think about, like knitting or baking. These activities should do wonders for your stress levels as well.

I'm celebrating a decade of consecutive daily art!

10 YEARS OF DAILY ART!!!

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10 YEARS OF DAILY ART!!! 〰️

I just completed year 10 of my daily creative habit! Here’s what this past year looked like…

Every year on the anniversary, I share what all the years collectively look like too. And since most days I created more than one piece, it’s probably close to 5,000 images.

I started by creating in the margins. Stealing time here and there.

And soon enough momentum came.

Momentum brings habit and habit bring change.

I went from a 10 year art hiatus, to now 10 years of daily art.

Never underestimate small daily deposits.

What do you want to accomplish?

On episode 132 of Creative Chats podcast, I share some insights on what I’ve learned along the way these 10 years! Give a listen:

https://creativechats.libsyn.com/131-what-ive-learned-in-creating-daily-for-10-consecutive-years

Here’s my collage of all 10 years of daily art… (kinda fun to look at!)

What does Nine Consecutive Years of Daily Art Look Like?

Every year since I have embarked on this 365 day art making journey, I mark the passing of another year with a college of images, all created from that year.

If you’re not familiar with my story on how I came back to my art after a ten year absence and depression, you can catch up here.

Creating and sharing these images are a way for me to track my daily creative habit, and celebrate my wins.

I’ve also recorded a Creative Chats podcast episode of nine insights I have gained through my nine years of daily art making. You can take a listen here.

If you’re interested in establishing your own creative consistency, I’d love to have you join us in our free facebook group Daily Creative Habit!

And now…. Here’s what all 9 years together looks like!

I’ve been sharing my art for free everyday for the past 9 years and will continue to do so. If you’ve been enjoying it and feel like tossing in a few coins in the ol’ tip jar, you can do so below :)

Turn Any Space at Home into Your Favorite Fandom

The following article is a guest post by Carlos Trejo.

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Work stress, relationship blues, household drama — life comes at us in all directions sometimes, leaving us feeling emotionally drained and thoroughly in need of a change of scenery. Before you confine your weekend to your sofa and binge-watch your shows to get the recharge you need, think about creating your own personal sanctuary — a fandom room that expresses your personal style and interests. Call it geek decor or nerdy home decor if you must, but a personal fandom retreat is apt to become your favorite place in your home — a space where you can chillax with friends, binge watch in comfort, read, or simply feature a collection of decorative items that makes you smile. 

First, assess your space.

When it comes to Fandom decor, you can draw inspiration from your favorite films, books, video games, or any other cultural sources that strike your fancy. You can transform a nook beneath your stairs into Harry Potter’s hidden chamber or your bedroom into Maleficent’s boudoir of enchantment. The key is to choose a theme that resonates with your interests so that it will delight you each time you visit the space. 

Of course, before you head out to shop for a Death Star-sized flat screen for your Star Wars-themed media room or a life-size Pikachu for your Pokemon personal den, you’ll need to assess your space carefully. Keep its measurements handy so that you don’t have to estimate sizing considerations while you’re shopping for items like draperies, carpets, furnishings, and decorative items. Be sure you note the dimensions of windows, walls, and the floor.

Make a Plan

Take time to develop a plan for your fandom renovation project. Research how others are transforming similar spaces into fantasy retreats that celebrate their favorite characters, video games, or films. Depending on the items you intend to showcase in your space (i.e. bobbleheads, models, posters, action figures, etc…) you may need to install shelving or custom displays for your new decor. Use apps to keep track of your ideas or create a board on Pinterest to ‘pin’ your ideas. Once you have a working plan, you can begin to transform your space.

Ideas for Your Fly Fandom Room or Nook

As you consider the design for your fandom space, always remember that this is YOUR domain. In it, Luke Skywalker and Mr. Spock can live in galactic peace and harmony. You can maintain a narrow interest — like classic Spiderman only — or you can combine elements of your favorite genre to reflect all of your fictional icons. The following are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing as you develop your fandom decorating plan.

Superhero Universe

Character examples: Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, Iron Man, Wolverine, Aqua Man, and assorted villains such as Lex Luther, Green Goblin, Joker, Cat Woman, and Poison Ivy.

