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Afleveringen
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What transforms a creative passion into a sustainable career? For surface pattern designer Lizzie Clark, the journey started with a love for collage and evolved into a thriving business in licensing and textile design. With years of experience navigating the creative industry, Lizzie has built a business that blends artistry with strategy—proving that with the right approach, creativity can be both fulfilling and financially sustainable.
From Passion to Profit: Making Art Work for YouWhen does hobby art become a viable business? For Lizzie, the breakthrough came by reimagining her collage work as repeating patterns, ultimately finding her niche in surface pattern design.
Actionable Insight: Look at your current creative work through an entrepreneurial lens. Could your existing art live in multiple formats or markets?
Bonus: Research three brands or retailers that license artwork similar to your style and explore their submission guidelines.
Find Creative Freedom Through DiversificationBuilding a sustainable creative career isn't just about creating multiple income streams—it's about creative autonomy. Lizzie has strategically built her career by exploring various artistic opportunities and revenue channels.
Actionable Insight: Brainstorm potential ways to sell your creative work. What unexplored avenues might complement your current practice?
Bonus: Identify one new revenue stream (such as licensing, teaching, or collaborations) and outline three steps to start testing it.
Overcome Creative Blocks & BurnoutCreative roadblocks are universal. Lizzie’s approach involves strategic disengagement, seeking inspiration in unexpected places, and maintaining artistic flexibility.
Actionable Insight: Recognize when you need a creative reset. Design personal strategies for reconnection and inspiration.
Bonus: Create a "creativity restoration" toolkit with five things that help you recharge—whether it’s a playlist, nature walks, or a different artistic medium.
How to Navigate Copyright, Art Theft, and AIOur digital world is changing rapidly so it's essential to understand intellectual property. Lizzie shares pragmatic insights about protecting her creative work in a complex and evolving landscape.
Actionable Insight: Proactively research and implement digital protection strategies for your work.
Bonus: Learn about one legal tool (like watermarks or copyright registration) that can help protect your art.
Align Your Art & Business with PurposeUnderstanding what motivates you creatively provides a lot of clarity. Lizzie emphasizes aligning your business practices with your artistic values.
Actionable Insight: Talk about the deeper purpose behind your creative practice.
Bonus: Write a one-sentence mission statement that captures why you create and share it with your audience.
Key Takeaways:✅ Creative careers evolve through adaptability
✅ Diversification enables artistic freedom
✅ Strategic breaks prevent creative exhaustion
✅ Intellectual property protection is essential
✅ Authentic motivation sustains creative work
Turn Your Creativity into a Thriving BusinessWant to make your art work for you? Book a free strategy session at TheStandoutCreatives.com to take the next step.
📌 Note: I keep these sessions limited so I can give each person my full attention—so...
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I'm really excited to take you on a journey into the world of storytelling with someone who understands that great writing isn't just about plot, it's about connection. Meet Douglas Weissman, a travel writer and novelist who's turning personal experiences into compelling stories.
But his story? It's not just about writing books. It’s about crafting experiences that stay with readers long after they’ve turned the last page.
From Ordinary Moments to Narrative GoldWhat if our most powerful stories are hiding in the moments we overlook? Douglas believes your life is a treasure trove of storytelling potential. From a random conversation with a stranger to a missed train, every moment has the potential to inspire extraordinary stories.
Actionable Tip: Start a story collection journal. For the next week, write down one unexpected moment each day. What made it unique? What emotions did it stir?
Bonus: Choose one of these moments and write a 500-word scene exploring its emotional core. Don't worry about perfection. Just dive in and see what emerges.
Breaking Free from Creative ParalysisMost writers get stuck because they're chasing some mythical "perfect story." Instead of waiting for the right moment, Doug embraces the messy, real, and raw. Your first draft doesn't need to be a masterpiece. It needs to be honest.
Actionable Tip: Set a timer for 20 minutes. Write without stopping, without editing. Let your story spill out onto the page in its most raw form.
Bonus: Read your unedited writing out loud. What surprises you? What feels most authentic?
Navigating the Small Press LandscapeThe publishing world isn't just about big publishers. Douglas has carved a path through small presses that celebrate unique voices. These publishers aren't looking for cookie-cutter books—they're looking for stories with heart.
Actionable Tip: Research three small presses in your genre. What makes them different? How do they support emerging writers?
Bonus: Reach out to one small press. Ask a genuine question about their publishing approach. Build a relationship, not just a submission strategy.
