The Art of Creativity: Thriving When You Have Nothing

Cable spool in a desert - The Art of Creativity: Thriving When You Have Nothing

Challenges are inevitable – that’s a given. But what about those moments when it feels like you’re running on empty? Creativity? You’re kidding – it’s all gone. As a leader, there will be times when inspiration seems scarce. It’s precisely during these moments that you can unearth some of your most innovative ideas. This article explores the art of being creative when you feel like you’ve got nothing.

1. Embrace Limitations:
Instead of viewing constraints as roadblocks, treat them as creative challenges. When resources are scarce, your ingenuity shines. Think of iconic brands like Apple that created revolutionary products with limited resources.

2. Step Away for Clarity:
Sometimes, the best way to boost creativity is to take a step back. Go for a walk, meditate, or engage in a brief relaxation practice. Have a shower, have a nap. Stepping away from the problem at hand can help you return with fresh ideas. Continue reading “The Art of Creativity: Thriving When You Have Nothing”

How Creative People Can Stay Ahead and Thrive with AI

Person with umbrella reflected in a puddle

Many creatives are feeling threatened by artificial intelligence (AI). There are stories of jobs vanishing, and of AI automating anything and everything. Some of that is true, AI is automating various aspects of work. There’s no need to become a postmodern Luddite. There’s still a significant role for human creativity.

Here’s how creatives can not only respond but thrive in this changing landscape

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What would little you think about you?

Little boy at the beach - What would little you think about you?

What would little you think about you?

This journey down memory lane isn’t just nostalgic; it’s a powerful tool to tap into your creativity and find fresh perspectives.

Think back to your younger days, when your imagination knew no bounds and dreams were as big as the sky. Your childhood self held unfiltered curiosity and a fearless approach to exploring the world. Now, consider your current self — the one shaped by experiences, lessons, and responsibilities. How does this contrast with the aspirations of your younger you? Continue reading “What would little you think about you?”

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”

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?
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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”

The dark side of creativity



Stories of movie stars and rock stars self medicating themselves into oblivion, chefs and doctors suiciding, and designers burning out are common in the news. There’s an aspect of creativity that isn’t all sweetness and light. Some of the brightest and best end up hurting themselves or taking their lives, and end up breaking the hearts of the people who love them the most. And there’s always that lingering question: “Why? They had everything going for them, they had everything to live for.”

The dark side of creativity refers to the potentially negative aspects or consequences that can arise from the creative process or creative individuals.

While creativity is celebrated and valued, there are several aspects that can be problematic or detrimental: Continue reading “The dark side of creativity”

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:
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Inspired to Flow: How to Unlock Your Creative Potential

Creativity is a powerful force. It can help us solve problems, express ourselves, and make the world a better place. But sometimes, we can get stuck in a rut and our creativity can start to fade.
That’s where flow comes in. Flow is a state of deep concentration and focus that allows us to be fully immersed in our creative work. When we’re in flow, time seems to fly by and we feel completely absorbed in the moment.
There are a few things that we can do to help us get into a state of flow:
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