celebrate - Live Life Well

14, August 2023

Gratitude, kindness, creativity

The pursuit of artistic mastery is often intertwined with the quest for personal growth and fulfilment. Amid the whirlwind of creative endeavours, a powerful practice emerges that not only enriches your creative process but also feeds your soul: the act of doing good for others.

Picture this: you’re deeply immersed in your creative work, pouring your heart and soul into every stroke, note, or word. It’s a process that demands your energy and focus, but it’s also the very essence of your being. In the midst of this intense journey, the idea of diverting your attention to help others might seem counterintuitive. Yet, therein lies the magic. Continue reading “Gratitude, kindness, creativity”

9, August 20239, August 2023

What is the One Question Creative People are Afraid to Ask?

In the realm of creativity, where self-expression and innovation converge, there’s a question that often lurks in the shadows, shrouded by apprehension. It’s the question that stirs the depths of our creative souls, yet many are too afraid to voice it. Today, we muster the courage to unveil this unasked question, and explore the depths of its significance.

The Unasked Question: “Am I Truly Creative?”
Continue reading “What is the One Question Creative People are Afraid to Ask?”

7, August 2023

The Job Hunt Dilemma

If you’re a creative professional, you know the feeling. You want to get a job, but you can’t seem to get your foot in the door. You need experience, but you can’t get experience without a job. It’s a catch-22. And it’s frustrating.

So how do you break the cycle? Here are a few tips:

Start small. Don’t expect to land your dream job right away. Start by looking for small projects or volunteer opportunities. This will give you some experience and help you build your portfolio.

Network. Talk to people in your field and let them know you’re looking for work. Attend industry events and meetups. The more people you know, the more likely you are to hear about opportunities. It can feel a bit daunting, but be brave. You can do it because other people have done it before you.

Be creative. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Come up with creative ways to get your foot in the door. For example, you could start a blog or create a portfolio website to showcase your work. Really critique and polish your work. Take some free courses – learn new skills, meet new people.

Be sharp. Create an on-point portfolio of work/experience that fits with where you want to be. If you want to work in advertising or marketing, create brand mock ups, web sites, creative work to strut your stuff. If you want to work in gaming – design some games, learn Python or whatever the the current tools are – you need to find out what they are. The key secret is to work your work hard and continually improve it. Quality and work beats all.

Don’t give up. The job hunt can be tough, but don’t give up. Keep applying for jobs and networking. Be open to change. Eventually, you’ll find the right opportunity. Do. Not. Give. Up.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

5, August 2023

Overcoming the Fear of Others’ Opinions: A Roadmap for Creative Professionals and Business Leaders

How often do friends, family, and the countless barely known social media contacts bound up to you like an excitable puppy, wag their tails and shout, “Hey it’s you, fantastic, I love you, you’re doing good, in fact – great. You’re going the right way, this is exactly how I always saw you, doing great! Hold still while I lick your face!”

Perhaps draw the line at letting them lick your face, that’s just awkward; but, generally you’re not going to need to worry. No one is going to be that supportive of you. They might be in their hearts, but they’re not going to tell you you’re going the right way. Sometimes the only way you’re on the right path is the guilt trips are further apart. And so we end up feeling anxious when we have to do something different – outside of our comfort zone.

As creative professionals and business leaders, the fear of what other people will think can often loom like a shadow, hindering our creativity and stifling innovation. However, mastering this fear can be a transformative journey that unleashes the full potential of our creative minds.

Here’s how busy professionals can navigate this common fear and thrive in their pursuits. Continue reading “Overcoming the Fear of Others’ Opinions: A Roadmap for Creative Professionals and Business Leaders”

2, August 2023

Diversity and Representation in the Creative Industry

The creative industry has historically lacked diversity. This has led to a lack of representation of marginalised voices and perspectives in the work that is produced. This is an ongoing concern for many creative professionals, who are working to address these issues and promote diversity in the industry.