Use the following tips: Paint or wallpaper, open shelving for action figures, poster frames, character-themed fabric, or vinyl wall decor.

How to Set It Up:

To create your superhero room, you’ll probably want to use a vibrant color scheme that’s indicative of your favorite heroes — green for The Hulk, blue and red for Spidey, or red and gold for The Flash. If you’re planning a hybrid space to honor multiple heroes, consider painting each wall a different color to coordinate with different characters. 

Fortunately, this is a dynamic theme so you’ll have lots of props, collectibles, and decorative items awaiting you in the marketplace. You can also replicate many commercially available items with DIY creations. Here are a few ideas to inspire your Gotham or Metropolis-themed space:

• Comic book ceiling fan blade covers

• Bat sign nightlight

• Captain America shield curtain tieback holders

• Gold lasso drapery tiebacks

• Pumpkin bomb fan pulls

• ‘Pow’ word bubble vinyl wall decor

• Marvel-themed slipcovers for sofa or chairs

Fantasy

Fantasy examples: Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Narnia, Maze Runner, Game of Thrones, The Hunger Games, Divergent, Alice in Wonderland, Neverland, and Arthurian legend.

Suggested Materials: Paint, wallpaper, tapestries, fabric, real and synthetic houseplants, custom built-ins, shelving, and picture frames.

How to Set It Up: 

The fantasy theme is richly imaginative. You might want to recreate a setting from your favorite fantasy genre, such as the Wonderland tea party, the Bilbo Baggins Shire home, the Mad Hatter’s workshop, or King Arthur’s round table chamber. Here are a few tips to inspire your fantasy decor plan:

• Oversized wardrobe (Narnia)

• Round green door (Lord of the Rings)

• Queen of Hearts draperies (Wonderland)

• Vases of white roses (Hunger Games)

• Narnia-themed chessboard

• Hogwarts-style artwork

• Shelving to display collectibles

Sci-Fi

Sci-fi examples: Star Wars, The Mandalorian, Star Trek, Planet of the Apes, Dune, E.T., Back to the Future, The Matrix, Frankenstein, and Avatar.

Suggested Materials: Open shelving, wall hooks, paint, wallpaper, vinyl wall decor, film posters, fabric, and commercial merchandise.

How to Set It Up:

Sci-Fi is a popular genre and ideally suited to nerdy room decor. You’ll find numerous products and film-themed merchandise to help you pull your outer-space-themed decor together. Again, you can recreate a scene or setting from your favorite Sci-Fi tale such as the Mos Eisley Cantina (Star Wars) or the control room of the Enterprise, complete with Captain Kirk’s chair. Here are some ideas to inspire your Sci-Fi setup:

• Galaxy-painted ceiling

• Display of Imperial masks (Darth Vader, stormtroopers, bounty hunters)

• X-Wing Fighter drawer pulls

• Glass case for spacecraft models and merchandise

• Han Solo carbonite door cover 

• Martian-themed curtains

• Dune-inspired beanbags

• Film posters for walls

Sitcoms and other TV Shows

TV examples: Friends, The Office, Big Bang Theory, Seinfeld, Parks and Recreation, Modern Family, The Munsters, Happy Days, Cheers, Charlie’s Angels, The Addams Family, Gilligan’s Island, and I Love Lucy.

Suggested Materials: Framed posters, life-size character cutouts, show props, display shelving, display cases, fabric, and commercial merchandise.

How to Set It Up:

If you’ve fallen in love with the cast of Friends or found that Lucille Ball is your celebrity soulmate, you can have loads of fun decorating a special room to celebrate your fandom. Some shows, like Cheers, lend themselves to certain spaces, like your bar area. Use the following ideas to inspire decor for any space you have in mind:

• Michael’s office (The Office)

• Central perk dining area (Friends)

• Big Bang-theory draperies for the TV room

• Al’s Diner from Happy Days

• Large posters of characters

• Quirky prop displays (The Addams Family)

Animation and video games

Examples: The Simpsons, Mulan, Snow White, Frozen, Super Mario Brothers, The Little Mermaid, He-Man, WarCraft, Minecraft, Toy Story,  Futurama, Terraria, Family Guy, Fortnite, Minions, Spongebob, Tom and Jerry, and Japanese anime.

