This is very difficult for me, but today I give a brief message for you all as to why I decided to slow down the pace of the podcast in a major way.

This is very difficult for me, but today I give a brief message for you all as to why I decided to slow down the pace of the podcast in a major way.

An Important Update

Yana Zorina

Yana Zorina, Ph.D. is a neuroscientist with a lifelong passion for the arts.  In her scientific career, Yana has always been attracted to microscopy as a means to take a closer look at the beautiful structures that compose the mammalian brain.  In her microscopy-inspired artwork, she uses her neuroscientist training to accurately recreate scientific images into 3D-beaded renderings of cellular structures to bring the beauty of scientific research to a wider audience.  In viewing beads as analogs of pixels observed on a screen, Yana turns microscopy on its head by transforming ultra-thin optical sections into 3D structures.  Beyond being passionate about the breathtaking beauty of microscopy images, Yana uses them to serve a greater purpose of communicating science to a wider audience and initiating conversations on difficult topics, such as neurological conditions. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/367 In this episode, Yana discusses: -How she got into both art and neuroscience. -Her realization that she needed to bring art back into her life after many years of pursuing neuroscience and raising a family. -Finding alone time both in art and science. -Some of the resistances she faced of turning her art into a business. -Having to be creative in terms of putting out content on social media when her projects take her several months to complete. -Letting go of the fear of not being 100% scientifically accurate in her art. -The Beholder’s Share. -How art can be a bridge to communicate what is going on within the scientific community to those outside of it. -Finding connection in the SciArt community. -How she schedules her day and how she chooses which idea to move forward with. Yana's Final Push will inspire you to go for your ideas no matter how “out there” they may seem!   Quotes: “I’d rather be dealing with test tubes than with people.” “I became a wife, a mother, a scientist, and I had the sense that the true me was somehow missing.” “I’m not ready to give up the pipette.” “I enjoy the process of making my art.  It is meditative and it is meticulous work that allows me to escape from daily life.” “No matter how crazy you think your idea is, no matter how crazy it may seem at first, just go for it.” Connect with Yana: Website / Etsy / Instagram / Patreon / Twitter Join the discussion in the Facebook group!

Yana Zorina, Ph.D. is a neuroscientist with a lifelong passion for the arts.  In her scientific career, Yana has always been attracted to microscopy as a means to take a closer look at the beautiful structures that compose the mammalian brain.  In her microscopy-inspired artwork, she uses her neuroscientist training to accurately recreate scientific images into 3D-beaded renderings of cellular structures to bring the beauty of scientific research to a wider audience.  In viewing beads as analogs of pixels observed on a screen, Yana turns microscopy on its head by transforming ultra-thin optical sections into 3D structures.  Beyond being passionate about the breathtaking beauty of microscopy images, Yana uses them to serve a greater purpose of communicating science to a wider audience and initiating conversations on difficult topics, such as neurological conditions. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/367" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/367</a> In this episode, Yana discusses: -How she got into both art and neuroscience. -Her realization that she needed to bring art back into her life after many years of pursuing neuroscience and raising a family. -Finding alone time both in art and science. -Some of the resistances she faced of turning her art into a business. -Having to be creative in terms of putting out content on social media when her projects take her several months to complete. -Letting go of the fear of not being 100% scientifically accurate in her art. -The Beholder’s Share. -How art can be a bridge to communicate what is going on within the scientific community to those outside of it. -Finding connection in the SciArt community. -How she schedules her day and how she chooses which idea to move forward with. Yana's Final Push will inspire you to go for your ideas no matter how “out there” they may seem!   Quotes: “I’d rather be dealing with test tubes than with people.” “I became a wife, a mother, a scientist, and I had the sense that the true me was somehow missing.” “I’m not ready to give up the pipette.” “I enjoy the process of making my art.  It is meditative and it is meticulous work that allows me to escape from daily life.” “No matter how crazy you think your idea is, no matter how crazy it may seem at first, just go for it.” Connect with Yana: <a href="https://neurobead.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/NeuroBead" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Etsy</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/neurobead_boutique/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://www.patreon.com/NeuroBead" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/YZorina" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> Join the discussion in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourcreativepush/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!

367: Your Art and The Beholder's Share (w/ Yana Zorina)

Martha Beck

Martha Beck is an American sociologist, life coach, best-selling author, and speaker who specializes in helping individuals and groups achieve personal and professional goals. Her books include Expecting Adam, Leaving the Saints, Finding Your own North Star, The Joy Diet, and Diana, Herself: An Allegory of Awakening.  She has also been a columnist for O, The Oprah Magazine since its inception in 2001. Her newest project is a revolutionary writing workshop called Write into Light. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/366 In this episode, Martha discusses: -The Pyramid and the Pool and how the change to the oppressive societal structure will begin at the bottom and absorb the top. -How the pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement are catalysts for global change. -Looking at your own suffering as a starting point in your art. -Steering your life from nature rather than culture. -The way in which you are serving the monster when you “hustle.” -How we can trust our bodies to direct us towards our truth (not our minds). -What we can learn from baboons. -The power of relaxing. -How finding your path through life is exactly like tracking an animal. -How to get “The Secret” to actually work. -How Jurassic Park changed her life. Quotes: “Art is a power that spreads energy into the mass of the population.” “Artistic expression is the most powerful mover of society.” “The economy is the train track that society runs on.  But art is the switchman.  Art is the one that decides which track the train goes on.” “The only thing more intelligent than the culture in your life is your nature.” Links mentioned: The Pyramid and the Pool: Why things are better than they seem Bewildered – The Productivity Addict How to Plan Your Week [7 Scheduling Tips for Artists] Boyd Varty’s Track Your Life Podcast Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton The Gathering Room Connect with Martha: Website / Facebook / Vimeo / Twitter / Books Join the discussion in the Facebook group!

Martha Beck is an American sociologist, life coach, best-selling author, and speaker who specializes in helping individuals and groups achieve personal and professional goals. Her books include Expecting Adam, Leaving the Saints, Finding Your own North Star, The Joy Diet, and <a href="http://amzn.to/2q5zg2G" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Diana, Herself: An Allegory of Awakening</a>.  She has also been a columnist for O, The Oprah Magazine since its inception in 2001. Her newest project is a revolutionary writing workshop called <a href="http://marthabeck.com/write-into-light/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Write into Light</a>. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/366" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/366</a> In this episode, Martha discusses: -The Pyramid and the Pool and how the change to the oppressive societal structure will begin at the bottom and absorb the top. -How the pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement are catalysts for global change. -Looking at your own suffering as a starting point in your art. -Steering your life from nature rather than culture. -The way in which you are serving the monster when you “hustle.” -How we can trust our bodies to direct us towards our truth (not our minds). -What we can learn from baboons. -The power of relaxing. -How finding your path through life is exactly like tracking an animal. -How to get “The Secret” to actually work. -How Jurassic Park changed her life. Quotes: “Art is a power that spreads energy into the mass of the population.” “Artistic expression is the most powerful mover of society.” “The economy is the train track that society runs on.  But art is the switchman.  Art is the one that decides which track the train goes on.” “The only thing more intelligent than the culture in your life is your nature.” Links mentioned: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz9IJMMWP4M" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Pyramid and the Pool: Why things are better than they seem</a> <a href="https://marthabeck.com/bewildered-subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Bewildered – The Productivity Addict</a> <a href="https://youtu.be/vsIs8DEbnoE" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">How to Plan Your Week [7 Scheduling Tips for Artists]</a> <a href="https://boydvarty.com/about/40-days-40-nights/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Boyd Varty’s Track Your Life Podcast</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/2QCsrVF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton</a> <a href="https://marthabeck.com/2019/04/the-gathering-room/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Gathering Room</a> Connect with Martha: <a href="http://marthabeck.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marthabeckauthor" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://vimeo.com/user3726876" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/marthabeck/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://marthabeck.com/books/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Books</a> Join the discussion in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourcreativepush/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!

366: The Pyramid, The Pool & Artists (w/ Martha Beck)

Carla Grace

Carla Grace is a self taught artist with a love for wildlife and beautiful, high quality art work. Born in South Africa, Carla has immigrated 5 times and currently lives in Australia. With a childhood that was dominantly based in Africa, she was able to experience wildlife in a way that has become the foundation of her vision: Where wildlife breathes through art. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/365 In this episode, Carla discusses: -How she was drawn to wildlife art. -Her take on Tiger King and zoos in general. -How she attempts to make a communication between the animals she paints and the viewer. -Why she always starts with the eyes. -How she balances motherhood with creating art. -Why she doesn’t rely on “fixes” for energy or inspiration. -Why she decided to create a tutorial on how to paint fur. -Where she got the idea for her new series, The Uninvited. -Including written narrative as an addition to each piece of her art. -How she plans her next painting while working on her current one. -Her top business tips for artists. -The importance of being transparent with people. -How commissions were detrimental to the direction she wanted to go in her art career. Carla's Final Push will inspire you to take the reins and just do it!   Quotes: “People will give back to you when you give to them.” “Be transparent because in today’s social world, people can see a fake straight away.” “If people stop asking you for help, then you’ve got a problem.” “I was burning out a lot faster because I wasn’t doing something that was true to who I was.” “Just take a little step every day and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.” Links mentioned: Carla's Guide to Painting Realistic Fur Xero Connect with Carla: Website / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube On the next episode: Martha Beck : Website / Facebook Join the discussion in the Facebook group!

Carla Grace is a self taught artist with a love for wildlife and beautiful, high quality art work. Born in South Africa, Carla has immigrated 5 times and currently lives in Australia. With a childhood that was dominantly based in Africa, she was able to experience wildlife in a way that has become the foundation of her vision: Where wildlife breathes through art. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/365" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/365</a> In this episode, Carla discusses: -How she was drawn to wildlife art. -Her take on Tiger King and zoos in general. -How she attempts to make a communication between the animals she paints and the viewer. -Why she always starts with the eyes. -How she balances motherhood with creating art. -Why she doesn’t rely on “fixes” for energy or inspiration. -Why she decided to create a tutorial on how to paint fur. -Where she got the idea for her new series, The Uninvited. -Including written narrative as an addition to each piece of her art. -How she plans her next painting while working on her current one. -Her top business tips for artists. -The importance of being transparent with people. -How commissions were detrimental to the direction she wanted to go in her art career. Carla's Final Push will inspire you to take the reins and just do it!   Quotes: “People will give back to you when you give to them.” “Be transparent because in today’s social world, people can see a fake straight away.” “If people stop asking you for help, then you’ve got a problem.” “I was burning out a lot faster because I wasn’t doing something that was true to who I was.” “Just take a little step every day and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.” Links mentioned: <a href="https://www.carlagraceart.com/tutorial" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Carla's Guide to Painting Realistic Fur</a> <a href="https://www.xero.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Xero</a> Connect with Carla: <a href="https://www.carlagraceart.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CarlaGraceArt/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/carla_grace_art/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXbEaAlLy1RmJaqEtIVAlIw" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube</a> On the next episode: Martha Beck : <a href="https://marthabeck.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/themarthabeck/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> Join the discussion in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourcreativepush/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!

365: Transparency and being true to your art (w/ Carla Grace)

Jonny Bloozit

Jonny Bloozit is a post-apocalyptic landscape cartoonist who believes in the value of being a deliberate amateur so that you don’t lose the joy of making art. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/364 In this episode, Jonny discusses: -How he lost his joy for music. -What brought him back to drawing. -His opinion that you don’t have to be a professional to be an artist. -How society equates successful art to money. -Why you shouldn’t put too much emotion in gaining followers. -Why you should try getting up early in the morning to do your art (and some tips on how to do it). -What he does when he lacks motivation. -Identifying himself by what he does for fun rather than what he does for money. -How he honed in on his style of “post-apocalyptic landscape cartooning.” -The beauty that exists in things that are deteriorating or falling apart. -Being analytical about his learning process. -Watercoloring his ink drawings. -The value of critique groups. -The importance of learning the rules of art. Jonny’s Final Push will encourage you to never let anyone else steal your joy for making art!   Quotes: “I went back to drawing again and it was like seeing an old friend.” “Being a deliberate amateur is also a noble path, so don’t let anybody make you feel bad for doing that.” “You never really look at something the way you look at it when you have to draw it.” “If the breadth of what I was trying to do was too broad, I wouldn’t get enough depth.” “Your own style is going to come out whether you like it or not.  Just concentrate on the fundamentals and the style will take care of itself.” Links mentioned: Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter by James Gurney Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth by Andrew Loomis Perspective! for Comic Book Artists by David Chelsea Connect with Jonny: Website On the next episode: Carla Grace : Website / Instagram

Jonny Bloozit is a post-apocalyptic landscape cartoonist who believes in the value of being a deliberate amateur so that you don’t lose the joy of making art. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/364" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/364</a> In this episode, Jonny discusses: -How he lost his joy for music. -What brought him back to drawing. -His opinion that you don’t have to be a professional to be an artist. -How society equates successful art to money. -Why you shouldn’t put too much emotion in gaining followers. -Why you should try getting up early in the morning to do your art (and some tips on how to do it). -What he does when he lacks motivation. -Identifying himself by what he does for fun rather than what he does for money. -How he honed in on his style of “post-apocalyptic landscape cartooning.” -The beauty that exists in things that are deteriorating or falling apart. -Being analytical about his learning process. -Watercoloring his ink drawings. -The value of critique groups. -The importance of learning the rules of art. Jonny’s Final Push will encourage you to never let anyone else steal your joy for making art!   Quotes: “I went back to drawing again and it was like seeing an old friend.” “Being a deliberate amateur is also a noble path, so don’t let anybody make you feel bad for doing that.” “You never really look at something the way you look at it when you have to draw it.” “If the breadth of what I was trying to do was too broad, I wouldn’t get enough depth.” “Your own style is going to come out whether you like it or not.  Just concentrate on the fundamentals and the style will take care of itself.” Links mentioned: <a href="https://amzn.to/31LLvpw" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter by James Gurney</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/3iC7x4G" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth by Andrew Loomis</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/33TZIDr" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Perspective! for Comic Book Artists by David Chelsea</a> Connect with Jonny: <a href="https://www.behance.net/bloozit" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> On the next episode: Carla Grace : <a href="https://www.carlagraceart.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/carla_grace_art/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>

364: Be a deliberate amateur artist (w/ Jonny Bloozit)

Stephen is a singer/songwriter who has just released his first album, “Sincerely.”  In his own words: “My album is a story of triumph, of letting go of all the uncertainty in my head and learning to walk the path of my own heart. “Sincerely” is about realizing how much better this world would be if we all loved ourselves, if we weren’t afraid of being vulnerable and honest. It doesn’t matter who’s president or what technology we invent or what extremists we destroy, the only thing I know is this: There will never be peace if we do not all love ourselves.” Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/bestof15 In this episode, Stephen discusses: -A bit about his background and how he came to find himself in Los Angeles. -How he was the first student of the music school at the University of Miami who also played a Division 1 sport. -The promise he made to himself at a young age that he would only pursue the things he was passionate about. -How it’s not like doing work, when you are spending time working on things that you love.  It’s like you get to play. -The journey that his song “Bullet Train” took him on and the fact that he almost didn’t release it. -How he only started singing three years before the release of this, his first album. -How you need to think with the heart more than the head, because the head will give you countless excuses why you shouldn’t do something for the sake of self-preservation. -A game he plays with his friend called “Fear Stretching.” -How we are so scared of offending people or not being accepted that we live in a shell, and the more we practice stretching out our fears, the more quickly we can advance to better versions of ourselves. -The fact that rejection is often times empowering because you can just be yourself without having to worry about other people’s approval. -The tremendous role that his management team at Th3rd Brain has played on his career so far. -The message of his album Sincerely — a call to action to make a difference as well as the self-discovery that happened in his life. -How we distract ourselves with things like The Kardashians because we are afraid of what we are going to find if we look in the mirror too long. -His music videos for “Crossfire” and “Start a Fire.” -How he has many resistances, but the main one is self-doubt. Stephen’s Final Push will inspire you to DANCE AROUND WITH THE TAMBOURINE!     Quotes: “Something that has really done a lot of good for me is a promise I made to myself when I was really young that I would really only try to do the things that I really wanted to do.” “Talent is just intense passion discovered at an early age.” “When you put a lot of time into something that you really love, it’s not work. It’s like you’re having fun. You’re playing with it.” “I think it was a massive amount of insecurity. I never imagined myself being a singer. I never even sang in the shower.” “If I would ever sing along to a song, I would put on a joking singing voice, because I was scared that people would laugh at my singing voice, like my true expression.” “You’ve just gotta put yourself out there. It’s less a confidence and moreso a carelessness.” “The worst that can happen is not nearly as bad as you think.” “It’s the “no’s” that help us grow because we realize that the consequence of being rejected is nothing. In fact, the consequence of being rejected a lot of the times is empowerment because you feel more free. You feel like you don’t need other people’s approval to be yourself.” “The things that we’re supposed to do that are going to help us the most are the things that we resist doing the most. Links mentioned: “Sincerely” on iTunes / Soundcloud “Crossfire” by Stephen Official Music Video “Bullet Train” by Stephen Connect with Stephen: Website / Spotify / Soundcloud / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter Join the discussion in the Facebook group!