There are a number of reasons why diversity is important in the creative industry. First, it allows for a wider range of perspectives to be represented in the work that is produced. This can lead to more creative and innovative work, as different perspectives can offer new insights and solutions. Second, diversity can help to break down stereotypes and prejudices. When people see themselves represented in the work that is produced, it can help to challenge negative stereotypes and assumptions about race, age, and gender profiles in their group.

There are a number of things that can be done to promote diversity and representation in the creative industry. Continue reading “Diversity and Representation in the Creative Industry”

27, July 202327, July 2023

The Therapeutic Power of Art: Nurture Your Mental Health Through Creativity

It’s crucial to remember the importance of your mental well-being. In the middle of the pressures and demands of our daily lives, there’s a magical realm that can soothe the soul and heal the mind – art. Engaging in creative endeavours holds profound benefits for your mental health. Let’s explore how art can become your therapeutic sanctuary. Continue reading “The Therapeutic Power of Art: Nurture Your Mental Health Through Creativity”

26, July 202326, July 2023

Business Success: Unleashing Creativity in Small Enterprises

Are you ready to discover the secret ingredient that can elevate your small business to new heights? It’s time to unlock the power of creativity. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, harnessing creativity can make all the difference in your journey to success. Let’s explore how small businesses can use creativity to thrive in the competitive world of commerce. Continue reading “Business Success: Unleashing Creativity in Small Enterprises”

25, July 2023

What is the Most Creative Act a Person Can Do?

Creativity is a broad term that can mean different things to different people. For some, it might mean painting a beautiful picture or writing a moving poem. For others, it might mean coming up with a new business idea or solving a difficult problem.

But what is the most creative act a person can do?

I believe that the most creative act a person can do is to be themselves. This means being true to who you are, even if it means being different from everyone else. It means following your own path, even if it’s not the easiest one. And it means being brave enough to express yourself, even if you’re afraid of what others might think.

Being yourself is the most creative act because it’s the only thing that no one else can do. It’s the only thing that’s truly original. And it’s the only thing that can truly make a difference in the world.

When you’re being yourself, you’re not just creating something new. You’re also inspiring others to be themselves. You’re showing them that it’s okay to be different, and that they can make a difference in the world too.

So if you’re looking for the most creative act you can do, I encourage you to be yourself. Be brave. Be different. And make a difference.

Here are some tips for being more creative: Continue reading “What is the Most Creative Act a Person Can Do?”

21, July 2023

Embracing the Dolphin Spirit: Thriving Amidst Chaos and Difficult Environments

In the vast ocean, dolphins stand out for their remarkable agility, intelligence, and adaptability. As creative individuals, we, too, can find ourselves trapped in challenging work or life environments. Drawing inspiration from the attributes of dolphins, we can cultivate a mindset of resilience and embrace the dolphin spirit to not only survive but thrive in unpredictable, turbulent, or even hostile situations. Continue reading “Embracing the Dolphin Spirit: Thriving Amidst Chaos and Difficult Environments”

17, July 202321, July 2023

How to Escape the Grip of Social Media

Rediscovering Creativity:
When I was a kid my mother made me birthday cakes. I had a seal with a ball on its nose, a train, a pineapple, and a gingerbread cottage. To defend what seems like a complete cake greed on my part, I must point out that my birthday fell around the same time as an annual cake decorating competition; and, I shared my birth day (and cake) with my father and grandmother. In hindsight, the cakes weren’t for me at all. No matter what, I don’t know how my mother found the time to make the cakes and then decorate them.

I probably only remember these cakes because Dad made photos of them using his prized Kodak rangefinder. They were colour slides – Kodachrome, of course. The slides lived in the yellow plastic box and viewing them was a special event in itself. I remember the photos and the projector rather than the cakes themselves. Although we were all proud of my mother’s creative efforts and the time and effort it took to create these prize-winning decorated cakes, few other people ever knew about them. There was no social media in those days.

Social media can be a great way to connect with others, stay up-to-date on the latest news, and find inspiration. But for busy creatives, it can also be a major distraction. If you’re feeling like social media is holding you back from your creative potential, here are a few tips to help you break free:
Continue reading “How to Escape the Grip of Social Media”