Writing in the Age of AI: Staying HumanAI can generate text, but it can't generate soul. Douglas sees AI as a tool, not a replacement. Your lived experiences and unique perspective are what make stories shine.
Actionable Tip: Use AI for brainstorming, but write your actual story in your voice. Compare the AI-generated ideas with your authentic story.
Bonus: Write a scene both with AI and on your own. Which feels more alive?
The Vulnerability AdvantageDon't be afraid to share your most vulnerable moments. They're the ones that connect most deeply with readers and make the best stories.
Actionable Tip: Write about a moment you've been hesitant to explore. What makes it uncomfortable? What does it reveal?
Bonus: Share this writing with a trusted friend and ask for input. Sometimes an outside perspective helps us see our story's true power.
Marketing Your Work Without Selling Your SoulDouglas believes in building genuine connections to sell his books. Your marketing should feel like an invitation to connect, not a sales pitch.
Actionable Tip: Instead of just sharing links to your book on your newsletter, share your writing journey. What's happening behind the scenes?
Bonus: Host a small online writing workshop or class. Give value before asking for anything in return.
Key Takeaways:Your life experiences are your greatest storytelling resourceEmbrace imperfection in your writing processSmall presses can be... -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Meet Russell Nohelty, the self-publishing maverick who's cracked the code to turning creative passion into a sustainable writing career. With nearly a million dollars raised through crowdfunding and a proven track record of breaking through the noise, Russell offers a step-by-step roadmap to help authors transform their writing from a side hustle into a thriving business.
Conquer PerfectionismWhy Imperfect Writing Wins Every Time
Perfectionism can be a creativity killer. Russell’s game-changing approach? Treat your first draft as raw material, not your masterpiece. Perfectionism becomes your superpower when combined with radical self-compassion and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Actionable Tip: This week, aim for messy but meaningful progress: draft 1,000 words in one sitting without editing.
Bonus: Pick one chapter you've been stuck on and finish it within the next week, imperfections and all.
Build Your CommunityHow to Network Like a Pro
Self-publishing doesn’t mean going it alone. Russell emphasizes the power of building a community of fellow writers, beta readers, and a supportive network that amplifies your reach and credibility.
Actionable Tip: Join one writing group or online community specific to your genre. Contribute meaningful feedback to at least three other authors this month to build genuine connections.
Bonus: Propose a cross-promotion with an author in your niche. Think joint newsletter or shared promotional event.
Amplify Your Unique VoiceThe Secret Weapon for Self-Published Success
In a sea of endless books, your unique voice is your greatest asset. Whether you write niche sci-fi, unconventional memoirs, or genre-bending fiction, your perspective will attract dedicated readers.
Actionable Tip: Identify the three most unique elements of your writing style or story that set you apart in your genre.
Bonus: Share a provocative social media post showcasing your unique angle. Invite readers to engage with your story’s world.
Monetize Your WritingEarn More While Staying True to Your Vision
Authors have more monetization options than ever before. Russell’s approach focuses on creating multiple revenue streams. Having multiple revenue streams allows you to support your creative vision, not compromise it.
Actionable Tip: Audit your existing work. Could you bundle books, offer special editions, or create bonus content for your readers?
Bonus: Develop one additional product related to your book: a workbook, online course, or exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Share Your Authentic StoryBuild Reader Trust by Sharing Your Journey
Your most vulnerable stories are often your most powerful. Being transparent about your writing journey can forge deep connections with readers.
Actionable Tip: Share one behind-the-scenes moment from your writing process. It can be a challenge, breakthrough, personal struggle, or something similar.
Bonus: Create content that showcases your authenticity. Share your inspirations, writing rituals, or the spark behind your story.
Key Takeaways:Embrace imperfection as part of the creative process.Build a supportive community around your writing.Leverage your unique voice as a marketing tool.Create multiple revenue streams from your writing.Connect authentically with your readers.
Your Career Transformation Starts... -
The following is a narrative essay I wrote after my conversation with Bridget Baker.
Fitting in was my survival strategy—until I realized it was suffocating my creative potential.
In high school, I could morph myself into any group. In college, I went to parties even though I hated big groups of people. As an adult, I put on a "professional" face even when all I want to do is have fun.
I thought, If I can just be smooth enough, normal enough, I'll finally belong.
Spoiler: It never worked.
The Moment of InsightDuring a conversation with my friend Bridget Baker—a former professional dancer turned branding expert—she said something that hit me hard: What if the parts of your story you're afraid to share are actually your greatest creative asset?