Suggested Materials: Vinyl wall decor, wallpaper, commercial merchandise, branded fabric, shelving or shelving units, glass display cases, and cool animation artwork.

How to Set It Up: 

Create an insulated fictional world in any room of your home or an area of your house like a basement. Whether you’re a Disney fan or an avid gamer, you can adopt a theme that transports you to an animated world. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Elsa’s frozen bedroom (Frozen)

• The seven dwarf’s cottage (Snow White)

• Ursula’s dressing room (The Little Mermaid)

• Ariel’s master bathroom and spa (The Little Mermaid)

• Simpson-themed draperies and wall coverings

• Super Mario Brothers game board for walls

• Vintage toy displays (Toy Story)

• Fortnite skins for wall decor

• Classic cartoon characters in frames

Other pop culture heroes, historic icons, and beloved characters

Other examples: Barbie, Ragnar (Vikings), Edgar Allan Poe, The Grateful Dead, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, horror movie villains, Indiana Jones, James Bond, Wizard of Oz, Moby Dick, Willy Wonka, Sherlock Holmes, Holly Golightly, Elle Woods (Legally Blonde), and Jane Austen.

Suggested Materials: Paint, wallpaper, commercial merchandise, picture frames, shelving, display units, historical document or prop reproductions, glass display cases.

How to Set It Up:

You can create a fandom room that offers you the ideal escape from the everyday world. You can transform your bedroom into the Raggedy Ann retreat or Barbie dream house you’ve always craved, or create a media room dedicated to your favorite musician in your attic — from Elvis to Eminem and Public Enemy to Dolly Parton — or character, like Bond, James Bond. It’s your personal retreat, and the only limit is your imagination (and maybe your budget.) Here are some ideas to inspire your renovation project: 

• Edgar Allan Poe-inspired library 

• Pequod-inspired bathroom (Moby Dick)

• Woodstock-themed recreation room

• Elvis in Las Vegas theme

• Dollywood-themed bedroom

• Austenite library or reading room

• Beatlemania family room

Transforming a spare room — or even one of your essential rooms — to celebrate the icons you love is an enjoyable project that never ends. You and your friends will love spending time in your weird and wonderful fandom room  You’ll surely add to your collection over the years, and ultimately, you may end up with a veritable museum or shrine to the object of your fandom.

Jazz Legends Illustrated Portraits

I love creating portraits. That’s no secret.

For Black History Month, I had the idea of doing a Jazz legends series. So enjoy these portraits, and may they remind you of some great music, or nudge you to explore!

If you like these portraits and would like to create your own you must learn some essential skills, for instance portrait image editing is an essential part of the process that helps to make your vision a reality. But if you do not have the time, you can always outsource your editing requirements to an experienced and professional service provider such as SmartPHOTOeditors who offer high-quality services at the most cost-effective prices.

William James “Count” Basie

Duke Ellington

Louis Armstrong

Charlie Parker

Miles Davis

Dizzy Gillespie

Ella Fitzgerald

Ray Brown

Nina Simone

Billie Holiday

How Can Visual Artists and Creatives Leverage Clubhouse App?

A quick disclaimer: I’m super new to this beta platform. Things are changing rapidly, but here’s my initial thoughts.

So what is Clubhouse?

There’s a new social media app called Clubhouse. Now, if you're not familiar with Clubhouse, you're not alone. It's very new, and still in beta mode, but essentially, Clubhouse is an audio only, invitation only (at the moment), social media app that's currently available for the iPhone only. So they've really narrowed things down to start with. I'm sure there'll be opening things up more as they roll things out. It took me a little while to get on. I kept seeing people posting about this app clubhouse and I started having, you know, serious case of FOMO, fear of missing out and was thinking to myself, I need to get on this thing. I want to find out what it is!

I tend to be a little bit more on the early adopter side. So for me, I really wanted to explore and be a part of some of the conversations that were happening there.

In Clubhouse there are “rooms” and people that you can follow like on all of the social media platforms. But unlike other social media platforms, there are no visuals other than your avatar profile icon . And there's no way of actually leaving or likes or comments. It's purely audio.

Upon entering the app, you see the “hallway”, which shows all the rooms with various themes that are happening. You might have themes that are around podcasting, making money, building your business, pop culture, art, faith, and just hang out rooms. Some of what you see depends on the people that you follow and their interests. You have to be a little more strategic as far as who you follow based on interest.

