Recently came across this quote and I love the message and as creative people it applies to all of us...
“There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is on a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.”
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Two Roads...
Talking with a potential client yesterday regarding new creative directions and I remarked on my favorite poem since I was a kid ... It was always something I could relate to, I think most creative people relate to the notion that we've chosen a different path ...
With credit to Mr. Robert Frost, here it is:
THE ROAD NOT TAKEN
Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
With credit to Mr. Robert Frost, here it is:
THE ROAD NOT TAKEN
Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Amy Tan on Creativity
This morning I was looking for inspiration and knowledge. On a regular basis I visit TED.com for that specific reason - quick, inspirational, intelligent ideas and thoughts presented in 22 minute video lectures.
Today I found writer Amy Tan: http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_tan_on_creativity.html
Copy and paste it in your browser, and spend 22 very enjoyable minutes.
Check it out.
Today I found writer Amy Tan: http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_tan_on_creativity.html
Copy and paste it in your browser, and spend 22 very enjoyable minutes.
Check it out.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Gremlins
I just finished re-reading a great book - Taming Your Gremlins. It had been a while since I'd read it. I was feeling, like everyone else, the tension of these economic times. The book is a quick read, and is quite helpful in training and reminding me that we all have Gremlins - persistent negative thought patterns.
The best strategy to tame your Gremlin is to notice it, recognize it, name it and put it aside - I like to banish mine to another room. The worst strategy is to engage our Gremlin - wrestle with it, "fix" it and give it attention.
When faced with your Gremlins write them down - list them. Then rip up the list and ceremoniously throw the list out! From now on say to yourself - "That's my Gremlin Speaking", put it aside and move forward.
The best strategy to tame your Gremlin is to notice it, recognize it, name it and put it aside - I like to banish mine to another room. The worst strategy is to engage our Gremlin - wrestle with it, "fix" it and give it attention.
When faced with your Gremlins write them down - list them. Then rip up the list and ceremoniously throw the list out! From now on say to yourself - "That's my Gremlin Speaking", put it aside and move forward.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Fear ...
Times are tough. And that's scary. But if you're feeling overwhelmed by fear the best thing to do is face it. It's there to teach you something so dont run away - rather run straight towards it head-on ... sit with it, acknowledge it and closely examine what's causing the fear and how to overcome it.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Breaking through a Creative Block
Creative blocks come in two main types - having no ideas at all, literally a blockage or having too many ideas. Try these tips to get your "mojo" back.
1. If time allows put the project on the back burner for a week. Don't look at it, don't do anything connected with it at all. Revisit it a week later.
2. Find a simple, mechanical, methodical task - organizing your office or studio, housework, gardening, filing. These tasks get you moving, allows for a sense of achievement from starting and finishing a task - and they take your mind off your creative block.
3. Get moving - take a walk, swim, stretch, dance, breathe - the block is alive in yor body, so movement allows it to find a way out.
4. Explore for a moment the way you are feeling - is it overwhelm, frustrations, pressure, anxiety, indecision? Whatever it is accept it. You can walk with it, journal it, meditate - there are many ways through it, but naming it and accepting it are key to creating change.
5. If you have an impulse - follow it. It might be just where you need to go next for a fresh idea or direction.
6. Do something - a little step towards the project - sharpen your pencil, make that phone call, clean your studio space - one small step and then walk away for an hour. Then do the next step, and so on...
7. Tap into your creative side - leave the editor, doubter, inner critic in another room.
8. Treat your work as play - make the workspace inspiring, surround yourself with inspirational art, ideas, text, etc.
9. Make a list of 10 things you've learned to do despite doubts that you could. This kind of exercise proves you can do it, because you already have despite doubts and difficulties.
10. Approach your task/block as if you were a child. How would a 5 year old do?
1. If time allows put the project on the back burner for a week. Don't look at it, don't do anything connected with it at all. Revisit it a week later.
2. Find a simple, mechanical, methodical task - organizing your office or studio, housework, gardening, filing. These tasks get you moving, allows for a sense of achievement from starting and finishing a task - and they take your mind off your creative block.
3. Get moving - take a walk, swim, stretch, dance, breathe - the block is alive in yor body, so movement allows it to find a way out.
4. Explore for a moment the way you are feeling - is it overwhelm, frustrations, pressure, anxiety, indecision? Whatever it is accept it. You can walk with it, journal it, meditate - there are many ways through it, but naming it and accepting it are key to creating change.
5. If you have an impulse - follow it. It might be just where you need to go next for a fresh idea or direction.
6. Do something - a little step towards the project - sharpen your pencil, make that phone call, clean your studio space - one small step and then walk away for an hour. Then do the next step, and so on...
7. Tap into your creative side - leave the editor, doubter, inner critic in another room.
8. Treat your work as play - make the workspace inspiring, surround yourself with inspirational art, ideas, text, etc.
9. Make a list of 10 things you've learned to do despite doubts that you could. This kind of exercise proves you can do it, because you already have despite doubts and difficulties.
10. Approach your task/block as if you were a child. How would a 5 year old do?
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Referrals ... Want them? Ask for Them!
Your best clients are your existing and past clients. This powerful statement has been true for the past hundred years. A common mistake entrepreneurs make is that they spend too much time, energy and resources trying to attract new business.
Developing a relationship with your current clients and they become advocates for your services, and can recommend and refer you to other prospective clients. Keeping in touch with phone calls, informative emails can multiply our referrals.
If you want referrals ask - "I'd appreciate your referrals for my services", "Is there anyone else you know that I could contact that could use my services?" - Ask simply and directly. In your email blasts make sure you have the "forward to friends" option selected. Put a message in your template - "I'd appreciate your forwarding this email to anyone you think might be interested in my work". You can also clearly state "I am looking to expand my business, if you know other {photo editors, art directors, curators}, we'd love to hear from them."
Last tip: join www.linkedin.com and research your past clients, friends and colleagues - this is a great way to network in a professional manner and build your network - and ask for a recommendation.
Developing a relationship with your current clients and they become advocates for your services, and can recommend and refer you to other prospective clients. Keeping in touch with phone calls, informative emails can multiply our referrals.
If you want referrals ask - "I'd appreciate your referrals for my services", "Is there anyone else you know that I could contact that could use my services?" - Ask simply and directly. In your email blasts make sure you have the "forward to friends" option selected. Put a message in your template - "I'd appreciate your forwarding this email to anyone you think might be interested in my work". You can also clearly state "I am looking to expand my business, if you know other {photo editors, art directors, curators}, we'd love to hear from them."
Last tip: join www.linkedin.com and research your past clients, friends and colleagues - this is a great way to network in a professional manner and build your network - and ask for a recommendation.
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