I've often thought about how to share my moments of failure without people thinking "He has no idea what he's talking about. Why should I listen to him?" But what I realized when talking to Bridget was, we are not our failures.
Failures are just a part of our journey. They can make us stronger if we lean into the lessons they are trying to teach us.
The Unexpected Power of Your "Too Much"Let's talk about those moments you've labeled as "too much."
For me, it was improv. I love improv. It taught me so much about creativity, problem-solving, and staying present. But for the longest time, I kept that part of me under wraps. I worried people wouldn't take me seriously. I thought they'd hear "improviser" and assume, Oh, he's just a guy who makes jokes.
Then I said, "Eff it. Who cares if people think it's weird?"
When I started sharing lessons I learned from improv, something magical happened. My audience loved it. People who had never done improv said things like, "Wow, I could never do that!" It struck a chord because it wasn't just about improv—it was about creative courage.
The Vulnerability AdvantageA few years ago, I was working on multiple projects to help artists market their work. I poured my heart into it—hundreds of blog posts, nearly 100 podcast episodes, hours of connecting with my audience.
When I finally offered my services, I was met with crickets. Not a single reply or hint of interest.
It was devastating. I had done everything the "experts" said: build trust, provide value, connect authentically. But nothing worked.
So, I took a break. I let go of the dream for years, feeling like I had failed.
Fast forward to now: I've returned to this work with fresh energy and a deeper understanding of what creatives like you need. And you know what? That failure wasn't the end of my story. It was the middle.
Sharing this with you isn't easy. But I've learned that the more open and honest we are, the more deeply we connect with our audience. People lean in when they see themselves in your story.
Turning Your Quirks into Your Brand's SuperpowerHere's your challenge:
List three ways you're different (not "wrong").Identify one story you've been afraid to tell.Create one offer that reflects your entire, messy journey.
The Wild Truth About AuthenticityI used to think being a fan of anime, superheroes, or cartoons made me weird. When I was younger, everyone watched cartoons. But as we got older, I'd hear things like, "Eww, you still watch that?"
So I hid those parts of me. I didn't tell people I watched Dragon Ball Z every afternoon. I kept quiet about the mini blogs I built for South Park and Rurouni Kenshin.
It wasn't until years later that I realized how mainstream those interests had become. There were conventions, toy shops, and even streaming platforms dedicated to anime.
The lesson? It doesn't matter if...
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I’m thrilled to introduce you to someone who’s redefining the way we think about storytelling, marketing, and connection. Meet Vince Warnock—a neuromarketing expert, 11-time bestselling author, and creative business coach. His story? It’s a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of authentic relationships.
From Adversity to InnovationLet’s start with something Vince knows deeply: How the hardest moments in your life can become the foundation for your greatest strengths. Vince’s journey, shaped by a challenging childhood, is a masterclass in turning adversity into opportunity. He shows us that every experience—no matter how difficult—can fuel your creativity and business growth.
Actionable Tip: Reflect on a tough moment in your life and how it’s shaped your unique perspective. How can you use that insight to serve your audience better?
Bonus: Create a “story map” of your life. Divide it into challenges, turning points, and triumphs. Use this as the basis for your content or brand narrative.
Your Story is Your SuperpowerVince believes your authentic story is your most valuable asset in business. It’s not about looking perfect—it’s about showing up as yourself and building trust through vulnerability.
Your audience connects with the real you, not a polished facade.Sharing your struggles creates a bridge of trust that no marketing hack can replicate.Actionable Tip: Think of a time when you faced a challenge in your business, but it led to a breakthrough. Share that experience in a quick, unscripted video or voice note. The raw, realness is what will resonate most.
Bonus: Create a "vulnerability post" on your social media or blog. Share a moment when things didn’t go according to plan but how it shaped who you are today. Invite your audience to share their stories too, creating a space for connection.
The Creative EdgeCreativity isn’t just about your art or product—it’s how you approach your entire business. Vince reveals how innovation can help you stand out:
Embrace new tools like AI to free up time for your creative work.Experiment with unconventional strategies to find what feels true to you.Actionable Tip: Pick one task that drains your energy and explore a tech solution to automate it.
Bonus: Use the extra time to brainstorm a bold, creative idea that excites you—and take one small step toward making it happen.
Relationships Over TransactionsVince reminds us that success isn’t about playing the numbers game—it’s about building genuine relationships. By focusing on adding value and being authentic, you open the door to unexpected opportunities.