Stephen is a singer/songwriter who has just released his first album, “Sincerely.”  In his own words: “My album is a story of triumph, of letting go of all the uncertainty in my head and learning to walk the path of my own heart. “Sincerely” is about realizing how much better this world would be if we all loved ourselves, if we weren’t afraid of being vulnerable and honest. It doesn’t matter who’s president or what technology we invent or what extremists we destroy, the only thing I know is this: There will never be peace if we do not all love ourselves.” Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/bestof15" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/bestof15</a> In this episode, Stephen discusses: -A bit about his background and how he came to find himself in Los Angeles. -How he was the first student of the music school at the University of Miami who also played a Division 1 sport. -The promise he made to himself at a young age that he would only pursue the things he was passionate about. -How it’s not like doing work, when you are spending time working on things that you love.  It’s like you get to play. -The journey that his song “Bullet Train” took him on and the fact that he almost didn’t release it. -How he only started singing three years before the release of this, his first album. -How you need to think with the heart more than the head, because the head will give you countless excuses why you shouldn’t do something for the sake of self-preservation. -A game he plays with his friend called “Fear Stretching.” -How we are so scared of offending people or not being accepted that we live in a shell, and the more we practice stretching out our fears, the more quickly we can advance to better versions of ourselves. -The fact that rejection is often times empowering because you can just be yourself without having to worry about other people’s approval. -The tremendous role that his management team at <a href="http://th3rdbrain.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Th3rd Brain</a> has played on his career so far. -The message of his album Sincerely — a call to action to make a difference as well as the self-discovery that happened in his life. -How we distract ourselves with things like The Kardashians because we are afraid of what we are going to find if we look in the mirror too long. -His music videos for “Crossfire” and “Start a Fire.” -How he has many resistances, but the main one is self-doubt. Stephen’s Final Push will inspire you to DANCE AROUND WITH THE TAMBOURINE!     Quotes: “Something that has really done a lot of good for me is a promise I made to myself when I was really young that I would really only try to do the things that I really wanted to do.” “Talent is just intense passion discovered at an early age.” “When you put a lot of time into something that you really love, it’s not work. It’s like you’re having fun. You’re playing with it.” “I think it was a massive amount of insecurity. I never imagined myself being a singer. I never even sang in the shower.” “If I would ever sing along to a song, I would put on a joking singing voice, because I was scared that people would laugh at my singing voice, like my true expression.” “You’ve just gotta put yourself out there. It’s less a confidence and moreso a carelessness.” “The worst that can happen is not nearly as bad as you think.” “It’s the “no’s” that help us grow because we realize that the consequence of being rejected is nothing. In fact, the consequence of being rejected a lot of the times is empowerment because you feel more free. You feel like you don’t need other people’s approval to be yourself.” “The things that we’re supposed to do that are going to help us the most are the things that we resist doing the most. Links mentioned: “Sincerely” on <a href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/sincerely/id1103873707?mt=1&amp;app=music" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a> / <a href="https://soundcloud.com/ithinkimcrashin/sets/sincerely" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Soundcloud</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M42EoG1QPnU" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">“Crossfire” by Stephen</a> Official Music Video “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkime9M4z34" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Bullet Train</a>” by Stephen Connect with Stephen: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ithinkimcrashin/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/64N1HzkQEXvjlJBQinWeu2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> / <a href="https://soundcloud.com/ithinkimcrashin" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Soundcloud</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ithinkimcrashin" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://sincerelystephen.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/ithinkimcrashin" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> Join the discussion in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourcreativepush/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!

Fear Stretching (Best of YCP: Stephen)

Will Terry

Will Terry is a freelance illustrator and children’s book illustrator who shares his 23 years of experience on his YouTube channel and his blog.  He also co-owns SVS Learn and co-hosts the 3 Points Perspective Podcast with Jake Parker and Lee White. Will has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund his new book, What They Don't Teach In Art School: An illustrator's guide to making money in the real world. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/363  In this episode, Will discusses: -How his students always resonated with his discussion about marketing. -Not being able to draw after his wife passed away. -How writing his book brought creativity, productivity and fulfillment back into his life. -How opportunities for artists are now everywhere, but they are just harder to see. -Why going down the “normal route” of life is actually the more frightening option. -How ideas like Little Heroes can come out of nowhere. -What creatives can learn from GoPro. -Why creative people need to embrace their problem-solving skills. -How to find the balance of making money and creating the art that you want to create. -How he needed to get sick of his own work in order to step up the quality of his art. -Identifying your motives for creating art. -Why he only takes on projects that he can fall in love with. -How to say no to family members or friends who want you to create art for them. -Seth Godin’s advice to create art that changes people emotionally. -Using your audience as a testing ground. Will's Final Push will inspire you to make as much art as you can so that your mind can be changed and you can create the art that you want to create!   Quotes: “I’ve always had an affinity for helping illustrators make money with their art.” “The hard thing for artists is to actually see the opportunities where they are.” “Create for yourself and be as selfish as possible.  Create the thing that you want and you can’t find in the world.  Create it because you want one.” “Don’t be satisfied with the world that is offered to you.” Links mentioned: What They Don't Teach In Art School: An illustrator's guide to making money in the real world by Will Terry Will Terry: Give yourself permission to MAKE YOUR OWN DREAM HAPPEN (YCP Episode 176) Piper Thibodeau: Something new, THOUSANDS of days in a row (YCP Episode 345) Inside The Business of Illustration by Steven Heller Exploding Kittens Card Game Brett Helquist Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? by Seth Godin Connect with Will: Website / Instagram / YouTube / Twitter Join the discussion in the Facebook group!

Will Terry is a freelance illustrator and children’s book illustrator who shares his 23 years of experience on his YouTube channel and his blog.  He also co-owns SVS Learn and co-hosts the 3 Points Perspective Podcast with Jake Parker and Lee White. Will has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund his new book, <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/willterry/what-they-dont-teach-in-art-school" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">What They Don't Teach In Art School: An illustrator's guide to making money in the real world.</a> Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/363" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/363</a> In this episode, Will discusses: -How his students always resonated with his discussion about marketing. -Not being able to draw after his wife passed away. -How writing his book brought creativity, productivity and fulfillment back into his life. -How opportunities for artists are now everywhere, but they are just harder to see. -Why going down the “normal route” of life is actually the more frightening option. -How ideas like Little Heroes can come out of nowhere. -What creatives can learn from GoPro. -Why creative people need to embrace their problem-solving skills. -How to find the balance of making money and creating the art that you want to create. -How he needed to get sick of his own work in order to step up the quality of his art. -Identifying your motives for creating art. -Why he only takes on projects that he can fall in love with. -How to say no to family members or friends who want you to create art for them. -Seth Godin’s advice to create art that changes people emotionally. -Using your audience as a testing ground. Will's Final Push will inspire you to make as much art as you can so that your mind can be changed and you can create the art that you want to create!   Quotes: “I’ve always had an affinity for helping illustrators make money with their art.” “The hard thing for artists is to actually see the opportunities where they are.” “Create for yourself and be as selfish as possible.  Create the thing that you want and you can’t find in the world.  Create it because you want one.” “Don’t be satisfied with the world that is offered to you.” Links mentioned: <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/willterry/what-they-dont-teach-in-art-school" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">What They Don't Teach In Art School: An illustrator's guide to making money in the real world by Will Terry</a> <a href="https://yourcreativepush.com/2016/12/interview-with-will-terry/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Will Terry: Give yourself permission to MAKE YOUR OWN DREAM HAPPEN (YCP Episode 176)</a> <a href="https://yourcreativepush.com/2020/03/interview-with-piper-thibodeau/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Piper Thibodeau: Something new, THOUSANDS of days in a row (YCP Episode 345)</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/32la6Ub" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Inside The Business of Illustration</a> by Steven Heller <a href="https://amzn.to/3iShoo0" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Exploding Kittens Card Game</a> <a href="https://www.bretthelquist.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brett Helquist</a> <a href="http://amzn.to/2gXYQ8S" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?</a> by Seth Godin Connect with Will: <a href="http://willterry.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/willterryart/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/willterryart" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/willterry333" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> Join the discussion in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourcreativepush/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!

363: Don't be satisfied with the world that's offered to you (w/ Will Terry)

Mike Janda

Tom Ross

Mike Janda and Tom Ross are successful creative entrepreneurs who have come together to create the Biz Buds Podcast. Biz Buds is value-packed weekly discussion where Tom and Mike share their journeys from struggling freelancers to both running multi 7-figure businesses, and the lessons picked up along the way. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/bizbuds In this episode, Mike &amp; Tom discuss: -How Tom created Design Cuts, the most curated and most highly rated design marketplace in the world. -How to find your 1,000 true fans. -Why you need to share your authentic, real self. -The value of building your fanbase and community one person at a time (instead of shouting into the abyss). -Why you might be more scared when you have less followers. -Their best Instagram growth strategies. -Thinking about your audience’s audience. -How to get in front of a wider audience. -The thing that matters more than getting 10x the amount of likes. -Why you need to start building your e-mail list right now (and what you should be sharing). -How to overcome imposter syndrome as a creative. -The best way to overcome perfectionism. -The importance of deadlines. Mike &amp; Tom’s Final Push will remind you to stop comparing your step 2 to someone else’s step 50 and enjoy the ride!   Quotes: “This is something that I wanted to do for years, but I wanted to ensure I had enough credibility to do it.” “Share your authentic, real self.” “Put out what you want to get back.” “The real connections happen in the DMs.” “People prefer the perception of making a purchase decision themselves and not being sold to make the purchase.” “You have to realize that almost every creative person in the world feels some imposter syndrome.” “Stop comparing your Step Two to someone else’s Step Fifty.” Links mentioned: Biz Buds Podcast Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World by Gary Vaynerchuk Biz Buds: Episode 11: Instagram Growth Strategies Connect with Mike &amp; Tom: Mike Janda: Website / Instagram Tom Ross: Website / Instagram On the next episode: Will Terry: Website / Instagram

Mike Janda and Tom Ross are successful creative entrepreneurs who have come together to create the Biz Buds Podcast. Biz Buds is value-packed weekly discussion where Tom and Mike share their journeys from struggling freelancers to both running multi 7-figure businesses, and the lessons picked up along the way. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/bizbuds" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/bizbuds</a> In this episode, Mike &amp; Tom discuss: -How Tom created Design Cuts, the most curated and most highly rated design marketplace in the world. -How to find your 1,000 true fans. -Why you need to share your authentic, real self. -The value of building your fanbase and community one person at a time (instead of shouting into the abyss). -Why you might be more scared when you have less followers. -Their best Instagram growth strategies. -Thinking about your audience’s audience. -How to get in front of a wider audience. -The thing that matters more than getting 10x the amount of likes. -Why you need to start building your e-mail list right now (and what you should be sharing). -How to overcome imposter syndrome as a creative. -The best way to overcome perfectionism. -The importance of deadlines. Mike &amp; Tom’s Final Push will remind you to stop comparing your step 2 to someone else’s step 50 and enjoy the ride!   Quotes: “This is something that I wanted to do for years, but I wanted to ensure I had enough credibility to do it.” “Share your authentic, real self.” “Put out what you want to get back.” “The real connections happen in the DMs.” “People prefer the perception of making a purchase decision themselves and not being sold to make the purchase.” “You have to realize that almost every creative person in the world feels some imposter syndrome.” “Stop comparing your Step Two to someone else’s Step Fifty.” Links mentioned: <a href="https://bizbuds.libsyn.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Biz Buds Podcast</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/2BuJRzA" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World by Gary Vaynerchuk</a> <a href="https://bizbuds.libsyn.com/episode-11-instagram-growth-strategies" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Biz Buds: Episode 11: Instagram Growth Strategies</a> Connect with Mike &amp; Tom: Mike Janda: <a href="https://morejanda.teachable.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/morejanda/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> Tom Ross: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/842e03392c0a/ultimateguidetoniching" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tomrossmedia/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> On the next episode: Will Terry: <a href="https://www.willterry.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/willterryart/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>

362: Would YOU follow you? (w/ Mike Janda & Tom Ross)

Xabio Arts aka Andrew Bosch is a drawing YouTuber that makes funny and helpful videos.  Along with his drawing tutorials and speed paintings, he also offers a candid look into the life of an artist and how he navigates resistance. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/xabioarts  In this episode, Xabio Arts discusses: -His early influence by Mark Crilley, Jazza and Feng Zhu. -Why he puts his mistakes and first drafts into his videos. -His frustration when trying to follow the tutorial of a polished perfectionist. -How your eye for mistakes levels up as your actual skills level up. -How he battles procrastination (even in his dreams). -Taking breaks from creating YouTube videos (but thinking about videos the entire time). -How he deals with negative comments. -His relationship with likes. -The card game that he is creating, and how he is involving his audience in the process. -His “sneaky” hack for getting more engagement on YouTube. -The experience of drawing with his mouth. Xabio Art's Final Push will give you the inspiration to just keep going towards the things you want out of life.   Quotes: “I know how much it sucks for me to feel like I need to put out perfect art and I don’t want people to feel that same insecurity.” “I always feel like if I’m not completely miserable and suffering, I’m not working hard enough.” “There is magic in being able to make things.” Links mentioned: Figurosity Mark Crilley Scott Robertson Connect with Xabio Arts: YouTube / Instagram / Twitter On the next episode: Mike Janda : Website / Instagram Tom Ross: Website / Instagram Join the discussion in the Facebook group!   Music: Adventures by A HimitsuCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0  Music released by ArgofoxMusic provided by Audio Library

