Report on the Future

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Back in the 1991, Faith Popcorn published ‘The Popcorn Report‘ in which she predicted how the first world would live through the 90s and beyond. I was thrilled because the book resonated with me. I could see many of the predictions were already germinating back in the 1980s. New Zealand had become a more leisured society because of unprecedented numbers of unemployed people – the government manipulated the numbers to deal with inflation. Side note: here we are in 2023 and perversely, the government is using the same techniques attempt to deal with inflation.

That’s the topic for discussion today – how things go around and my predictions for the future. What will society look like 50 years on. Hey, if it’s good enough for Faith Popcorn to think about the future, it’s good enough for me. Continue reading “Report on the Future”

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”

Overcoming Barriers in Your Creative Career

Navigating the Glass Ceiling

For many people in creative roles, the concept of the glass ceiling is all too familiar. Talented individuals with boundless creativity often find themselves facing barriers. These barriers hinder their ascent, be it due to age, gender, nationality, or any other factor. The question is not whether these barriers exist. Rather the question is how to shatter them and rise above the limitations they impose.

First, recognise that your worth and potential are not defined by any label or stereotype. Your creativity knows no bounds. This unique perspective is a strength, not a liability. Equip yourself with the confidence to challenge assumptions and showcase your capabilities. Continue reading “Overcoming Barriers in Your Creative Career”

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

Creative Collaboration: Amplifying Your Creativity through Teamwork


In business, creativity is becoming an increasingly valuable asset. Creative professionals and business leaders alike understand that innovation is the key to staying ahead of the curve. However, there’s a game-changing strategy that can take your artistic vision and business endeavours to unprecedented heights: Creative Collaboration.

Creative collaboration is a powerful process that brings together diverse talents and perspectives, uniting them under a shared vision to create something truly extraordinary. Whether you are an aspiring artist, a budding writer, or a talented musician, embracing collaborative efforts can open up a world of opportunities for growth and innovation.

It’s never too early (or too late) to build collaborative networks. Early in your journey they can enrich your artistic development and set the stage for a fulfilling and thriving creative career. Later in your career, engaging in group projects, joining creative workshops, or participating in community events can be excellent ways to refresh and re-immerse yourself in the world of creative collaboration.

Collaboration does not diminish your individual creativity; instead, it amplifies and enhances it. Use the power of creative collaboration and watch as your artistic vision soars to new heights, supported by the strength and diversity of the creative community around you. Continue reading “Creative Collaboration: Amplifying Your Creativity through Teamwork”

Financial Stability for Creative Professionals

As with most creative professionals, your work is your passion. There’s always a ton of work to be done – jobs large and small. But getting paid for your work – now that’s another story. You either already know that it can be difficult to make a living from your art, or you’re bright eyed and bushy tailed. Pro-tip: Take cash over a promise. Many creative professionals face financial instability due to irregular income, gig-based work, or difficulty in monetising their skill set. Finding ways to achieve financial stability while pursuing creative passions is a common struggle.

Here are a few tips for achieving financial stability as a creative professional: Continue reading “Financial Stability for Creative Professionals”

Looking Ahead: A Future Reimagined


The world is changing at an unprecedented rate. Technology is advancing at a breakneck speed, and the way we live, work, and interact with each other is being fundamentally transformed.

This change can be both exciting and daunting. On the one hand, it opens up new possibilities for creativity and innovation. On the other hand, it can be challenging to keep up with the pace of change and to adapt to new ways of doing things.

As we look ahead to the future, it is important to reimagine what is possible. We need to think about how we can use technology to solve problems, create new experiences, and make the world a better place. There is no substitute for thinking. We need creative people and creative solutions like never before.

Here are some ideas for how we can reimagine the future: Continue reading “Looking Ahead: A Future Reimagined”

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”

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”

Finding Authenticity: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Creative

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong in your creative field? Like you’re not good enough, or that you’re a fraud? If so, you’re not alone. Many creative people experience imposter syndrome, which is a feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy. You might’ve experienced the feeling of being overawed by someone with astounding talent – creative works just drip off them seemingly effortlessly or they seem to lead charmed lives. Or you go to a conference or a lecture theatre or a studio or an exhibition or an audition and everyone *EVERYONE* is a thousand times more talented, skilful, cool, better looking, better connected, better blah, blah, blah. You’re just not good enough. It’s a horrible feeling.

Imposter syndrome can be really tough to deal with, but it doesn’t have to control you. There are ways to overcome imposter syndrome and embrace your authentic creative voice.

Here are some tips: Continue reading “Finding Authenticity: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Creative”