Actionable Tip: Instead of focusing on what you can sell, reach out to someone in your network with an offer of support—whether it’s advice, resources, or just a kind word. The goal is to serve, not sell.
Bonus: Organize a small virtual gathering or group discussion where people can share their challenges and victories. Make it less about promoting your work and more about connecting on a human level.
Key Takeaways:Your past is an asset. Every challenge and triumph can shape your brand and connect you with your audience.Vulnerability is a strength. Share the imperfect parts of your story—they’re what make you relatable.Creativity extends beyond your craft. Innovate in all areas of your business.Relationships matter.... -
I’m really excited to take you on a journey into the world of authentic branding with someone who’s done it in the most unexpected way. Meet Bridget Baker a former professional ballet dancer who’s now flipping the script on branding and storytelling. Her story? It’s not just inspiring. It’s a game changer for anyone looking to share their unique perspective while staying true to themselves.
From Center Stage to Centering Your NarrativeNow, let’s talk about something that might feel a little uncomfortable at first: What if the quirks and odd moments you try to hide are actually your greatest asset? Bridget believes your branding should be a dance, and the steps you take, however unconventional, are what will make you stand out. Those moments in your life? That’s the heart of your story.
Actionable Tip: Start small. Take a moment to reflect on your own journey. Are there parts of it you’ve been avoiding, fearing they might not “fit” with the brand you’re trying to create? Those might be the moments that resonate most with the people who truly get you.Bonus: Write down one personal story—something you’ve never shared before. It might feel vulnerable, but consider how that story could connect with your audience, even if you don’t see how just yet. This could be the bridge to people who really understand your message.
Breaking Free from Creative ConformityIf you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong in the mainstream or traditional marketing world, Bridget’s got your back. Most creatives fall into the trap of trying to look like everyone else, but Bridget’s advice is clear: Your differences aren’t a flaw, they’re your superpower. Your unique story doesn’t need to fit into a mold, and it sure doesn’t need to apologize for being different. Your story is the melody, and the world needs to hear it.
Actionable Tip: Grab a notebook and jot down three ways your background makes you different. Be specific. These are the things you don’t want to hide anymore.Bonus: Write a brand statement that feels like you, not what you think you should be. Make it bold, honest, and unapologetic. And above all, make it real—the world’s tired of “polished” and wants to hear you.
Redefining Your Creative ValueIt’s time to face the hard truth: if you’ve been underpricing your services or products, you’re not doing your talents justice. Bridget’s approach challenges creatives to see that everything in their journey, every skill, every lesson learned, is valuable. Your past and your experience are what give you the authority to charge what you’re truly worth.
Actionable Tip: Take a deep dive into your own skills and experiences. What unique value do you bring to the table? How do those talents serve your audience in a way no one else can?Bonus: Create a “premium” offering that reflects the richness of your expertise. It’s not just about asking for more money—it’s about showing people just how much depth you bring to the table. Think about how to package your knowledge in a way that makes your audience see its true worth.
The Vulnerability AdvantageOkay, here’s the kicker: your vulnerability is your secret weapon. The stories you’re afraid to share, the ones where you feel imperfect or misunderstood, are often the very stories that create powerful connections with your audience. You’re not alone in your fears, and your audience will feel your authenticity when you let down the walls.
Actionable Tip: Think about one moment from your creative journey that’s tough to share but feels like an... -
Ghostwriting might sound mysterious, but after talking with Kent on The Standout Creatives, it’s clear: ghostwriting is one of the most human ways to inspire and connect.
Here are the 3 biggest insights from our conversation that can help your creative business thrive:
1. Your Story is Your Superpower
Your story isn’t just nice-to-have—it’s the reason people will trust and choose YOU. When you share your journey, you create emotional connections that no marketing hack can replicate.
➡️ Action Step: Map out a few key life or business moments. Pick one and share it with your audience this week.
2. Networking is About Real Connection
It’s not about knowing everyone—it’s about showing up for the people who matter most. A thoughtful gesture, like a handwritten note, can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
➡️ Action Step: Reach out to one person you admire in your network. Be specific about why their work matters to you.
3. Growth Comes From Staying Curious, Not Perfect
Creativity isn’t about getting it right the first time. It’s about learning, adapting, and growing through the process. Curiosity is your edge.
➡️ Action Step: Set aside 30 minutes to explore a book, podcast, or course that inspires you to think differently.
✨ If you found any of these insights helpful, I highly recommend checking out the interview I had with Kent Sanders. It really was a great conversation.