Xabio Arts aka Andrew Bosch is a drawing YouTuber that makes funny and helpful videos.  Along with his drawing tutorials and speed paintings, he also offers a candid look into the life of an artist and how he navigates resistance. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/xabioarts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/xabioarts</a> In this episode, Xabio Arts discusses: -His early influence by Mark Crilley, Jazza and Feng Zhu. -Why he puts his mistakes and first drafts into his videos. -His frustration when trying to follow the tutorial of a polished perfectionist. -How your eye for mistakes levels up as your actual skills level up. -How he battles procrastination (even in his dreams). -Taking breaks from creating YouTube videos (but thinking about videos the entire time). -How he deals with negative comments. -His relationship with likes. -The card game that he is creating, and how he is involving his audience in the process. -His “sneaky” hack for getting more engagement on YouTube. -The experience of drawing with his mouth. Xabio Art's Final Push will give you the inspiration to just keep going towards the things you want out of life.   Quotes: “I know how much it sucks for me to feel like I need to put out perfect art and I don’t want people to feel that same insecurity.” “I always feel like if I’m not completely miserable and suffering, I’m not working hard enough.” “There is magic in being able to make things.” Links mentioned: <a href="https://figurosity.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Figurosity</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/markcrilley" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Mark Crilley</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/scottrobertsondesign" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Scott Robertson</a> Connect with Xabio Arts: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7uTTvYKpjsDGRO_bcaMf7A" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/xabioarts/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/XabioArts" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> On the next episode: Mike Janda : <a href="https://morejanda.teachable.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/morejanda/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> Tom Ross: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/842e03392c0a/ultimateguidetoniching" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tomrossmedia/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> Join the discussion in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourcreativepush/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>! Music: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adventures by A Himitsu</a><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 </a> <a href="https://youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Music released by Argofox</a><a href="https://youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Music provided by Audio Library</a>

361: Sneaky Hacks to Get Engagement (w/ Xabio Arts)

Talia Jackson

Talia Jackson is an actress, model and singer.  She is a series regular on Netflix's Family Reunion (which won an NAACP Award for “Children’s Program”) and ABC's Station 19.  With productions all on hold, she's focusing on her music career and is producing / release music directly from home.  Her first two songs, "Complicated" and "5Five" are available on Spotify. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/360  In this episode, Talia discusses: -How she first got into modeling and acting. -How she originally turned down Family Reunion. -Why our biggest victories often come when we are about to give up. -The way that the less we care about the outcome, the better we often do. -Why she had to leave Instagram. -The advice that Tia Mowry gave her about being a mixed actress and not worrying about what other people think. -Her current relationship with social media. -What quarantine has been like for her creative endeavors. -The role that singing has played in her life. -How she defeats perfectionism. -How she honed in on her style of writing music. -How you are the only one who is going to be able to try your dreams, so just do what makes you happy. Talia's Final Push will encourage you that your opportunity will come, you just have to keep pushing!   Quotes: “It terrified me that maybe I had worked so hard for something that just never was going to work for me.” “For some reason life always wants to give me exactly what I need and what I want when I’m at my breaking point. “When you really don’t care about something, for some reason the universe is just like, “Here you go, you can have it.” “Singing had always been the little side character in my life.” “Do it for you.  It’s your life and the only person who is ever truly going to care about you and take care of you forever is you.  So do what makes you happy.” Links mentioned: Family Reunion 5Five by Talia Jackson Comfortable by Her Connect with Talia: Spotify / Instagram / Twitter On the next episode: Xabio Arts : YouTube / Instagram / Twitter Join the discussion in the Facebook group!

Talia Jackson is an actress, model and singer.  She is a series regular on Netflix's Family Reunion (which won an NAACP Award for “Children’s Program”) and ABC's Station 19.  With productions all on hold, she's focusing on her music career and is producing / release music directly from home.  Her first two songs, "Complicated" and "5Five" are available on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2RySoAGiqNhUfFiSwheBZn" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/360" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/360</a> In this episode, Talia discusses: -How she first got into modeling and acting. -How she originally turned down Family Reunion. -Why our biggest victories often come when we are about to give up. -The way that the less we care about the outcome, the better we often do. -Why she had to leave Instagram. -The advice that Tia Mowry gave her about being a mixed actress and not worrying about what other people think. -Her current relationship with social media. -What quarantine has been like for her creative endeavors. -The role that singing has played in her life. -How she defeats perfectionism. -How she honed in on her style of writing music. -How you are the only one who is going to be able to try your dreams, so just do what makes you happy. Talia's Final Push will encourage you that your opportunity will come, you just have to keep pushing!   Quotes: “It terrified me that maybe I had worked so hard for something that just never was going to work for me.” “For some reason life always wants to give me exactly what I need and what I want when I’m at my breaking point. “When you really don’t care about something, for some reason the universe is just like, “Here you go, you can have it.” “Singing had always been the little side character in my life.” “Do it for you.  It’s your life and the only person who is ever truly going to care about you and take care of you forever is you.  So do what makes you happy.” Links mentioned: <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80234451" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Family Reunion</a> <a href="https://orcd.co/p5e2a0l" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">5Five by Talia Jackson</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBgXyiZfWUI" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Comfortable by Her</a> Connect with Talia: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2RySoAGiqNhUfFiSwheBZn" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/taliajacksonofficial/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/taliajackson" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> On the next episode: Xabio Arts : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7uTTvYKpjsDGRO_bcaMf7A" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/xabioarts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/XabioArts" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> Join the discussion in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourcreativepush/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!

360: Do it for YOU, not Tommy from Oklahoma (w/ Talia Jackson)

Your Creative Push is the daily podcast that pushes YOU to pursue your creative passion.  Every week, Youngman Brown interviews artists, musicians, writers, photographers, graphic designers, and other inspirational creative individuals in an attempt to get them to inspire you to put aside your excuses and START DOING WORK.  Each artist opens up to YOU, revealing the things that hold THEM back on a daily basis, and how they FIGHT THROUGH IT.  They then give you one final push, in an attempt to motivate you to start doing work as soon as the episode is over.  If you have a full-time job or full-time responsibilities and WISH that you had the COURAGE and MOTIVATION to FINALLY do that thing that has been on your mind, this podcast is for you!

Great show that is well produced, clear and inspiring! Thank you.

Excellent podcast!

Your Creative Push helps to give me a little extra motivation. Love it!

It's always good for a little extra motivation

Your Creative Push

Maria Brophy

Maria Brophy has been an art agent to her husband Drew Brophy since 2001, and a business consultant to creative entrepreneurs since 2009. In her former life, Maria worked in the corporate world for two agonizing decades before she escaped the 9 to 5 grind. Since then, she’s deliberately designed her life as a non-stop adventure, traveling extensively with her husband and two kids while surfing and backpacking some of the most magical places in the world. Her new book, Art, Money &amp; Success is a workbook of strategies for the full-time artist. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/mariabrophy  In this episode, Maria discusses: -The experience of leaving her full-time job to help her husband, Drew Brophy, with his art career. -How you can make a slow transition into a new creative career by cutting back your work week to three or four days. -What led her to create her book, Art, Money &amp; Success. -Why it took her so long to start writing her book and why it took her so long to finish after she started. -The procrastination (due to fear) that can come when we get close to finishing a project. -The value in seeing it as a numbers game. -Her advice to keep creating things without thinking about the reaction that people will have to it. -The notion that success loves speed and how ideas have the best chance for success if they are explored right away. -The power in writing down your goals, not only for your life, but for your day. -Making monetary goals for yourself and then making the daily decisions that will lead you closer to them, as opposed to farther away. -Knowing your value and asking to get paid. -Ways that she and Drew have been unconventional in their approach to licensing and selling art. Maria's Final Push will inspire you to realize that you are on your own unique path, and you shouldn’t worry about the road that other artists went down.   Quotes: “It wasn’t that easy in the beginning, but it worked.  And I think being stubborn, hardheaded, and determined really helped.” “You can transition your way into a creative career.  You don’t have to do it all at once.” “Create every day without thinking about who’s going to buy it or who’s going to want it.  Because when you’re thinking that, it restricts your flow of creativity.” “You have to take action on things quickly.  You can’t sit around.” “Often times those inspired ideas come within days or even hours of you making a declaration of something you’re going to make happen.” “If you don’t ask, you won’t get paid.” “Your path is your own path.  Don’t look at what other artists are doing.” Links mentioned: Art, Money &amp; Success: A complete and easy-to-follow system for the artist who wasn't born with a business mind by Maria Brophy Drew Brophy Amanda Giacomini's 10,000 Buddhas Connect with Maria: Website / Book / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / YouTube   Share what you've created this week in the Facebook group!

Maria Brophy has been an art agent to her husband Drew Brophy since 2001, and a business consultant to creative entrepreneurs since 2009. In her former life, Maria worked in the corporate world for two agonizing decades before she escaped the 9 to 5 grind. Since then, she’s deliberately designed her life as a non-stop adventure, traveling extensively with her husband and two kids while surfing and backpacking some of the most magical places in the world. Her new book, <a href="http://amzn.to/2ePcI60" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Art, Money &amp; Success</a> is a workbook of strategies for the full-time artist. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/mariabrophy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/mariabrophy</a> In this episode, Maria discusses: -The experience of leaving her full-time job to help her husband, Drew Brophy, with his art career. -How you can make a slow transition into a new creative career by cutting back your work week to three or four days. -What led her to create her book, <a href="http://amzn.to/2ePcI60" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Art, Money &amp; Success</a>. -Why it took her so long to start writing her book and why it took her so long to finish after she started. -The procrastination (due to fear) that can come when we get close to finishing a project. -The value in seeing it as a numbers game. -Her advice to keep creating things without thinking about the reaction that people will have to it. -The notion that success loves speed and how ideas have the best chance for success if they are explored right away. -The power in writing down your goals, not only for your life, but for your day. -Making monetary goals for yourself and then making the daily decisions that will lead you closer to them, as opposed to farther away. -Knowing your value and asking to get paid. -Ways that she and Drew have been unconventional in their approach to licensing and selling art. Maria's Final Push will inspire you to realize that you are on your own unique path, and you shouldn’t worry about the road that other artists went down.   Quotes: “It wasn’t that easy in the beginning, but it worked.  And I think being stubborn, hardheaded, and determined really helped.” “You can transition your way into a creative career.  You don’t have to do it all at once.” “Create every day without thinking about who’s going to buy it or who’s going to want it.  Because when you’re thinking that, it restricts your flow of creativity.” “You have to take action on things quickly.  You can’t sit around.” “Often times those inspired ideas come within days or even hours of you making a declaration of something you’re going to make happen.” “If you don’t ask, you won’t get paid.” “Your path is your own path.  Don’t look at what other artists are doing.” Links mentioned: <a href="http://amzn.to/2ePcI60" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Art, Money &amp; Success: A complete and easy-to-follow system for the artist who wasn't born with a business mind by Maria Brophy</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drewbrophy/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Drew Brophy</a> <a href="http://10000buddhas.com/10000buddhas/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Amanda Giacomini's 10,000 Buddhas</a> Connect with Maria: <a href="http://amzn.to/2ePcI60" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="http://amzn.to/2ePcI60" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Book</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MariaBrophyArtBiz" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mariabrophy/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/mariabrophy" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/mariabrophy" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube</a>   Share what you've created this week in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourcreativepush/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!

239: SUCCESS LOVES SPEED (w/ Maria Brophy)

Dani Ives

Dani Ives is a self-taught fiber artist from Arkansas who has developed a beautiful and unique technique, which she calls “painting with wool.”  She creates two dimensional works of art directly on fabric.  Her inspiration comes from a love of nature and science, which has an enormous influence on her work. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/daniives  In this episode, Dani discusses: -How she became an artist in a roundabout way after getting a degree in biology and conservation education and then worked at a zoo as an educator. -How she first became interested in needle felting. -The challenge to do something new every week for one year, and how that led her to start doing wool paintings. -Her transition from working at the zoo to creating art full time, and how pet portraitures helped her to generate income. -How her process is different than traditional wool felting. -How people are often surprised by how her art mimics traditional paintings and drawings. -The effect that nature has on her art and her inspiration. -The way in which she chooses between many different ideas. -Her self-imposed challenge to fill a sketchbook and all of the things she learned as a result of her success. -The importance of determining what you don’t like. -How much she enjoys teaching other creative outlets to people. -Dealing with imposter syndrome. -How she balances her time. Dani's Final Push will inspire you to be proud of your creativity!   Quotes: “There was always a part of me that wanted to be a maker and I needed to fulfill that creative urge that I was having.” “What I like to do is create the most realistic pieces I can with this medium.” “I like the challenge and I like being able to surprise people about the medium.  That’s the most fun part for me.” “It’s really important to me to introduce other creative outlets to people, because you never know what will help somebody flourish or build up their creativity.” “It doesn’t really matter what you think and sometimes it doesn’t matter what other people think, either.  If you want to do it, you just do it.” “Really cool things can happen when you step out of your comfort zone and when you push boundaries.” Links mentioned: Dani’s Courses The Jealous Curator: Art for Your Ear Podcast How I Built This Podcast The Action Army Podcast Connect with Dani: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter On the next episode: Alatar : Instagram / Newgrounds [NSFW] / Podcast Share what you've created this week in the Facebook group!