So in the hallway, you pick a room that you want to join. When you join in that room, there is someone who has created the room up, who is the main “speaker”, and typically the moderator as well. And then there's usually other people, who are “speakers” up on “stage.” You or other room members can be invited to come up on stage to share or ask a question. And the “listeners” (other people in the room) are hanging at the bottom of the room visually. They cannot speak unless they are invited to come on stage.

Anyone has the ability to enter any room, and either listen or participate. If someone wants to participate and they “raise their hand” (there's a little hand icon that you hit) to let the people in charge, know that you have a question or that you want to participate in some way. Then you wait to be invited up on “stage”, You unmute your mic on your phone and you ask your question and then mute it again. And everyone takes turns talking about whatever the various topics are.

That's kind of the general idea of Clubhouse. A lot of people think it's going to be a real game changer, as far as social media.

But I started wondering if there was any benefit to being on Clubhouse as a visual artist…

As I started to poke around, I searched to see if there were other visual artists and creative people. What I found was a variety of creative people on there (photographers, filmmakers, graphic designers, musicians, fine artists). So I ducked into some of their rooms. And I what I found was pretty fascinating.

It's a little bit like the Wild West right now in Clubhouse, because everyone is trying to figure out how to use it and what proper etiquette is. Everyone's a newbie.

No one needs something that's going to be another complete time-suck and waste of time. We have enough of those. So people are looking for what's the benefit, what's the value here? How can they show up and bring value? How can they create some things that are missing?

I ducked into a room that was for visual artists specifically, because this to me was the real test. If you can't see the art, what would this room look like? Was it going to be people just talking about their art? Or just a bunch of people sharing some art tips?

They opened the floor up for some questions. Some people asked questions about technique or about supplies, methods, things of that nature. Or they talked about what their subject matter was, or maybe process, or important themes within their artwork. Others talked about trying to market and sell their artwork, inquiring about connecting with clients and buyers.

At one point the room moderator said, “okay, we're going to reset the room a little bit here and just tell anybody new who's coming in, here's the expectation and purpose of the room” And then they announced taking a 10 minute break in the conversation for anyone who wanted to create something live while hanging out in the room. They played some music created by one of the people in the room, or a playlist from the person in charge.

I hung around to see what would happened, asking myself “how are people going to share what they're working on?” You can't share photos because it's not part of the platform, but you can temporarily change your avatar icon photo. People changed it from the photo of themselves to their work in progress. This allowed people right within the app to click on that little avatar and to see a larger photo of what the person was working on. They also shared some of the things that they were struggling with, ask for feedback in real time.

I wouldn’t have thought there would have been value in having a group of visual artists together on an audio only platform, but seeing people come together for community and connection in real time was pretty great.

Another room I entered had creatives sharing about what their biggest struggling in 2020 has been. Person after person shared stories of income loss, battling with anxiety and depression, as well as important business lessons they learned. When creative people are brave enough to share their stories and experiences, we start to see we’re not alone.

I had the opportunity to cohost a room about the Pixar movie Soul and the lessons about creativity is presented, alongside my friend Terry Weaver. We had a lively chat about what moved us in the film, and how the creative issues it brought to light effected us.

Terry Weaver and I co-hosted a room on Clubhouse talking about the Pixar movie Soul and the powerful themes presented for creatives.

I was pretty convinced that there's something special happening here on Clubhouse. And I think this is only getting continued to grow. Those who are on the platform early will have the opportunity to be a part of setting the tone and the pace and filling in some of those gaps that I mentioned before.

I also joined in a room that was talking about cryptocurrency and crypto art.

Now, if you have no idea what I'm talking about right now, don't worry because honestly, I really didn't know what this conversation was about other than the fact that it had “art” in the title. What I found out was there's a whole other world out there - a digital one (No, not The Matrix). Some people call it like “the metaverse” (Kind of like a Virtual Reality Minecraft word). I'm not going to get too deep into that. (And if you're somebody who's reading and you knew more about that kind of stuff I'd love to hear more about it from your side of things.)