🚀 Are you an author, writer, or creative business owner who wants help standing out, or need support for your next book or product launch? Let’s chat. Visit The Standout Creatives to book a spot. But heads up, spots are limited, so grab yours while you can!
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Starting small doesn’t mean thinking small. In this episode of The Standout Creatives, I’ll show you how launching with a small, engaged audience can be your secret weapon for creative business success. Whether you’re working on your first course, digital product, or any big idea, this approach will set you up for growth without the stress of trying to “go big” too soon.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
The Myth of “Go Big or Go Home”: Why starting small can actually lead to success.The Power of Early Supporters: How to attract the right people who will champion your work and become your first superfans.Small Wins, Big Momentum: Real-world examples of creatives who turned small audiences into thriving businesses.Your Action Plan: A simple, repeatable process for launching small while building confidence and connection.You don’t need a massive following to create something amazing. You just need to take the first step—and I’ll help you make it happen.
Who This Episode is ForCreative entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed by the idea of launching to a small audience.Digital product and course creators who have a small but passionate fan base.Anyone who’s tired of chasing vanity metrics and ready to focus on authentic, meaningful results.
Key Takeaways:Start small, think big: The most successful launches often come from starting with the resources and audience you have now.Engage early fans: Focus on people who already know, like, and trust your work—they’ll be the foundation for your future growth.Momentum matters: Celebrate the small wins because they’re the stepping stones to your standout business.
Resources & Next Steps:💡 Schedule a free standout business discovery call: Let’s brainstorm how you can take your first small step toward a standout creative business.✍️ Grab your copy of We Are All Creative: Fuel your inspiration with 52 quotes and prompts designed for creative entrepreneurs.🎧 Subscribe to The Standout Creatives podcast: Don’t miss future episodes filled with actionable tips to grow your creative business without sacrificing your sanity.
Final Thought:Big success doesn’t require a big start. It just needs a small, intentional step forward—and the right people to walk alongside you. Ready to take yours?
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Ghostwriting might seem like a secretive craft, but it’s anything but. Kent Sanders breaks it down: this isn’t about hiding in the shadows—it’s about creating stories that genuinely connect. As the founder of Inkwell Ghostwriting, Kent has helped entrepreneurs and leaders bring their journeys to life in ways that inspire and resonate.
If your story isn’t reaching people, what’s getting lost in translation? Is it the message? The delivery? Or maybe, it’s just missing that human touch.
Your story is the bridge between you and your audience. If you fail to connect, you’re not just missing an opportunity—you’re letting relationships, impact, and trust slip through your fingers. But the good news? When you get storytelling right, it transforms everything.
In this episode, Kent takes us on his journey from college professor to ghostwriting powerhouse, revealing how storytelling goes way beyond just putting words on a page. It’s about digging deep, building connection, and translating someone’s vision into a narrative that lands exactly the way they dreamed it would.
Three Big Takeaways and Actionable Steps1. The Power of Understanding: Get Inside Their Story
Ghostwriting (or any kind of storytelling) isn’t about slapping words together—it’s about understanding the person behind the story. You’re not just writing; you’re capturing their essence.
Actionable Tip: Ask deeper questions before starting a project. Not just, “What’s the story you want to tell?” but, “Why does this matter to you?” and “What do you want your audience to feel?”Bonus: Try mapping out key moments of your journey to see the bigger picture. This "story map" becomes your roadmap for building a narrative that sticks.2. Real Connections Beat Surface-Level Networking Every Time
Networking is about relationships, not resumes. Forget the business cards and LinkedIn requests. It’s the small, thoughtful gestures that build trust and open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Actionable Tip: This week, send a quick, personal note to someone you admire—a handwritten letter, a voice memo, or a thoughtful email. Be specific about what you love about their work.Bonus: Make a habit of checking in with your network regularly—especially when you’re not asking for anything. Think of it as planting seeds for future growth.3. Stay Curious, Stay Open, Stay Moving
The creative journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Every failure is a chance to refine your craft. The most successful creatives? They’re the ones who embrace learning, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Actionable Tip: Set aside 30 minutes this week to dive into something new—a book, podcast, or course that challenges how you think.Bonus: Reflect on a recent mistake. Write down what it taught you and how you’re using that lesson to grow.Kent Sanders reminds us that storytelling isn’t just a skill—it’s a superpower. Done right, it can transform your business, strengthen your relationships, and amplify your impact. The question is: Are you ready to take your story to the next level?
Need Help with Your Creative Business?