Dani Ives is a self-taught fiber artist from Arkansas who has developed a beautiful and unique technique, which she calls “painting with wool.”  She creates two dimensional works of art directly on fabric.  Her inspiration comes from a love of nature and science, which has an enormous influence on her work. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/daniives" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/daniives</a> In this episode, Dani discusses: -How she became an artist in a roundabout way after getting a degree in biology and conservation education and then worked at a zoo as an educator. -How she first became interested in needle felting. -The challenge to do something new every week for one year, and how that led her to start doing wool paintings. -Her transition from working at the zoo to creating art full time, and how pet portraitures helped her to generate income. -How her process is different than traditional wool felting. -How people are often surprised by how her art mimics traditional paintings and drawings. -The effect that nature has on her art and her inspiration. -The way in which she chooses between many different ideas. -Her self-imposed challenge to fill a sketchbook and all of the things she learned as a result of her success. -The importance of determining what you don’t like. -How much she enjoys teaching other creative outlets to people. -Dealing with imposter syndrome. -How she balances her time. Dani's Final Push will inspire you to be proud of your creativity!   Quotes: “There was always a part of me that wanted to be a maker and I needed to fulfill that creative urge that I was having.” “What I like to do is create the most realistic pieces I can with this medium.” “I like the challenge and I like being able to surprise people about the medium.  That’s the most fun part for me.” “It’s really important to me to introduce other creative outlets to people, because you never know what will help somebody flourish or build up their creativity.” “It doesn’t really matter what you think and sometimes it doesn’t matter what other people think, either.  If you want to do it, you just do it.” “Really cool things can happen when you step out of your comfort zone and when you push boundaries.” Links mentioned: <a href="https://www.daniives.com/ecourses/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dani’s Courses</a> <a href="http://www.thejealouscurator.com/blog/art-for-your-ear-podcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Jealous Curator: Art for Your Ear Podcast</a> <a href="http://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-this" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">How I Built This Podcast</a> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/action-army-podcast-weekly/id1078433008?mt=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Action Army Podcast</a> Connect with Dani: <a href="https://www.daniives.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodNaturedArt/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/begoodnatured/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/begoodnatured" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> On the next episode: Alatar : <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bluewizardart/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="http://bluewizardart.newgrounds.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Newgrounds [NSFW]</a> / <a href="http://bluemagic.libsyn.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Podcast</a> Share what you've created this week in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourcreativepush/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!

231: Be proud of your creativity! (w/ Dani Ives)

Ashleigh Izienicki

Ashleigh Izienicki aka Miss Upacey is a Colorado born illustrator and tattoo artist who works in both digital and traditional mediums. She graduated from Laguna College of Art and Design and now resides in Califonia. Her work often features dark and macabre themes with a cute and feminine touch. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/351 In this episode, Ashleigh discusses: -Early potential career paths as a paleontologist and an animator. -Her advice for getting over the fear of posting your art online. -Her biggest lessons and takeaways from teaching her course, “Artists as Entrepreneurs.” -Making a five-year plan and going absolutely crazy with it. -Neil Gaiman’s advice to imagine your goals as a mountain and to continue moving towards it. -Her advice for pricing original pieces, especially for artists who are just starting to sell their work. -How she developed her style. -Her love of the Golden Age of Illustration, Norman Rockwell and Charles Dana Gibson. -Her advice for getting past the fear of the blank page. -How she gets past resistances such as imposter syndrome, comparison and being your own worst critic. -How she schedules and keeps an eye on her time. -Her to-do lists and calendars. -Learning how to tattoo from Sara Fabel. -Running a Kickstarter campaign for her book, “Nightshade.” Ashleigh's Final Push will encourage you to splash around in your creative passion – it will be worth it in the end!   Quotes: “You’re going to be your worst critic and you’re going to hold yourself back more than anybody else is.” “To sell an original, it only takes one person to pay that price.” “As great as social media is, for artists it’s also horrible in the fact that you’re constantly comparing yourself to other people.” “I would like to have hobbies again, since I turned my main hobby into my career.” “Time management has been the struggle of my lifetime as a freelancer.” Links mentioned: Lyfe Illustration Neil Gaiman - Inspirational Commencement Speech at the University of the Arts 2012 Gibson Girl Your Creative Push Episode 301 with Sara Fabel Nightshade: Artbook of Ashleigh Izienicki Connect with Ashleigh: Website / Patreon / Instagram / Twitter On the next episode: Dan Ekis : Website / YouTube / Instagram Join the discussion in the Facebook group!

Ashleigh Izienicki aka Miss Upacey is a Colorado born illustrator and tattoo artist who works in both digital and traditional mediums. She graduated from Laguna College of Art and Design and now resides in Califonia. Her work often features dark and macabre themes with a cute and feminine touch. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/351" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/351</a> In this episode, Ashleigh discusses: -Early potential career paths as a paleontologist and an animator. -Her advice for getting over the fear of posting your art online. -Her biggest lessons and takeaways from teaching her course, “Artists as Entrepreneurs.” -Making a five-year plan and going absolutely crazy with it. -Neil Gaiman’s advice to imagine your goals as a mountain and to continue moving towards it. -Her advice for pricing original pieces, especially for artists who are just starting to sell their work. -How she developed her style. -Her love of the Golden Age of Illustration, Norman Rockwell and Charles Dana Gibson. -Her advice for getting past the fear of the blank page. -How she gets past resistances such as imposter syndrome, comparison and being your own worst critic. -How she schedules and keeps an eye on her time. -Her to-do lists and calendars. -Learning how to tattoo from Sara Fabel. -Running a Kickstarter campaign for her book, “Nightshade.” Ashleigh's Final Push will encourage you to splash around in your creative passion – it will be worth it in the end!   Quotes: “You’re going to be your worst critic and you’re going to hold yourself back more than anybody else is.” “To sell an original, it only takes one person to pay that price.” “As great as social media is, for artists it’s also horrible in the fact that you’re constantly comparing yourself to other people.” “I would like to have hobbies again, since I turned my main hobby into my career.” “Time management has been the struggle of my lifetime as a freelancer.” Links mentioned: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lyfeillustration/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Lyfe Illustration</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikAb-NYkseI" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Neil Gaiman - Inspirational Commencement Speech at the University of the Arts 2012</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibson_Girl" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Gibson Girl</a> <a href="https://yourcreativepush.com/2018/08/interview-with-sara-fabel/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Your Creative Push Episode 301 with Sara Fabel</a> <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/missupacey/nightshade-artbook-of-ashleigh-izienicki" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Nightshade: Artbook of Ashleigh Izienicki</a> Connect with Ashleigh: <a href="https://missupacey.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.patreon.com/aizienicki" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/missupacey/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/MissUpacey" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> On the next episode: Dan Ekis : <a href="http://danekis.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/danekis" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ekisdan/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> Join the discussion in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourcreativepush/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!

351: Make your 5-year goal then GO CRAZY (w/ Ashleigh Izienicki)

Zan Romanoff

Zan Romanoff is a writer of essays and fiction, mostly focused on food, feminism, television and books.  She graduated from Yale in 2009 with a B.A. in Literature, and now lives and works in Los Angeles.  She is the author of A Song to Take the World Apart, and her latest YA novel, Grace and the Fever. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/zan In this episode, Zan discusses: -How writing has played a part in her life since she was very young. -The unexpected result of one of her pieces ending up in The Paris Review. -How she tricked herself into writing her first novel. -The idea of wanting or needing permission from other people to call yourself a writer. -Talking about your creative passion with other people and wanting to protect it from scrutiny, jokes, or small talk. -The similarities and differences between writing and therapy. -How she wants to be honest with her young audience so that they trust her. -A long period of writer’s block after breaking up with her long-term boyfriend and thus losing her long-term reader/audience. -The process of writing her third novel. -How ideas often come to be in strange or long-winded ways that don’t make sense. -The notion of “coming down with a book.” -Giving yourself permission to spend time with yourself and be creative without thinking of those end goals. -How selling her first book didn’t solve any problems for her or make her doubt herself any less. -Trusting that your creative successes aren’t flukes and knowing that more successes will come again. Zan's Final Push will inspire you to GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY and give yourself permission!   Quotes: “What’s the thing that I wake up every day and do even though I don’t have to and even though nobody wants me to?  And the answer was writing.” “The only thing scarier than writing a novel is permanent unemployment, I would say.” “External permission is important but it only gets you so far.  Their permission opened a door and I had to sit with it for a long time.” “I do feel strongly that one of the major differences between me and people that haven’t written books is that I sat down and wrote it.” Links mentioned: Zan's piece in The Paris Review A Song to Take the World Apart by Zan Romanoff Grace and the Fever Connect with Zan: Website / Tumlbr / Instagram / Twitter On the next episode: David Zinn : Website / Instagram Share what you've created this week in the Facebook group!

Zan Romanoff is a writer of essays and fiction, mostly focused on food, feminism, television and books.  She graduated from Yale in 2009 with a B.A. in Literature, and now lives and works in Los Angeles.  She is the author of <a href="http://amzn.to/2uljEyh" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">A Song to Take the World Apart</a>, and her latest YA novel, <a href="http://amzn.to/2uhbPZh" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Grace and the Fever</a>. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/zan" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/zan</a> In this episode, Zan discusses: -How writing has played a part in her life since she was very young. -The unexpected result of one of her pieces ending up in The Paris Review. -How she tricked herself into writing her first novel. -The idea of wanting or needing permission from other people to call yourself a writer. -Talking about your creative passion with other people and wanting to protect it from scrutiny, jokes, or small talk. -The similarities and differences between writing and therapy. -How she wants to be honest with her young audience so that they trust her. -A long period of writer’s block after breaking up with her long-term boyfriend and thus losing her long-term reader/audience. -The process of writing her third novel. -How ideas often come to be in strange or long-winded ways that don’t make sense. -The notion of “coming down with a book.” -Giving yourself permission to spend time with yourself and be creative without thinking of those end goals. -How selling her first book didn’t solve any problems for her or make her doubt herself any less. -Trusting that your creative successes aren’t flukes and knowing that more successes will come again. Zan's Final Push will inspire you to GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY and give yourself permission!   Quotes: “What’s the thing that I wake up every day and do even though I don’t have to and even though nobody wants me to?  And the answer was writing.” “The only thing scarier than writing a novel is permanent unemployment, I would say.” “External permission is important but it only gets you so far.  Their permission opened a door and I had to sit with it for a long time.” “I do feel strongly that one of the major differences between me and people that haven’t written books is that I sat down and wrote it.” Links mentioned: <a href="https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2011/08/18/california-girls/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Zan's piece in The Paris Review</a> <a href="http://amzn.to/2uljEyh" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">A Song to Take the World Apart by Zan Romanoff</a> <a href="http://amzn.to/2uhbPZh" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Grace and the Fever</a> Connect with Zan: <a href="http://zanromanoff.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="http://zanopticon.tumblr.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Tumlbr</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zanopticon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/zanopticon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> On the next episode: David Zinn : <a href="http://zinnart.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davidzinn/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> Share what you've created this week in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourcreativepush/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!

235: What happens when you actually GET PERMISSION? (w/ Zan Romanoff)

Nicolás Uribe

Nicolás Uribe is a painter born in Madison, WI, currently based in Bogotá, Colombia. He graduated with Honors as an Illustration Major from School of Visual Arts in NY. Nicolás has had numerous solo exhibitions both in the US and South America, and has exhibited his work in Mexico, Spain, and Egypt, among other countries. He splits his time between preparing works for upcoming projects and teaching Life Drawing and Painting at the Fine Arts Faculty of the Pontifical Xavierian University in Bogotá.  Nicolás is also part of the team at Blank Atelier in Bogotá, where he teaches workshops privately. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/nicolas In this episode, Nicolás discusses: -Some of his earliest artistic influences. -The realization that he wasn’t good at creating comic books and the shift that he made as a result. -The influence that his teachers have had on him, especially Steven Assael. -How the fundamentals of painting are the same, no matter who is teaching them. -The idea that art is taught within art and the problems that sometimes arise because of it. -How to escape the influences of your teachers in order to develop your own style. -The way that art is based on the things that YOU care about, and much less on the technical skills of making a piece of art. -His advice for discovering your own true voice or style. -Being able to be appreciative of other artists’ work instead of being envious. -Taking inspiration from another artist’s journey, rather than their individual works. -How your art doesn’t have to be larger than you think it has to be – it doesn’t have to make the world better or change the universe. -His opinion on the “next Rembrandt” and trying to copy art. -How human experience is what drives a great painting. -The fear that comes from taking the first step in many of the things we do. -His Kickstarter project and the vulnerability involved with it. -How the projects that we do don’t have to be about making money, but about sharing, giving back, and creating something memorable.   Quotes: “My one doubt, always, is to know if I have the same effect as my teachers had on me.” “The effect my students have on me is probably far larger than the one I hope to have on them.” “You can go to twenty workshops of twenty different artists and honestly, you’re going to hear the same exact thing.” “That thing you’re feeling, that little thing in the pit of your stomach where you know that you’re suffering while you’re learning?  We’ve all been through it.” “Art is amazing because it’s about so much more – so many other things that are not really even dependent on those skills.” “Let’s try to figure out why you like something, and in trying to figure out why you like something, you’re going to learn something about yourself that is far more useful than knowing how to paint an apple.” “You have to get to a point where you face yourself and you’re vulnerable.” “When you’re moved by something, don’t walk away from it.” “That first step, that’s what exceptional people do.  They take that huge first step.” “This is measurable.  I’m going to do this and if nobody cares, it’s like the world telling me that nobody cares about my work.  That is horrifying.” “I could care less what people will tell me about my painting.  I would still go back and paint.” Links mentioned: Nicolás's Kickstarter Connect with Nicolás: Website / Facebook / Instagram On the next episode: Nukazooka: YouTube / Facebook

Nicolás Uribe is a painter born in Madison, WI, currently based in Bogotá, Colombia. He graduated with Honors as an Illustration Major from School of Visual Arts in NY. Nicolás has had numerous solo exhibitions both in the US and South America, and has exhibited his work in Mexico, Spain, and Egypt, among other countries. He splits his time between preparing works for upcoming projects and teaching Life Drawing and Painting at the Fine Arts Faculty of the Pontifical Xavierian University in Bogotá.  Nicolás is also part of the team at Blank Atelier in Bogotá, where he teaches workshops privately. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/nicolas" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/nicolas</a> In this episode, Nicolás discusses: -Some of his earliest artistic influences. -The realization that he wasn’t good at creating comic books and the shift that he made as a result. -The influence that his teachers have had on him, especially Steven Assael. -How the fundamentals of painting are the same, no matter who is teaching them. -The idea that art is taught within art and the problems that sometimes arise because of it. -How to escape the influences of your teachers in order to develop your own style. -The way that art is based on the things that YOU care about, and much less on the technical skills of making a piece of art. -His advice for discovering your own true voice or style. -Being able to be appreciative of other artists’ work instead of being envious. -Taking inspiration from another artist’s journey, rather than their individual works. -How your art doesn’t have to be larger than you think it has to be – it doesn’t have to make the world better or change the universe. -His opinion on the “next Rembrandt” and trying to copy art. -How human experience is what drives a great painting. -The fear that comes from taking the first step in many of the things we do. -His Kickstarter project and the vulnerability involved with it. -How the projects that we do don’t have to be about making money, but about sharing, giving back, and creating something memorable.   Quotes: “My one doubt, always, is to know if I have the same effect as my teachers had on me.” “The effect my students have on me is probably far larger than the one I hope to have on them.” “You can go to twenty workshops of twenty different artists and honestly, you’re going to hear the same exact thing.” “That thing you’re feeling, that little thing in the pit of your stomach where you know that you’re suffering while you’re learning?  We’ve all been through it.” “Art is amazing because it’s about so much more – so many other things that are not really even dependent on those skills.” “Let’s try to figure out why you like something, and in trying to figure out why you like something, you’re going to learn something about yourself that is far more useful than knowing how to paint an apple.” “You have to get to a point where you face yourself and you’re vulnerable.” “When you’re moved by something, don’t walk away from it.” “That first step, that’s what exceptional people do.  They take that huge first step.” “This is measurable.  I’m going to do this and if nobody cares, it’s like the world telling me that nobody cares about my work.  That is horrifying.” “I could care less what people will tell me about my painting.  I would still go back and paint.” Links mentioned: <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1706965294/nicolas-uribe-painter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nicolás's Kickstarter</a> Connect with Nicolás: <a href="http://nicolasuribeart.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nicolasuribeart/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nicolasuribeb/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> On the next episode: Nukazooka: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/andrewmfilms/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nukazooka" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>