Within this world, there are people who are creating art galleries, wanting to set up experiences. The end user would put on virtual reality glasses (Oculus or whatever technology) to enter and view this virtual reality world where they would be able to actually step into these visual paintings and experience things on a whole new level.

That's where this whole thing of crypto art and cryptocurrency comes in. There are artists who are creating digital artwork, digital art shows and galleries. There's exclusivity in some of the digital art where they authenticate pieces. That's how they know that that's the “original”, otherwise with digital work, you could be reproducing and I'm sharing it in multiple places. If somebody is paying for a piece of fine art at a high price, they want to know that this is the real deal, and that it’s authentic (and rare). All this that is happening I became aware of simply because I entered into this room.

Some people were talking about having all sorts of different resources available for digital galleries and virtual events around the arts. Other people were sharing resources (someone else in the room asked for pitch deck templates). Another person had one and was willing to send to them.

People are having these quick conversations where they have a need, and having it filled by someone else showing up in that room can help. Everyone was being free with resources and with insights and knowledge, and just generally being helpful to one another. Being a community, people who didn’t know each other moments ago, and from all over the globe.

Being on Clubhouse has me asking what’s possible in this space? What could be created or curated here? And I've, I've only been on this platform for maybe less than a week right at the time of writing this.

Some people may say it could be a flash in the pan, like several other social media platforms that have tried and disappeared. Other high level people think that this one is going to be a little more of a game changer because of the nature of the interactivity, that you have to show up as yourself. (You can't have some kind of alias.) You have to show up as you, with your voice.

“Being on Clubhouse has me asking what’s possible in this space? What could be created or curated here? ”

At this point, some other people were talking about using these rooms for mastermind groups and training or coaching, which is really interesting to think about. Still others are on there simply trying to just build their platform and grow their audience, which is easily done with the ability to connect your Instagram and your Twitter account to your profile as well. They're making changes to Clubhouse constantly, so some of these features may upgrade, like being able to connect more platforms.

When you're in a room you can go and click on anyone’s profiles and check out their bio for more about them. But the cool thing is that even if you're not in the clubhouse app, audio continues to play while you're in other apps. So you can still be a part of the room, and be listening to what's happening, but also checking out other social media platforms at the same time.

Maybe you're reading this and you're not a visual artist, but a musician. What would it look like for you to show up on this app (where it's an audio only), and you have the ability to share your music or clips of your music, or maybe have like a real time writing session with somebody or a group of people? That could be incredible. It's a means to connect with fellow creative people and also connect with people who might be your audience, collectors or clients.

Again, I don't know where it's going to go necessarily, but I just know every time that I'm on there and I jump into a room, I'm learning some new things. I'm getting access to some resources (people mentioned websites for further information). It's really incredible the speed at which you can have these conversations and the amount of people that can be in the room (and who you're in the room with.) You could be in a room with some people who are really well-established in their industry, having conversations and access to them.

You wouldn't have access to them or on other social media platforms if they have a million plus followers. They would never see you because of all the noise. With Clubhouse, you can be in a room alongside of them asking them questions or having them interact with you.

So it's pretty exciting. I can't wait to see what else comes of this platform. And if you are on Clubhouse, feel free to follow me - I'm @MikeBrennan. I’d love to connect with you there, and who knows, maybe there's even some things that we can create together!

For a more detailed breakdown check out this post from Social Media Examiner.

So what are your thoughts or questions about Clubhouse?

Be Loved

Don’t be so concerned with being loved, that you forget you are Beloved.

You are more than likes, followers, and social media metrics. Set them free and hug the people (the real live people) in front of you. Love and be loved.

Start with what’s in your hand

Start with what’s in your hand.

It just might be seeds of greatness, but to you, right now, it looks like something so small and useless.

Don’t be so enamored by huge dreams that you don’t use what is before you today. Remember what seeds are. They are beginnings. They are carriers of dreams, hopes, and our desires to make great things that can impact the world around us.

But if we never plant them, they won’t be able to do what they’re supposed to do. They won’t take root. They won’t grow.

They need to go into the dark, cold ground, where sometimes it seems like we’ve buried the dead. But they are waiting for the right time to burst forth with new life, and fruit.

Don’t give up. Don’t wait for the perfect time. Don’t despise humble beginnings. Use what’s in your hand right now and plant it where you are.