If you’re a creative entrepreneur ready to make your business stand out, visit The Standout Creatives. Whether you're launching your next book, podcast, course, or digital product, I’d love to help you turn your vision into something extraordinary.
Spots are limited, so if you’re ready to chat about your next big idea, don’t wait—sign up
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Big news: the podcast is back, and it’s got a whole new look, name, and purpose. After taking a much-needed break, I’m beyond excited to relaunch as The Standout Creatives! This isn’t just a new name—it’s a new mission to help you build a business that stands out while staying true to your creative passion.
In this episode, I’ll take you behind the scenes:
The Cracking Creativity journey: Lessons I learned from inspiring interviews and how they shaped my perspective.Burnout and breakthroughs: How stepping back helped me reevaluate and refocus on what matters most.Why the rebrand matters: My mission to bring you practical strategies for turning creative passion into sustainable success.What to expect going forward: Actionable advice, authentic stories, and insightful interviews with creative business owners who’ve been where you are.If balancing creativity with running a business feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. This podcast is your guide to standing out, scaling up, and thriving—without burning out.
Ready to take the next step?
Book one of my limited one-on-one strategy calls, where we’ll craft a custom plan to grow your creative business with clarity and confidence. Let’s build something amazing together!
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Nick Gray is the founder of Museum Hack, a twist on the traditional museum experience. The funny thing about Nick is, he used to hate museums. That is until he went on a date that forever changed his life.
During a snowy day in NYC, a girl brought him to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and showed him artifacts, furniture, and other interesting things in the museum. This changed Nick’s perception of what a museum tour could be. That’s when he started frequenting the MET, and learned to love museums.
The first time Nick charged for a museum tour, he even tried to give money back to the people who took it. He had so much fun with the tour that he thought he shouldn’t charge people for it.
“The first tour that I actually charged money for, it was a Sunday morning tour at 11 in the morning, and I was like ‘Alright I’ll just see if I can charge money. I’ll charge them $20. See if they come.’ And everyone gave me their cash, and I gave them the tour. And I had so much fun Kevin, I had so much fun, that at the end of the tour, I think I freaked everybody out because I gave them all of their money back. And they were like ‘Why are you giving us… is this Candid Camera or something?’ and I was like “No, I had so much fun. It feels dirty for me to take your money, to do something that I love, something that I’m having so much fun with.’ So for me that was the first time I experimented, but it didn’t really go so well.”
Before Nick started Musuem Hack he was a salesman of flat screen monitors. But the success of his initial tours, and the experience he gained as a salesman, allowed him to turn his passion project into a business.
“What I think is special about what I’ve done with Museum Hack that your listeners might find fascinating, is that I took something that was a passion project, something that I just did for a hobby, for fun, and I was able to convert it and make it into a business. And my time selling these screens really taught me the importance of marketing and sales and dollar value of creating premium experiences. So for me that was really helpful.”
The thing that makes Museum Hack different from other museum tours is what Nick likes to dub the 3 G’s. While most other tours are zigging, Museum Hack is zagging.
“The three Gs. These are the three things that makes Museum Hack completely different from most museum tours. Three Gs. Number one, guides. Number two, games. and number three gossip. So it’s the tour guides that are so engaging, that are actors and educators, and science teachers, and musicians who write their own tours who are so special. That’s the guides. The games means that the tours are so fast paced. They’re ultra fast paced. They’re two to three times as fast as most museum tours. And we also do selfie challenges. We takes shots of espresso or drink some wine. And then the gossip, that’s the juicy back story. The cool stuff about the art that we like to talk about.”
Instead of trying to find people who are knowledgeable in history and museums, Nick hires guides who are good with people. Anyone can learn about art, but not everyone is good at connecting with people.
“The number one thing we look for is someone’s ability to be a good host. How is their body language? How comfortable to they make people? Do they make us laugh? That’s the most important thing. It’s not about their knowledge. It’s not about how much they know about the art history. It’s about how do they make the guests feel. Because that’s what we’re trying to do, right? We’re trying to make people comfortable and we’re trying to get them to warm up inside the space. So that’s really what we hire for first and foremost. And then we can teach them about the art. We can teach them about the museum… We hire folks that are really good with people.”
He also gives his guides the freedom to create their own tours. When you are building something
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Erik Young is one of my friends from high school. In this episode we broke from the normal format of the show and talked about our thoughts on creativity, inspiration, the education system, and learning from your mistakes. We also talked about some of the projects he's worked on including his children's book and work as owner of 7Mangos.