196: Take that DIFFICULT FIRST STEP past fundamentals (w/ Nicolás Uribe)

Philip Ruddy

Philip Ruddy is a Los Angeles-based depth psychotherapist, who previously spent fifteen years as a writer, producer and development executive in Hollywood.   He now works with writers, artists and performers, helping them explore and transcend creative blocks, anxiety, depression, and the unique stressors of the film and television industry.  He can be reached via his website ActivelyImagine.com. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/bestof12  In this episode, Philip discusses: -His journey getting to the point he is now as a depth psychotherapist. -His explanation of what depth psychology is. -How he is able to tap into his experience as a development executive, screenwriter, and a short story writer in order to understand what other creative people are going through. -How writer’s block is a personal thing that differs for every person that he works with. -The notion of befriending your creative blocks. -The idea of Active Imagination. -How we imagine the harshest of critics will judge our work, but in reality, if someone doesn’t like your work, they typically just move on. -The traumatic effect that negative comments from teachers can have, especially at an early age. -The importance of seeking out a tribe and a group of peers, and not necessarily rely on the influences that your school district had as art teachers. -Creating a new persona. -The interplay that happens between your persona and your “true self,” both positive and negative. -The importance of his clients being sober when coming in for treatment so that they aren’t “unconscious” during the process. -Why creative people rely on drugs or alcohol to subdue their minds from the constant thoughts, and healthier ways for them to disengage. -An extremely disheartening experience that he went through in the past, which helps him to relate to his clients today. -The journey that he took after having his original screenplay taken, which led him to becoming a psychotherapist. -His masters thesis on transcending writer’s block based on Active Imagination. -The concept of the “wounded healer.” -His advice for someone who wants to open a dialogue with his or her blocks. -How the subconscious part of your psyche that will hold you back from doing work will often have insights that your conscious mind isn’t aware of. -The importance of creating a friendly and welcoming dialogue with your block and treating it like a guest in your house. Philip's Final Push will inspire you to go forth on your Hero’s Journey! Quotes: “What’s the personal myth that you are leading your life by?” “Writer’s block is something that you’re probably going to wrestle with for many years to come if you don’t make a decision to focus on it now and come up with some ways to navigate it.” “Befriend it so that you can transcend it.” “The idea is not just to exterminate this writer’s block but to engage it in dialogue. I actually mean that quite literally.” “Write out a dialogue with this writer’s block and see what it has to say.” “Writer’s block is often an unexpressed part of ourselves that wants to be heard, so if you actually give it some time and engage it, it will often tell you what it wants of you.” “We’re often far worse critics than the real flesh-and-blood critics that we encounter.” “The first creative act is reinventing yourself. Creating your new self as an artist.” “To reinvent ourselves, to become who we are destined to be, takes an incredible amount of strength.” “I found that after that experience, I really began to shut down as a writer.” “I just looked around and I thought I have found my tribe.” “Going into film production is kind of like the French Foreign Legion.  You can literally work 24/7.  That job is never over.” “I went through it myself — that is why I’m able to help others.” “Sometimes the most effective healers are the ones that have been injured themselves.” “Don’t invite your critic in while you’re creating.” Links mentioned: “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron “The Red Book” by Carl Jung “Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life: How to Finally, Really Grow Up” by James Hollis “An Evening with Ray Bradbury – 2001” (YouTube) “The Hero’s Journey… For Writers, Artists &amp; Performers” (from Philip’s blog) Sandra Busby on Your Creative Push Ep. 220 Tara Roskell on Your Creative Push Ep. 247 Connect with Philip: Website / Blog On the next episode: Sandra Busby &amp; Tara Roskell : Website / Sandra's Instagram / Tara's Instagram Join the discussion in the Facebook group!

Philip Ruddy is a Los Angeles-based depth psychotherapist, who previously spent fifteen years as a writer, producer and development executive in Hollywood.   He now works with writers, artists and performers, helping them explore and transcend creative blocks, anxiety, depression, and the unique stressors of the film and television industry.  He can be reached via his website <a href="http://ActivelyImagine.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ActivelyImagine.com.</a> Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/bestof12" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/bestof12</a> In this episode, Philip discusses: -His journey getting to the point he is now as a depth psychotherapist. -His explanation of what depth psychology is. -How he is able to tap into his experience as a development executive, screenwriter, and a short story writer in order to understand what other creative people are going through. -How writer’s block is a personal thing that differs for every person that he works with. -The notion of befriending your creative blocks. -The idea of Active Imagination. -How we imagine the harshest of critics will judge our work, but in reality, if someone doesn’t like your work, they typically just move on. -The traumatic effect that negative comments from teachers can have, especially at an early age. -The importance of seeking out a tribe and a group of peers, and not necessarily rely on the influences that your school district had as art teachers. -Creating a new persona. -The interplay that happens between your persona and your “true self,” both positive and negative. -The importance of his clients being sober when coming in for treatment so that they aren’t “unconscious” during the process. -Why creative people rely on drugs or alcohol to subdue their minds from the constant thoughts, and healthier ways for them to disengage. -An extremely disheartening experience that he went through in the past, which helps him to relate to his clients today. -The journey that he took after having his original screenplay taken, which led him to becoming a psychotherapist. -His masters thesis on transcending writer’s block based on Active Imagination. -The concept of the “wounded healer.” -His advice for someone who wants to open a dialogue with his or her blocks. -How the subconscious part of your psyche that will hold you back from doing work will often have insights that your conscious mind isn’t aware of. -The importance of creating a friendly and welcoming dialogue with your block and treating it like a guest in your house. Philip's Final Push will inspire you to go forth on your Hero’s Journey! Quotes: “What’s the personal myth that you are leading your life by?” “Writer’s block is something that you’re probably going to wrestle with for many years to come if you don’t make a decision to focus on it now and come up with some ways to navigate it.” “Befriend it so that you can transcend it.” “The idea is not just to exterminate this writer’s block but to engage it in dialogue. I actually mean that quite literally.” “Write out a dialogue with this writer’s block and see what it has to say.” “Writer’s block is often an unexpressed part of ourselves that wants to be heard, so if you actually give it some time and engage it, it will often tell you what it wants of you.” “We’re often far worse critics than the real flesh-and-blood critics that we encounter.” “The first creative act is reinventing yourself. Creating your new self as an artist.” “To reinvent ourselves, to become who we are destined to be, takes an incredible amount of strength.” “I found that after that experience, I really began to shut down as a writer.” “I just looked around and I thought I have found my tribe.” “Going into film production is kind of like the French Foreign Legion.  You can literally work 24/7.  That job is never over.” “I went through it myself — that is why I’m able to help others.” “Sometimes the most effective healers are the ones that have been injured themselves.” “Don’t invite your critic in while you’re creating.” Links mentioned: “<a href="http://amzn.to/1Vll6XW" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Artist’s Way</a>” by Julia Cameron “<a href="http://amzn.to/1S9xnLr" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Red Book</a>” by Carl Jung “<a href="http://amzn.to/1S9xtTe" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life: How to Finally, Really Grow Up</a>” by James Hollis “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W-r7ABrMYU" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">An Evening with Ray Bradbury – 2001</a>” (YouTube) “<a href="http://www.philipruddytherapy.com/blog/2016/2/22/the-heros-journey-for-writers" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Hero’s Journey… For Writers, Artists &amp; Performers</a>” (from Philip’s blog) <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/2017/05/interview-with-sandra-busby/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sandra Busby on Your Creative Push Ep. 220</a> <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/2017/08/interview-with-tara-roskell/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tara Roskell on Your Creative Push Ep. 247</a> Connect with Philip: <a href="http://www.philipruddytherapy.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="http://www.philipruddytherapy.com/blog/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Blog</a> On the next episode: Sandra Busby &amp; Tara Roskell : <a href="https://kickinthecreatives.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sandra.busby/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sandra's Instagram</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tararoskell/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tara's Instagram</a> Join the discussion in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourcreativepush/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!

How to talk to your creative blocks (Best of YCP: Philip Ruddy)

Alatar is a genderfluid digital artist who creates character-driven adult illustrations. Their work includes both fanart and original content, and attempts to explore a wide range of body types, ethnicities, gender identities and sexualities. They are also the host of the podcast Blue Magic, where they interview other creatives in the erotic field. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/alatar  In this episode, Alatar discusses: -Their origin story and how they first became interested in the idea of sexuality in art. -Dealing with religious guilt and how it contributed to artistic block. -Their “depressive fallout” and the drawing of Cloud, Tifa, and Aeris that had been waiting to be drawn. -How they didn’t consider their adult illustrations to be “real work” because it was not safe for work. -Their advice to feed those ideas that have always been in the back of your head/heart and to pay attention to how it makes you feel. -How giving in to a long-term creative urge can make you go Super Saiyan, where overcoming a low emotional moment can give you a great deal of power. -The power that you can gain from choosing a new identity. -Their advice for people who don’t know which direction to go – they only know what’s not working. -Like in video games, some things in life need multiple attempts before you can succeed, and how those victories are always sweeter. -Dealing with imposter syndrome and perfectionism. -Treating your creative calling as the most important thing in your life – your Calling with a capital ‘C.’ -Why they started the Blue Magic Podcast. -How magic comes from honesty, and how shedding the ego and being vulnerable can lead to a much more powerful connection with your audience (and yourself). -Some of the opportunities that came as a result of starting Blue Magic. Alatar's Final Push will inspire you to dig deep within yourself to find the thing that you’ve always known that you are supposed to do and then do it no matter what anyone else thinks!   Quotes: “I went through a phase of religious guilt where it was a bad thing and I fought it in myself.  Interestingly, during that time I also had pretty bad art block and couldn’t get myself to draw much at all.” “Something clicked.  This is what I wanted to draw all this time and I haven’t let myself.  And it’s about time I do.” “I said, you know what?  I really love erotica.  I really love things that are arousing and that explore that side of human emotion.  And it’s about time that I took that seriously.” “If you have this thing that your heart is just aching to do, if there’s a way for you to give it it’s time in the sun, then do it and just see what happens.” “It was this moment where I realized this is what I’m here to do.” “If all you know is what’s not working, then you know what you shouldn’t be doing.  And that’s a step in the right direction.” “I see my art as my Calling.  Capital ‘C.’” “You will have the thrill of finally lining up with that calling of yours and taking action on it.” “Let your fear have its voice and then tell it to step aside, because you’ve got work to do.” Links mentioned: Blue Magic Blue Magic [iTunes] Connect with Alatar: Newgrounds / Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter On the next episode: Al Marconi : Website / Instagram Join the discussion in the Facebook group!

Alatar is a genderfluid digital artist who creates character-driven adult illustrations. Their work includes both fanart and original content, and attempts to explore a wide range of body types, ethnicities, gender identities and sexualities. They are also the host of the podcast Blue Magic, where they interview other creatives in the erotic field. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/alatar" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/alatar</a> In this episode, Alatar discusses: -Their origin story and how they first became interested in the idea of sexuality in art. -Dealing with religious guilt and how it contributed to artistic block. -Their “depressive fallout” and the drawing of Cloud, Tifa, and Aeris that had been waiting to be drawn. -How they didn’t consider their adult illustrations to be “real work” because it was not safe for work. -Their advice to feed those ideas that have always been in the back of your head/heart and to pay attention to how it makes you feel. -How giving in to a long-term creative urge can make you go Super Saiyan, where overcoming a low emotional moment can give you a great deal of power. -The power that you can gain from choosing a new identity. -Their advice for people who don’t know which direction to go – they only know what’s not working. -Like in video games, some things in life need multiple attempts before you can succeed, and how those victories are always sweeter. -Dealing with imposter syndrome and perfectionism. -Treating your creative calling as the most important thing in your life – your Calling with a capital ‘C.’ -Why they started the Blue Magic Podcast. -How magic comes from honesty, and how shedding the ego and being vulnerable can lead to a much more powerful connection with your audience (and yourself). -Some of the opportunities that came as a result of starting Blue Magic. Alatar's Final Push will inspire you to dig deep within yourself to find the thing that you’ve always known that you are supposed to do and then do it no matter what anyone else thinks!   Quotes: “I went through a phase of religious guilt where it was a bad thing and I fought it in myself.  Interestingly, during that time I also had pretty bad art block and couldn’t get myself to draw much at all.” “Something clicked.  This is what I wanted to draw all this time and I haven’t let myself.  And it’s about time I do.” “I said, you know what?  I really love erotica.  I really love things that are arousing and that explore that side of human emotion.  And it’s about time that I took that seriously.” “If you have this thing that your heart is just aching to do, if there’s a way for you to give it it’s time in the sun, then do it and just see what happens.” “It was this moment where I realized this is what I’m here to do.” “If all you know is what’s not working, then you know what you shouldn’t be doing.  And that’s a step in the right direction.” “I see my art as my Calling.  Capital ‘C.’” “You will have the thrill of finally lining up with that calling of yours and taking action on it.” “Let your fear have its voice and then tell it to step aside, because you’ve got work to do.” Links mentioned: <a href="http://bluemagic.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blue Magic</a> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-magic/id1241720764" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Blue Magic [iTunes]</a> Connect with Alatar: <a href="http://bluewizardart.newgrounds.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Newgrounds</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bluewizardart/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://bluewizardart.tumblr.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Tumblr</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/bluewizardart" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> On the next episode: Al Marconi : <a href="http://www.almarconi.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc12Jcm4uhb0taZ3QyW0Gxg?view_as=public" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> Join the discussion in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourcreativepush/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!

232: Your Calling, with a capital ‘C’ (w/ Alatar)

Noah Bradley

Noah Bradley is an American artist, known best for his work on Magic: The Gathering cards, as well as his The Sin of Man project. He is also well-known as the guy who told everyone "don't go to art school.  As a supplement to that advice, he founded Art Camp to help art students all over the world learn to make better art. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/noahbradley  In this episode, Noah discusses: -The list that he made of things he wanted to do with his life, and why he chose “artist.” -His experience at RISD and VCU. -How he decided to become a landscape and environment artist. -The confusion, disappointment, and excitement that he felt when people started responding to his landscape work. -Being plagued with the desire to move onto another piece as opposed to finishing the one he is working on. -His experience working for Wizards of the Coast and doing art for Magic: The Gathering. -Why he gave away free prints at Illuxcon and what that did for his art career. -The difficulty he has in scheduling his life and knowing where he is going to be the next day. -Why he believes that people should not pay for art school. -His advice for people who have difficulty keeping self-imposed deadlines and holding themselves accountable. -The importance of making your creative passion a habit (especially in the morning) so that you can take the decision-making process out of it. -Finding an external source to hold you accountable. -Quitting social media and what has happened since. -His personal project, “The Sin of Man.” Noah's Final Push will make you realize that as long as you put the time and hard work in, you can reach your creative goals too!   Quotes: “For my own happiness, I can’t just sit around and not make something.  If at the end of the day I don’t have something tangible in my hands or on a screen that I made, I don’t feel happy about how productive I was that day.” “Just go for it.  Whatever happens to click for you is the thing that you should be pursuing.  And it’s often not the thing that you originally set out to do.” “Find ways to make it a habit rather than a decision.” Links mentioned: How I Became an Artist by Noah Bradley Don't Go To Art School by Noah Bradley Art Camp The Sin of Man Connect with Noah: Website / Art Camp On the next episode: Shawny Sheldon : Instagram Join the discussion in the Facebook group!