Read more shownotes from episode 91 with Erik Young
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Chalky White grew up in an abusive household, so much so that he gave up trying in school as an act of rebellion. When he 17 he joined the police cadets where he worked with alcoholics and drug addicts. It was at this point that Chalky realized he wanted to be in service of others.
One day his friend asked Chalky if he wanted to go skiing. By saying yes to his friend’s request, Chalky unknowingly changed his life. Even though he wasn’t very good at skiing on that first trip, he was hooked.
A year after that first ski trip Chalky went to Andorra and decided to become a ski instructor. When he ran out of money, he went back to Britain to become an encyclopedia salesman just so he could go back to Andorra.
After a series of tests in Andorra, and failed attempts to become a licensed instructor, Chalky went to New Zealand to get certified. Chalky was constantly told he was never going to be good enough to be an instructor, but through persistence and his system of What If? questions, Chalky was finally able to gain his certification.
Chalky not only became a certified instructor. He also wrote his own book on skiing and became a motivational speaker through it all.
In this episode, Chalky talks about asking yourself what if, being persistent, and why continuing to try leads to success.
Here are three things you can learn from Chalky:
Ask Yourself What IfMany of us give up at the first sign of failure. We let our lack of success define and shape us. What if it didn’t have to be this way? What if we could continue on despite our doubts?
That’s why Chalky developed his what if factor questions. These questions help him decide whether or not he should pursue his goals, despite his doubts.
“The big dream came true because I never, never quit, and it all happened… because I got the semblance of something I now use in my speech, “How to say nay to your naysayers and have the last laugh,” which I call my What if factor. “What if I don’t continue on with this? What if I don’t follow through? What are the consequences of that?” Of course when you ask yourself that sort of question, you really don’t like the answers at all. In fact, you sort of despise and hate them, but they’re enough to stimulate you to want to be asked the opposite question. “What if I do continue on? What can be the repercussions and consequences of that?” And of course you really like your answers to that.”
The benefit of constantly asking yourself positive what if questions is that they make you want to continue on. They help to push you forward instead of falling back or giving up.
“By keeping on asking yourself those questions, the negatives and the positives of the What If? factor, it tends to make you want to go on and on and on. And that’s really the premise of my speech.”
Chalky believes these what if questions helped him publish his book. They helped him get past his biggest naysayer, himself. They have helped guide him through many things in life.
“If I hadn’t asked myself those What If? questions, I’m not sure that I would have followed through and published that book. So by making myself not listen to a naysayer… it tends to translate into… self-doubt. Doubting yourself can obviously be the biggest naysayer of all. So by following through and continually asking myself those What If? questions, I actually was successful. And that’s basically what I’ve done with very many things through my life.”
Be PersistentThere are many things that help you sustain a long career as an artist. Talent and luck help a lot, but one thing is often overlooked. It’s something we can all control. That thing is persistence.
Most of us give up after the first sign of failure. We give up when things are looking grim. We give up when things don’t go our way. We give up when someone says no. But...
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A recap of episode 89 of the Cracking Creativity podcast. If you liked it, check out the full episode with Victor Yocco where he talks about why your message should change based on your platform, the importance of a support system, and the power of creating an effective website, among many other things.
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Victor Yocco went to school and studied psychology and communication. After school he became a researcher for zoos and science centers, but after a while he decided he needed a change. So he asked a friend who worked at Intuitive, a design and research company, if they had any open jobs.
Even though he didn't have any experience in design or user research, Victor found that he was a good fit for the job. His background in psychology and research allowed him to make the transition from researching zoos to researching user experience design.
The biggest obstacle Victor faced didn't have anything to do with his new job. While everything in his professional life was going well, his battle with alcohol was not. Victor's problem with drinking was interfering with his relationship and productivity. So he sought counseling and made a vow of sobriety. Since his pledge of sobriety, Victor has accomplished many things from articles to writing a book.
In this episode, Victor talks about why your message should change based on your platform, the importance of a support system, and the power of creating an effective website, among many other things.
Here are three things you can learn from Victor:
The Way You Communicate With Your Audience MattersOne thing artists often fail to realize is that the way you communicate with your audience can make a huge difference. You wouldn't communicate with people the same in person as you would online. The same applies to how you present information on your website.
When you talk to someone in person, you can take your time and gain rapport. But when someone comes to your website, you only have a limited amount of time to capture their attention.
"If you take that into the digital world, we know people have such short attention spans, and you are somewhat forced through a screen to project your message immediately... what it is they should be doing and why? So looking at what makes sense for your product... What key messages should you try to get across to people in that three seconds that you have?... You have to draw somebody's attention and you have to show them immediately why they should be there."
Something we can do as artists is start filtering what we show people on our websites. Instead of trying to show all of our art to people when they land on our homepage, we should share a curated selection of the type of work we do.
To get this point across, Victor points to the example of restaurants with a lot of items on their menus. When you give people a lot of choices at once, you make it hard for them to make a decision.
"When you were speaking earlier... and you used the word filtering, I really like that word because it's an important concept in psychology especially in persuasion, which there is such a thing as information overload and even too much of a good thing. An example is when you go to a restaurant and they hand you a menu, and there are eighty five things on there and they all sound good, that it's very hard to make a decision."
One of the best things you can do with your website is use ideas you see on other sites. For example, you can provide recommendations for people. This creates a more curated and focused experience for people who are interested in your art.
"Provide people with recommendations because they're on your site because they like your work or they trust you and think that your recommendation is going to hold weight. So really filtering is something that helps people process information in a lot better way then just providing 'Oh, here's everything. Do what you will with it."
Find a Support SystemAs artists, we believe we need to do everything ourselves. We don't want to rely on anybody else. We want to work as independent creators.
But this way of thinking often backfires on us. We become stressed out. We take on too many projects. We can't handle all the things...
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A recap of episode 88 of the Cracking Creativity podcast. If you liked it, check out the full episode with Shawn Coss where he talks about why there’s no formula for becoming a popular artist, defining success on your own terms, and why running an art business is such hard work, among many other things.
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Shawn Coss grew up loving cartoons, but never dreamed it could become his full-time job. He grew up in a time and place where art wasn't considered a viable career.
His dad told him he should get a "real job" instead of pursuing his dreams. The thought was, you could only be a professional artist if you went to an art institute, or learned at Disney. Like most people who grow up in difficult financial situations, Shawn's dad didn't want Shawn to grow up with the same hardships he had to go through.
Shawn hit his first break when he met Kris Wilson of Cyanhide and Happiness through MySpace. Kris liked Shawn's work so much, that he invited him to work on the C&H team.
Cyanide and Happiness provided Shawn enough financial stability to start his own clothing company, Any Means Necessary. One of the clothing company's campaigns, Inktober, brought an influx of fans and attention.
This brings Shawn to a an exciting but difficult crossroads. Should he go all-in on his company or keep it as a side hustle.
In this episode, Shawn talks about why there's no formula for becoming a popular artist, defining success on your own terms, and why running an art business is such hard work, among many other things.
Here are three things you can learn from Shawn:
There's No Secret Formula For Becoming PopularWhen we see other artists living out their dreams, we often wonder how they achieved success. We want to know exactly what they did so we can copy their path.
The problem is, there is no secret formula for becoming a popular artist. There's no shortcut for gaining raving fans. Sometimes all it takes is a little luck. Here's how Shawn explains his break in the art world.
"When people ask me 'How did I do it?' I always tell them 'Look, I was just super lucky.' I've been gifted this ability to draw well enough to where other people, large masses, appreciate it, but the chances of someone like Kris Wilson, someone of his caliber, having a company that popular, finding me, was just a needle in a haystack. He could have messaged anyone else he wanted... but at that moment he messaged me. And that kind of changed my life."
One thing you can do to keep your sanity is, stop chasing the idea of being a popular artist. Popularity comes when people appreciate your art. It's not something you can manufacture.
"I'll have other artists message me, and be like 'How do I become a popular artist?' Well that's your first mistake, because you're trying to be a popular artist. I never pursued the popular art, I just did artwork and unfortunately, not everyone gets to do it."
Define Success on Your Own TermsSuccess is such a subjective thing. My version of success is different from yours, which is why it's so hard for artists to define what success means.
We all think that once we "make it", everything will get easier. But as Shawn explains, there's no such thing as making it. There's only re-defining your goals.
"There is no making it as an artist. You make it to a point, but there's always another point. There's always a next level to get to or achieve to."
One of the problems many of us encounter as artists is the ups and downs of being a creative. One day everything is going great and everyone loves your work. The next day there's radio silence.
That's the problem with riding the wave of social media success. We have no control over who sees our posts. We are at the whims of Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.
"It's definitely a weird emotional ride because some days you're riding cloud nine and everything's awesome, and then maybe in a week or two, there's nothing happening. You're not getting the accolades that you're used to and I feel like social media has a lot to blame on this because I feel we are programmed in a way... to chase these likes and these...
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