Noah Bradley is an American artist, known best for his work on Magic: The Gathering cards, as well as his The Sin of Man project. He is also well-known as the guy who told everyone "don't go to art school.  As a supplement to that advice, he founded Art Camp to help art students all over the world learn to make better art. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/noahbradley" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/noahbradley</a> In this episode, Noah discusses: -The list that he made of things he wanted to do with his life, and why he chose “artist.” -His experience at RISD and VCU. -How he decided to become a landscape and environment artist. -The confusion, disappointment, and excitement that he felt when people started responding to his landscape work. -Being plagued with the desire to move onto another piece as opposed to finishing the one he is working on. -His experience working for Wizards of the Coast and doing art for Magic: The Gathering. -Why he gave away free prints at Illuxcon and what that did for his art career. -The difficulty he has in scheduling his life and knowing where he is going to be the next day. -Why he believes that people should not pay for art school. -His advice for people who have difficulty keeping self-imposed deadlines and holding themselves accountable. -The importance of making your creative passion a habit (especially in the morning) so that you can take the decision-making process out of it. -Finding an external source to hold you accountable. -Quitting social media and what has happened since. -His personal project, “<a href="https://www.thesinofman.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Sin of Man</a>.” Noah's Final Push will make you realize that as long as you put the time and hard work in, you can reach your creative goals too!   Quotes: “For my own happiness, I can’t just sit around and not make something.  If at the end of the day I don’t have something tangible in my hands or on a screen that I made, I don’t feel happy about how productive I was that day.” “Just go for it.  Whatever happens to click for you is the thing that you should be pursuing.  And it’s often not the thing that you originally set out to do.” “Find ways to make it a habit rather than a decision.” Links mentioned: <a href="https://medium.com/@noahbradley/how-i-became-an-artist-4390c6b6656c" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">How I Became an Artist by Noah Bradley</a> <a href="https://noahbradley.com/dont-go-to-art-school/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Don't Go To Art School by Noah Bradley</a> <a href="https://artcamp.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Art Camp</a> <a href="https://www.thesinofman.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Sin of Man</a> Connect with Noah: <a href="https://noahbradley.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://artcamp.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Art Camp</a> On the next episode: Shawny Sheldon : <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theplumdog/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> Join the discussion in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourcreativepush/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!

254: Don't go to art school (w/ Noah Bradley)

Lois van Baarle

Lois van Baarle is a freelance illustrator and animator living in Utrecht (the Netherlands).  She has lived all over the world, including the United States, Indonesia, France, and Belgium.  She is widely known online as Loish, and has become a sensation in the digital art world.  Her first published collection of her works is called “The Art of Loish” and was successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2 hours. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/loish In this episode, Lois discusses: -What it was like to sell out her Kickstarter campaign in such a short period of time. -What the positive feedback and the support of her fans means to her. -One of her early memories of drawing in kindergarten, and an important lesson that she learned as a result. -Manipulating your lucky mistakes in your favor. -The notion of getting distance from your work and also sharing it out into the world. -How some of the pieces that she thinks will do the best end up not receiving as much attention and vice versa. -Her repetitive strain injury -- how it affected her life and how she deals with it moving forward. -Her advice for people to avoid a repetitive strain injury. -Her first year of animation college and how it was one of the darkest times of her life (and what she learned from it). -The connections that you can make on the internet and how those connections can sometimes change your life. -The value of making attainable goals and not putting too much pressure on yourself for amazing end results. -How and why she started her mini-tutorials. -Her formula for balancing her time. -How you need to have a good read on yourself and how much time you are spending on a particular project or portion of a project and have the wherewithal to call it quits and save the rest for tomorrow if you aren't putting in your best work. -The freedom that her art and creativity has brought to her life. -Some of her varied inspirations, including Alphonse Mucha, Grimes, and The Wire. Lois's Final Push will inspire you to find your own way of doing things.   Quotes: "If you like to draw rough and you like to sketch, you get a lot of lucky mistakes." "It's not just skill.  It's also how you present your work and talk about your work that adds to your creativity." "Taking it away from my computer and putting it into the world always helps me contextualize what I do and to see what it means to others and understand how that work is received outside of my own little bubble." "I've actually learned to turn off that part of my brain to not think too much about how something will be received because you never really know." "What I would tell myself if I could go back in time is to just not draw for really really long periods of time in a stressed-out manner." "Sometimes it's better to just not meet that deadline if it means your mental or physical health." "Drawing is just like everything I do -- I didn't even realize how important it was to me until I had to stop doing it." "I really felt like I had nothing to say artistically, because I just didn't fit what the teachers wanted.  I felt like my ideas were useless." "If you have attainable goals then you can really start enjoying what you do.  Just enjoying the feeling of being in a creative flow." "If you say 'I'm going to sketch for an hour,' that's attainable.  You're not saying what you're going to sketch.  You're not saying how good your sketches have to be.  You're just saying that it's going to be for an hour." "When you're just practicing, you don't know where it's going to lead and you shouldn't think too much about where it's going to lead.  You should just be in the moment." "My work has become a way for me to express myself and I feel so lucky to be able to do that as my job." "There was a certain level of self-acceptance needed for me to understand what was right for me." "Everybody's got their own way.  And I think if you search for your own way and you eventually find it, you get so much fulfillment out of it." Links mentioned: Lois's book Alphonse Mucha Grimes The Wire Connect with Lois: Website / Facebook / DeviantArt / Instagram / Twitter

Lois van Baarle is a freelance illustrator and animator living in Utrecht (the Netherlands).  She has lived all over the world, including the United States, Indonesia, France, and Belgium.  She is widely known online as Loish, and has become a sensation in the digital art world.  Her first published collection of her works is called “The Art of Loish” and was successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2 hours. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/loish" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/loish</a> In this episode, Lois discusses: -What it was like to sell out her Kickstarter campaign in such a short period of time. -What the positive feedback and the support of her fans means to her. -One of her early memories of drawing in kindergarten, and an important lesson that she learned as a result. -Manipulating your lucky mistakes in your favor. -The notion of getting distance from your work and also sharing it out into the world. -How some of the pieces that she thinks will do the best end up not receiving as much attention and vice versa. -Her repetitive strain injury -- how it affected her life and how she deals with it moving forward. -Her advice for people to avoid a repetitive strain injury. -Her first year of animation college and how it was one of the darkest times of her life (and what she learned from it). -The connections that you can make on the internet and how those connections can sometimes change your life. -The value of making attainable goals and not putting too much pressure on yourself for amazing end results. -How and why she started her mini-tutorials. -Her formula for balancing her time. -How you need to have a good read on yourself and how much time you are spending on a particular project or portion of a project and have the wherewithal to call it quits and save the rest for tomorrow if you aren't putting in your best work. -The freedom that her art and creativity has brought to her life. -Some of her varied inspirations, including Alphonse Mucha, Grimes, and The Wire. Lois's Final Push will inspire you to find your own way of doing things.   Quotes: "If you like to draw rough and you like to sketch, you get a lot of lucky mistakes." "It's not just skill.  It's also how you present your work and talk about your work that adds to your creativity." "Taking it away from my computer and putting it into the world always helps me contextualize what I do and to see what it means to others and understand how that work is received outside of my own little bubble." "I've actually learned to turn off that part of my brain to not think too much about how something will be received because you never really know." "What I would tell myself if I could go back in time is to just not draw for really really long periods of time in a stressed-out manner." "Sometimes it's better to just not meet that deadline if it means your mental or physical health." "Drawing is just like everything I do -- I didn't even realize how important it was to me until I had to stop doing it." "I really felt like I had nothing to say artistically, because I just didn't fit what the teachers wanted.  I felt like my ideas were useless." "If you have attainable goals then you can really start enjoying what you do.  Just enjoying the feeling of being in a creative flow." "If you say 'I'm going to sketch for an hour,' that's attainable.  You're not saying what you're going to sketch.  You're not saying how good your sketches have to be.  You're just saying that it's going to be for an hour." "When you're just practicing, you don't know where it's going to lead and you shouldn't think too much about where it's going to lead.  You should just be in the moment." "My work has become a way for me to express myself and I feel so lucky to be able to do that as my job." "There was a certain level of self-acceptance needed for me to understand what was right for me." "Everybody's got their own way.  And I think if you search for your own way and you eventually find it, you get so much fulfillment out of it." Links mentioned: <a href="https://shop.3dtotal.com/the-art-of-loish.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lois's book</a> <a href="http://www.alfonsmucha.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alphonse Mucha</a> <a href="http://www.grimesmusic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grimes</a> <a href="http://amzn.to/29gKuZn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Wire</a> Connect with Lois: <a href="http://loish.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/loish.fans/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://loish.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DeviantArt</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/loisvb/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/loishh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>

117: Use ATTAINABLE GOALS to find your own way (w/ Lois van Baarle aka Loish)

Yellena James

Yellena James is an artist who uses pens, inks, markers and acrylics to combine complex abstract forms into dazzling images which take on lives of their own.  Her colorful arrangements of organic shapes and tangled lines are at once floral and alien, organic and sci-fi She has participated in shows around the U.S. and overseas including solo exhibitions at Giant Robot, the Here Gallery, and the Hijinks Gallery and she has done illustration work for Anthropologie, Crate and Barrell, Relativity Media and many others. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/yellena  In this episode, Yellena discusses: -Growing up in Sarajevo during the Bosnian War. -How she developed her creativity despite the conflict that was happening all around her. -Her family’s move to Florida and where she went from there. -How she started doing pen and ink work in her sketchbooks because she didn’t have studio space. -Her decision to post her work on Etsy and where that led her. -How bloggers began to notice her work and how that enabled her to be in shows and obtain illustration gigs. -How many of her jobs seem to come out of nowhere and at the perfect time, but how that all comes from her work being out there. -Her advice to put all of your work out there and to reach out to bloggers. -Letting go of your internal dialogue that constantly asks if you are going in the right direction. -How she balances her time. -Her new book, Star, Branch, Spiral, Fan. Yellena's Final Push will inspire you to stop listening to your excuses and start listening to your own heart.   Quotes: “It was kind of intense art-learning and I was very fortunate to be in that environment even though everything outside was very hectic.” “It felt almost like somebody knew when I would finish one job and something else would come along.” “Put it out there.  Make sure people know about you.” “I think if you work really hard and put your whole soul into it, you’ll eventually get to the point that you’re really happy with your work.” “Don’t listen to your excuses because they are lying to you and they’re not worth listening to.  You’ve got to follow your own heart.” Links mentioned: Star, Branch, Spiral, Fan: Learn to Draw from Nature's Perfect Design Structures by Yellena James Connect with Yellena: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter On the next episode: Tyler Thrasher : Website / Instagram / Soundcloud Share what you've created this week in the Facebook group!

Yellena James is an artist who uses pens, inks, markers and acrylics to combine complex abstract forms into dazzling images which take on lives of their own.  Her colorful arrangements of organic shapes and tangled lines are at once floral and alien, organic and sci-fi She has participated in shows around the U.S. and overseas including solo exhibitions at Giant Robot, the Here Gallery, and the Hijinks Gallery and she has done illustration work for Anthropologie, Crate and Barrell, Relativity Media and many others. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/yellena" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/yellena</a> In this episode, Yellena discusses: -Growing up in Sarajevo during the Bosnian War. -How she developed her creativity despite the conflict that was happening all around her. -Her family’s move to Florida and where she went from there. -How she started doing pen and ink work in her sketchbooks because she didn’t have studio space. -Her decision to post her work on Etsy and where that led her. -How bloggers began to notice her work and how that enabled her to be in shows and obtain illustration gigs. -How many of her jobs seem to come out of nowhere and at the perfect time, but how that all comes from her work being out there. -Her advice to put all of your work out there and to reach out to bloggers. -Letting go of your internal dialogue that constantly asks if you are going in the right direction. -How she balances her time. -Her new book, <a href="http://amzn.to/2sryDF4" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Star, Branch, Spiral, Fan</a>. Yellena's Final Push will inspire you to stop listening to your excuses and start listening to your own heart.   Quotes: “It was kind of intense art-learning and I was very fortunate to be in that environment even though everything outside was very hectic.” “It felt almost like somebody knew when I would finish one job and something else would come along.” “Put it out there.  Make sure people know about you.” “I think if you work really hard and put your whole soul into it, you’ll eventually get to the point that you’re really happy with your work.” “Don’t listen to your excuses because they are lying to you and they’re not worth listening to.  You’ve got to follow your own heart.” Links mentioned: <a href="http://amzn.to/2sryDF4" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Star, Branch, Spiral, Fan: Learn to Draw from Nature's Perfect Design Structures by Yellena James</a> Connect with Yellena: <a href="http://yellena.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/yellenajames" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yellenajames/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/yellenajames/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/yellenajames" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> On the next episode: Tyler Thrasher : <a href="http://www.tylerthrasher.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tylerthrasherart/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://soundcloud.com/tylerthrasher" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Soundcloud</a> Share what you've created this week in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourcreativepush/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!

227: Stop listening to your excuses (w/ Yellena James)

Martha Beck is an American sociologist, life coach, best-selling author, and speaker who specializes in helping individuals and groups achieve personal and professional goals.  Her books include Expecting Adam, Leaving the Saints, Finding Your own North Star, The Joy Diet, and her newest book, Diana, Herself: An Allegory of Awakening.  She has also been a columnist for O, The Oprah Magazine since its inception in 2001. Her newest project is a revolutionary writing workshop called Write into Light. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/marthabeck In this episode, Martha discusses: -The birth of her son and her decision to pursue joy no matter what the circumstances and no matter what anyone else thought. -The comparison between a destructive tsunami destroying long-standing buildings and structures and a surfer taking the ride of his life. -The frightening, but profound decision that people can make to take risks by following their joy. -The “Man Cage” and how men are heavily socially pressured to do what worked before. -The importance of finding balance through joy. -How difficult it can be to let go of the “factory mindset” of society and to trust that magic will guide you. -Making sure to rest your body, otherwise you will lose touch with it. -Why she started Write into Light. -The responsibility that artists have to change culture when the culture they are living in is unsatisfactory. -The idea of using writing to heal yourself, and then to spread that healing power to the rest of the world. -Her newest book, -How she spent all of her money on a ranch in California and became immersed in nature. -To prepare yourself for criticism from the people around you when you go against culture, and to try to surround yourself with supportive people who understand where you are coming from and what you are trying to tap into. Martha's Final Push will inspire you to ask yourself (without judgment) what you were meant to do with your life and then find a way to do that thing.   Quotes: “It unfolded because I was on this hell-bent path of pursuing joy.” “There is a magic in the world, and I found that when my son was born.” “If you can align yourself with what wants to happen, things will be done through you that you cannot do yourself.” “It’s freaking scary.  What we are basing our cultural models on is a factory that never stops working.  To let that go and say that I’m going to trust that magic will do things through me if I just relax…. Phew, that is not for the faint of heart.” “Culture doesn’t actually come from laws.  Laws may reflect culture but they rarely create culture.  What creates healing in cultures is new idioms, new language, new ways to talk about what’s happening to us, new perceptions, new insights, and new ideas.  And those come from creativity.” “It’s not easy because we have to go beyond culture because our culture is screwing us up big time.  It’s not a recipe for happiness.” “Ask yourself two questions: How do I want to be different because I lived on this Earth, and how do I want the Earth to be different because I’ve lived on it?” “Your people are here.  We may be in virtual space but we are all around you and we all feel it.  There is something moving and changing in the world and you are meant to be part of it.  So jump.” Links mentioned: Write into Light Diana, Herself: An Allegory of Awakening (Bewilderment Chronicles) by Martha Beck Martha’s Ted Talk: "The Four Technologies of Magic" The Leap Retreat Connect with Martha: Website / Facebook / Vimeo / Twitter / Books On the next episode: David Luong : Website / Instagram / Vimeo Join our community on our Facebook group!

Martha Beck is an American sociologist, life coach, best-selling author, and speaker who specializes in helping individuals and groups achieve personal and professional goals.  Her books include Expecting Adam, Leaving the Saints, Finding Your own North Star, The Joy Diet, and her newest book, <a href="http://amzn.to/2q5zg2G" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Diana, Herself: An Allegory of Awakening</a>.  She has also been a columnist for O, The Oprah Magazine since its inception in 2001. Her newest project is a revolutionary writing workshop called <a href="http://marthabeck.com/write-into-light/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Write into Light</a>. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/marthabeck" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/marthabeck</a> In this episode, Martha discusses: -The birth of her son and her decision to pursue joy no matter what the circumstances and no matter what anyone else thought. -The comparison between a destructive tsunami destroying long-standing buildings and structures and a surfer taking the ride of his life. -The frightening, but profound decision that people can make to take risks by following their joy. -The “Man Cage” and how men are heavily socially pressured to do what worked before. -The importance of finding balance through joy. -How difficult it can be to let go of the “factory mindset” of society and to trust that magic will guide you. -Making sure to rest your body, otherwise you will lose touch with it. -Why she started <a href="http://marthabeck.com/write-into-light/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Write into Light</a>. -The responsibility that artists have to change culture when the culture they are living in is unsatisfactory. -The idea of using writing to heal yourself, and then to spread that healing power to the rest of the world. -Her newest book, -How she spent all of her money on a ranch in California and became immersed in nature. -To prepare yourself for criticism from the people around you when you go against culture, and to try to surround yourself with supportive people who understand where you are coming from and what you are trying to tap into. Martha's Final Push will inspire you to ask yourself (without judgment) what you were meant to do with your life and then find a way to do that thing.   Quotes: “It unfolded because I was on this hell-bent path of pursuing joy.” “There is a magic in the world, and I found that when my son was born.” “If you can align yourself with what wants to happen, things will be done through you that you cannot do yourself.” “It’s freaking scary.  What we are basing our cultural models on is a factory that never stops working.  To let that go and say that I’m going to trust that magic will do things through me if I just relax…. Phew, that is not for the faint of heart.” “Culture doesn’t actually come from laws.  Laws may reflect culture but they rarely create culture.  What creates healing in cultures is new idioms, new language, new ways to talk about what’s happening to us, new perceptions, new insights, and new ideas.  And those come from creativity.” “It’s not easy because we have to go beyond culture because our culture is screwing us up big time.  It’s not a recipe for happiness.” “Ask yourself two questions: How do I want to be different because I lived on this Earth, and how do I want the Earth to be different because I’ve lived on it?” “Your people are here.  We may be in virtual space but we are all around you and we all feel it.  There is something moving and changing in the world and you are meant to be part of it.  So jump.” Links mentioned: <a href="http://marthabeck.com/write-into-light/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Write into Light</a> <a href="http://amzn.to/2q5zg2G" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Diana, Herself: An Allegory of Awakening (Bewilderment Chronicles) by Martha Beck</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL7WTcF0-TY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martha’s Ted Talk: "The Four Technologies of Magic"</a> <a href="http://marthabeck.com/2017-leap-retreat" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Leap Retreat</a> Connect with Martha: <a href="http://marthabeck.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marthabeckauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://vimeo.com/user3726876" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/marthabeck/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://marthabeck.com/books/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Books</a> On the next episode: David Luong : <a href="http://www.davidluong.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ackdoh/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://vimeo.com/ackdoh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo</a> Join our community on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourcreativepush/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!

213: Don't get crushed by the TIDAL WAVE OF LIFE.  Ride it! (w/ Martha Beck)

David Cheifetz

David is an internationally acclaimed and collected artist who continues to push the limits of contemporary realist oil painting. David and his family live in Olympia, WA. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/davidcheifetz In this episode, David discusses: -His early interest and later pursuit of architecture. -His experience at the Schuler School of Fine Art in Baltimore, Maryland. -The unanticipated joy that he received from painting still life in oil, and the subsequent artistic career path that it took him on. -Finding a balance between work, art, school and family. -Imagining painting, and how it is almost as valuable as painting itself. -How he started pricing his work. -The inspiration he gets from David Goggins and Eckhart Tolle. -His method for approaching a still life. -Experimentation and how there has to be the possibility for failure in a piece of art, or else it is not going to be interesting. -His advice for honing in on a specific focus. -Realizing how important it is for his mental wellbeing to use small blocks of time to get to his art. David's Final Push will remind you to do the work that you would do in a vacuum anyway.    Quotes: “No matter how much time I have to create, I never feel like it’s enough.” “It’s better to err on the side of selling your art too quickly as opposed to keeping it forever.” “If you’re just stacking up old paintings in your studio – that’s like creative baggage.” “There has to be the possibility of failure, or else it’s not going to be interesting.” “Always keep the focus at a higher level of detail.” Links mentioned: David's NOH/WAVE Tutorials Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle Connect with David: Website / Book / Instagram / Workshops Join the discussion in the Facebook group!

David is an internationally acclaimed and collected artist who continues to push the limits of contemporary realist oil painting. David and his family live in Olympia, WA. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/davidcheifetz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/davidcheifetz</a> In this episode, David discusses: -His early interest and later pursuit of architecture. -His experience at the Schuler School of Fine Art in Baltimore, Maryland. -The unanticipated joy that he received from painting still life in oil, and the subsequent artistic career path that it took him on. -Finding a balance between work, art, school and family. -Imagining painting, and how it is almost as valuable as painting itself. -How he started pricing his work. -The inspiration he gets from David Goggins and Eckhart Tolle. -His method for approaching a still life. -Experimentation and how there has to be the possibility for failure in a piece of art, or else it is not going to be interesting. -His advice for honing in on a specific focus. -Realizing how important it is for his mental wellbeing to use small blocks of time to get to his art. David's Final Push will remind you to do the work that you would do in a vacuum anyway.    Quotes: “No matter how much time I have to create, I never feel like it’s enough.” “It’s better to err on the side of selling your art too quickly as opposed to keeping it forever.” “If you’re just stacking up old paintings in your studio – that’s like creative baggage.” “There has to be the possibility of failure, or else it’s not going to be interesting.” “Always keep the focus at a higher level of detail.” Links mentioned: <a href="https://www.nohwaveacademy.com/collections/david-cheifetz" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">David's NOH/WAVE Tutorials</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/35fe6no" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/359bBCT" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle</a> Connect with David: <a href="https://davidcheifetz.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.blurb.com/b/7894661-david-cheifetz-figure" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Book</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davidcheifetz/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://davidcheifetz.com/workshops" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Workshops</a> Join the discussion in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourcreativepush/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!

339: Do you even create, bro? (w/ David Cheifetz)

Martin Aveling

Martin is an English artist with an African heart. Born into a family of zoologists in 1982, he grew up amidst forest and savannah creatures of central and eastern Africa. He has held successful solo exhibitions in Africa, Europe, and the United States and has exhibited with the Society of Wildlife Artists and at the David Shepherd Foundation's Wildlife Artist of the Year event. A driving force for Martin's work is his commitment to conservation efforts for endangered wildlife, and through his art he continues to support the work of selected wildlife charities. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/martinavelingIn this episode, Martin discusses:-His upbringing in Africa, how his parents were young zoologists, and what that meant for his life. -Why he draws detailed portraits of the animals on very clear white backgrounds, so that it doesn't detract from the animal. -How he became obsessed with detail but tried to hone that throughout his career. -How he likes to play around with composition, and push the boundaries with negative space, as it helps to engage the viewer. -His ability to not just draw animals, but to draw animals in a moment in time, and how long that took him to figure out.   -How he was most creative when he was younger because he just dove into it without thinking. -His advice for people who might be discouraged by their gap in skill in comparison to his. -The importance of doing art because you enjoy it, and not comparing yourself to other people or worrying about what other people think. -How to deal with fear. -How mistakes are good and help you to evolve. -His charity work for wildlife conservation. Martin's Final Push will inspire you to put in the time and GET IT DOODLED! Quotes:"It wasn't until much later on in life that I realized just how privileged I was to spend time amongst those animals." "They are the stars of the show.  It's the animals.  It's not me.  My first passion was wildlife, and then I discovered I could draw them." "I like to push the boundaries with negative space.  That helps to engage the viewer more." "If you try to use the negative space in a creative way, it invites people to engage with it more and be a part of creating that environment in which it is sitting." "It's all about the hours that you put in.  You do improve even if you're not seeing it real time." "I always start at the eye.  It's the window to the soul.  It's where all the emotion is conveyed." "It's not just for me, the art.  It's for everyone." "You put the time in, and you will improve." "Don't compare yourself to people.  If you enjoy drawing, you just just be drawing and not be worrying too much about what other people are thinking. "There's nothing really to be scared of.  You love doing it, so just do it." "You sleep better at night if you've done something a little bit creative during the day.Connect with Martin:Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

Martin is an English artist with an African heart. Born into a family of zoologists in 1982, he grew up amidst forest and savannah creatures of central and eastern Africa. He has held successful solo exhibitions in Africa, Europe, and the United States and has exhibited with the Society of Wildlife Artists and at the David Shepherd Foundation's Wildlife Artist of the Year event. A driving force for Martin's work is his commitment to conservation efforts for endangered wildlife, and through his art he continues to support the work of selected wildlife charities. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/martinaveling" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/martinaveling</a>In this episode, Martin discusses: -His upbringing in Africa, how his parents were young zoologists, and what that meant for his life. -Why he draws detailed portraits of the animals on very clear white backgrounds, so that it doesn't detract from the animal. -How he became obsessed with detail but tried to hone that throughout his career. -How he likes to play around with composition, and push the boundaries with negative space, as it helps to engage the viewer. -His ability to not just draw animals, but to draw animals in a moment in time, and how long that took him to figure out. -How he was most creative when he was younger because he just dove into it without thinking. -His advice for people who might be discouraged by their gap in skill in comparison to his. -The importance of doing art because you enjoy it, and not comparing yourself to other people or worrying about what other people think. -How to deal with fear. -How mistakes are good and help you to evolve. -His charity work for wildlife conservation. Martin's Final Push will inspire you to put in the time and GET IT DOODLED! Quotes: "It wasn't until much later on in life that I realized just how privileged I was to spend time amongst those animals." "They are the stars of the show.  It's the animals.  It's not me.  My first passion was wildlife, and then I discovered I could draw them." "I like to push the boundaries with negative space.  That helps to engage the viewer more." "If you try to use the negative space in a creative way, it invites people to engage with it more and be a part of creating that environment in which it is sitting." "It's all about the hours that you put in.  You do improve even if you're not seeing it real time." "I always start at the eye.  It's the window to the soul.  It's where all the emotion is conveyed." "It's not just for me, the art.  It's for everyone." "You put the time in, and you will improve." "Don't compare yourself to people.  If you enjoy drawing, you just just be drawing and not be worrying too much about what other people are thinking. "There's nothing really to be scared of.  You love doing it, so just do it." "You sleep better at night if you've done something a little bit creative during the day.Connect with Martin: <a href="http://www.avelingartworks.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MartinAvelingArt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/avelingartworks/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/avelingartworks" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>

039: Don't get it drawn, get it DOODLED (w/ Martin Aveling)

Dale Bigeni

Dale Bigeni is a Sydney based artist whose passion is creating, whether it be digital or traditional art.  Some of his clients have included Allday, Converse, Westfield, Sharpie, and Harley Davidson, just to name a few.  Dale specializes in illustration and graphic design, but loves all mediums of art, especially if they involve skulls. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/dalebigeni In this episode, Dale discusses: -His fascination with skulls. -How it took him five years to capture his unique style and make it his own. -How he handles the naysayers. -His advice for creative people who are being told to go down more of a mainstream path but who have very niche interests. -One of his defining artistic moments. -How nobody else knows what’s best for you in terms of what you should be creating. -The importance of growing up and also having a strong support system around you. -His best/worst creative moment when he won Australia’s Secret Walls -How his wife helps to keep him level-headed and motivated. -How art brings him a sense of peace and puts him in a better mind frame as a human being. -How he is able to get into the “zone.” -The fact that he doesn’t delve too deeply into any other artists or inspirations because if he does, he will start creating work that too closely resembles that art. Dale's Final Push will inspire you to just be yourself and not let anyone else tell you what is best for you and your art!   Quotes: “I’m a strong believer of not listening too much to what other people say and doing more of what makes you happy.” “I don’t think I would be anywhere close to where I am without the support network around me.” “Unless you give it a go, how are you going to know?” “Just be yourself.  Don’t let anybody tell you that you should do something that doesn’t make you happy.  Money is not the most important thing in life.  Happiness is.” “Just be yourself and let the world love you for you.” Connect with Dale: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Behance / Linkedin

Dale Bigeni is a Sydney based artist whose passion is creating, whether it be digital or traditional art.  Some of his clients have included Allday, Converse, Westfield, Sharpie, and Harley Davidson, just to name a few.  Dale specializes in illustration and graphic design, but loves all mediums of art, especially if they involve skulls. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/dalebigeni" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/dalebigeni</a> In this episode, Dale discusses: -His fascination with skulls. -How it took him five years to capture his unique style and make it his own. -How he handles the naysayers. -His advice for creative people who are being told to go down more of a mainstream path but who have very niche interests. -One of his defining artistic moments. -How nobody else knows what’s best for you in terms of what you should be creating. -The importance of growing up and also having a strong support system around you. -His best/worst creative moment when he won Australia’s Secret Walls -How his wife helps to keep him level-headed and motivated. -How art brings him a sense of peace and puts him in a better mind frame as a human being. -How he is able to get into the “zone.” -The fact that he doesn’t delve too deeply into any other artists or inspirations because if he does, he will start creating work that too closely resembles that art. Dale's Final Push will inspire you to just be yourself and not let anyone else tell you what is best for you and your art!   Quotes: “I’m a strong believer of not listening too much to what other people say and doing more of what makes you happy.” “I don’t think I would be anywhere close to where I am without the support network around me.” “Unless you give it a go, how are you going to know?” “Just be yourself.  Don’t let anybody tell you that you should do something that doesn’t make you happy.  Money is not the most important thing in life.  Happiness is.” “Just be yourself and let the world love you for you.” Connect with Dale: <a href="http://dalebigeni.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DaleBigeni" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artbydale/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://www.behance.net/dalebigeni" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Behance</a> / <a href="https://au.linkedin.com/in/dale-bigeni-5677a27b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Linkedin</a>

153: How will you know unless you give it a go? (w/ Dale Bigeni)

Amy Kuretsky

Amy Kuretsky is a health coach, acupuncturist, and herbalist with expertise in traditional Chinese medicine, digestive health, and a wide variety of nutritional plans.  She coaches creative entrepreneurs to be their healthiest selves and to tap into the energy that is the source of everything we do. Amy also hosts Health Fuels Hustle, a podcast all about living a healthier life as a creative. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/amykuretsky In this episode, Amy discusses: -How she came to be an acupuncturist and a health coach for creatives. -How she got off of all the drugs that she was taking for an autoimmune disease. -Her advice for creative individuals like Youngman who suffer from burnout and let their health fall by the wayside. -The importance of establishing our priorities and being aware of the fact that we say “yes” to too many things. -Her method for doing a “brain dump” to rid yourself of the things that take up your energy but don’t bring you money or joy. -Creative entrepreneur’s hesitancy to delegate. -How “done” is better than “perfect.” -How breaking up larger tasks into smaller portions can be effective in overcoming the sense of overwhelm. -Taking the quiet time to set a baseline for yourself with positive and negative thoughts and how they affect your body. -How the biggest excuse she hears from creative entrepreneurs is that they “don’t have enough time” to take care of themselves. -The power of morning and evening routines and a glimpse into hers. -Cell phones and the importance of keeping them away from the bedroom. -Alarm clocks and setting reminders for yourself throughout the day to be present in the moment and to fill yourself with the warm feelings that your goals bring you. -What acupuncture is and it’s benefits. -What people can expect from her podcast, Health Fuels Hustle. Amy's Final Push will inspire you to recall the reason why you started your creative passion in the first place and to tap back into that beginner’s energy!   Quotes: “I found that so many creative entrepreneurs were burning the candle at both ends.  They had so much going on that they were letting their health fall by the wayside.  This was a community that really needed support when it came to their health.” “When it comes to our energy, our health, and fueling our hustle, it’s all about building up our reserves.  So if we can do more of the things that we love doing and it brings us energy or joy, those are just as important as making money.” “Oftentimes what I see when it comes to creative entrepreneurs is that they really fear delegation.” “Done is better than perfect.  Perfect is a myth and so often we hold ourselves back from completing a project or putting ourselves out there because we don’t think that either we ourselves or our work is perfect yet.” Links mentioned: Amy's Pick Your Priorities Worksheet Health Fuels Hustle Podcast Bell meditation app Faux coffee recipe The Productivity Planner Connect with Amy: Website / Podcast / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter On the next episode: Christina Mrozik : Website / Instagram What's something that you do to fuel your hustle?  Join that discussion at the Facebook group!

Amy Kuretsky is a health coach, acupuncturist, and herbalist with expertise in traditional Chinese medicine, digestive health, and a wide variety of nutritional plans.  She coaches creative entrepreneurs to be their healthiest selves and to tap into the energy that is the source of everything we do. Amy also hosts <a href="https://www.amykuretsky.com/health-fuels-hustle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Health Fuels Hustle</a>, a podcast all about living a healthier life as a creative. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/amykuretsky" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/amykuretsky</a> In this episode, Amy discusses: -How she came to be an acupuncturist and a health coach for creatives. -How she got off of all the drugs that she was taking for an autoimmune disease. -Her advice for creative individuals like Youngman who suffer from burnout and let their health fall by the wayside. -The importance of establishing our priorities and being aware of the fact that we say “yes” to too many things. -Her method for doing a “brain dump” to rid yourself of the things that take up your energy but don’t bring you money or joy. -Creative entrepreneur’s hesitancy to delegate. -How “done” is better than “perfect.” -How breaking up larger tasks into smaller portions can be effective in overcoming the sense of overwhelm. -Taking the quiet time to set a baseline for yourself with positive and negative thoughts and how they affect your body. -How the biggest excuse she hears from creative entrepreneurs is that they “don’t have enough time” to take care of themselves. -The power of morning and evening routines and a glimpse into hers. -Cell phones and the importance of keeping them away from the bedroom. -Alarm clocks and setting reminders for yourself throughout the day to be present in the moment and to fill yourself with the warm feelings that your goals bring you. -What acupuncture is and it’s benefits. -What people can expect from her podcast, <a href="https://www.amykuretsky.com/health-fuels-hustle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Health Fuels Hustle</a>. Amy's Final Push will inspire you to recall the reason why you started your creative passion in the first place and to tap back into that beginner’s energy!   Quotes: “I found that so many creative entrepreneurs were burning the candle at both ends.  They had so much going on that they were letting their health fall by the wayside.  This was a community that really needed support when it came to their health.” “When it comes to our energy, our health, and fueling our hustle, it’s all about building up our reserves.  So if we can do more of the things that we love doing and it brings us energy or joy, those are just as important as making money.” “Oftentimes what I see when it comes to creative entrepreneurs is that they really fear delegation.” “Done is better than perfect.  Perfect is a myth and so often we hold ourselves back from completing a project or putting ourselves out there because we don’t think that either we ourselves or our work is perfect yet.” Links mentioned: <a href="https://www.amykuretsky.com/blog/help-you-prioritize" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amy's Pick Your Priorities Worksheet</a> <a href="https://www.amykuretsky.com/health-fuels-hustle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Health Fuels Hustle Podcast</a> <a href="https://insighttimer.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bell meditation app</a> <a href="https://www.amykuretsky.com/blog/2016/8/1/how-i-fuel-my-hustle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Faux coffee recipe</a> <a href="https://www.intelligentchange.com/products/the-productivity-planner" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Productivity Planner</a> Connect with Amy: <a href="https://www.amykuretsky.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.amykuretsky.com/health-fuels-hustle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Podcast</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmyKAcupuncture" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/amykuretsky/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/amykuretsky/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/amykuretsky" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> On the next episode: Christina Mrozik : <a href="http://christinamrozik.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/christinamrozikart/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> What's something that you do to fuel your hustle?  Join that discussion at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourcreativepush/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!

225: FUEL YOUR HUSTLE (w/ Amy Kuretsky)

Xin Li is a twenty-one-year-old photographer living in Bergen, Norway who likes to chase light.  She has been interested in photography all of her life and believes that photography is not just important to document the beauty that she sees around her, but to also tell stories with her work. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/xin In this episode, Xin discusses: -How she got her initial interest in photography and the journey that she took to get to the place that she is now. -How she gets very emotionally attached to her photographs because they often come from her own feelings. -How photography (and all forms of art) can be used as a way to get your emotions out, and in that way it can be a form of therapy. -What it was like when she first started sharing her photos on social media. -How she sometimes struggles with comparing herself to other photographers, and how important it is to admire instead of compare. -A time when she was in a creative limbo, not taking pictures (and how she got out of it). -That it is perfectly okay to take a break from your art, and that breaks, whether long or short, don't signify that you're not an artist anymore. -How some of her best moments are when she receives admiration for her work. -One of her favorite photographs. -How the internet and social media helped to give her confidence, as nobody in her town was out taking photographs the way she was. -How she has scheduled days in her calendar that are strictly made for photography. Xin's Final Push will inspire you to ignore the followers and "likes," and to remember to do your art for yourself! Quotes: "Throughout the years, I used a lot of disposable cameras." "For me, photography has always been a creative and emotional outlet." "I like to document my life and things that I see, sure.  But I also want to tell stories with my work." "I feel very emotionally attached to most of the photos that I take, because the inspiration of it often comes from my own feelings." "I started taking photos every time I was feeling down, and it worked like therapy for me." "I felt really exposed, but it felt good because people saw me for my work and not the other things." "Don't compare yourself to other people.  Look up to them instead.  Admire their work and maybe it will inspire you and push you to create something yourself." "If you feel like you need a break from your art, whether it's a day or a month to think and to feel, that's okay.  You don't stop being an artist just because of that." "Always remember that you are doing this for yourself, not to compete with others." Links mentioned: "Everything is Illuminated" by Jonathan Safran Foer Connect with Xin: Facebook / Instagram / Tumblr

Xin Li is a twenty-one-year-old photographer living in Bergen, Norway who likes to chase light.  She has been interested in photography all of her life and believes that photography is not just important to document the beauty that she sees around her, but to also tell stories with her work. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/xin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/xin</a> In this episode, Xin discusses: -How she got her initial interest in photography and the journey that she took to get to the place that she is now. -How she gets very emotionally attached to her photographs because they often come from her own feelings. -How photography (and all forms of art) can be used as a way to get your emotions out, and in that way it can be a form of therapy. -What it was like when she first started sharing her photos on social media. -How she sometimes struggles with comparing herself to other photographers, and how important it is to admire instead of compare. -A time when she was in a creative limbo, not taking pictures (and how she got out of it). -That it is perfectly okay to take a break from your art, and that breaks, whether long or short, don't signify that you're not an artist anymore. -How some of her best moments are when she receives admiration for her work. -One of her favorite photographs. -How the internet and social media helped to give her confidence, as nobody in her town was out taking photographs the way she was. -How she has scheduled days in her calendar that are strictly made for photography. Xin's Final Push will inspire you to ignore the followers and "likes," and to remember to do your art for yourself! Quotes: "Throughout the years, I used a lot of disposable cameras." "For me, photography has always been a creative and emotional outlet." "I like to document my life and things that I see, sure.  But I also want to tell stories with my work." "I feel very emotionally attached to most of the photos that I take, because the inspiration of it often comes from my own feelings." "I started taking photos every time I was feeling down, and it worked like therapy for me." "I felt really exposed, but it felt good because people saw me for my work and not the other things." "Don't compare yourself to other people.  Look up to them instead.  Admire their work and maybe it will inspire you and push you to create something yourself." "If you feel like you need a break from your art, whether it's a day or a month to think and to feel, that's okay.  You don't stop being an artist just because of that." "Always remember that you are doing this for yourself, not to compete with others." Links mentioned: <a href="http://amzn.to/293sBQi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Everything is Illuminated" by Jonathan Safran Foer</a> Connect with Xin: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/xinliphotography" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/xinliphotography/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="http://xinliphotography.tumblr.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tumblr</a>

113: ADMIRE, don't COMPARE (w/ Xin Li)

Megan Carty

Megan Carty is a New England-based artist who makes cheerful abstract floral paintings that are uplifting and color-drenched for people who have a flair for bold statements and tailored style. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/megancarty In this episode, Megan discusses: -How she always knew that she wanted to be an artist or an art teacher when she grew up. -The seed that was planted in her at a young age to seek praise or to do what her teacher liked rather than what she wanted to create. -The dangers of comparing yourself to others. -Some of the trials and tribulations she went through after college, including sexism, 9/11, depression, layoffs, breakups, and struggling to find the right fit career-wise. -Being appreciative of the negative experiences while you don’t know what brings you joy, because they inform you of what does bring you joy. -Getting involved with Etsy and the double-edged sword of being able to do anything, but also getting frozen by being able to do anything. -The important decision to not wait until you reach Point B to be happy, but to attempt to experience happiness today and throughout your entire journey. -How following your joy leads to finding more joy (and also spreading it to others). -How she battles negative thoughts and even depression. -How wishing on a star is a skill we have as children that we gradually lose. -How artists need to take their creative “medicine” or else they start to feel ill. -Donald Trump in relation to creativity. Megan's Final Push will remind you to stop fretting and realize that people are looking for your creativity!   Quotes: “I just let all of the roadblocks overcome me.” “I was on the wrong path and I was doing all the wrong things.  Everything had to blow up in order for me to get on the right path.” “I had lost the sense of joy of creating.” “What is it I want to make, and what is it that makes me the most happy while I’m making it?” “If you have a creative passion that you’re not pursuing, chances are you’re feeling a little bit negative and sad about it.” “There’s nothing that can stop me except for my own thoughts.” “If it’s tickling your heart, then that’s the right thing.  Do more of that.” Links mentioned: Matthew Miller on Your Creative Push Ask and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires by Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks Paul Selig on The Duncan Trussell Family Hour Podcast Connect with Megan: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter On the next episode: Nikki Rae : Website / Twitter Join the discussion in the Facebook group!

Megan Carty is a New England-based artist who makes cheerful abstract floral paintings that are uplifting and color-drenched for people who have a flair for bold statements and tailored style. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/megancarty" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/megancarty</a> In this episode, Megan discusses: -How she always knew that she wanted to be an artist or an art teacher when she grew up. -The seed that was planted in her at a young age to seek praise or to do what her teacher liked rather than what she wanted to create. -The dangers of comparing yourself to others. -Some of the trials and tribulations she went through after college, including sexism, 9/11, depression, layoffs, breakups, and struggling to find the right fit career-wise. -Being appreciative of the negative experiences while you don’t know what brings you joy, because they inform you of what does bring you joy. -Getting involved with Etsy and the double-edged sword of being able to do anything, but also getting frozen by being able to do anything. -The important decision to not wait until you reach Point B to be happy, but to attempt to experience happiness today and throughout your entire journey. -How following your joy leads to finding more joy (and also spreading it to others). -How she battles negative thoughts and even depression. -How wishing on a star is a skill we have as children that we gradually lose. -How artists need to take their creative “medicine” or else they start to feel ill. -Donald Trump in relation to creativity. Megan's Final Push will remind you to stop fretting and realize that people are looking for your creativity!   Quotes: “I just let all of the roadblocks overcome me.” “I was on the wrong path and I was doing all the wrong things.  Everything had to blow up in order for me to get on the right path.” “I had lost the sense of joy of creating.” “What is it I want to make, and what is it that makes me the most happy while I’m making it?” “If you have a creative passion that you’re not pursuing, chances are you’re feeling a little bit negative and sad about it.” “There’s nothing that can stop me except for my own thoughts.” “If it’s tickling your heart, then that’s the right thing.  Do more of that.” Links mentioned: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/2017/07/interview-with-matthew-miller/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Matthew Miller on Your Creative Push</a> <a href="http://amzn.to/2hKhiRn" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ask and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires by Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks</a> <a href="http://www.duncantrussell.com/episodes/2017/8/24/paul-selig" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Paul Selig on The Duncan Trussell Family Hour Podcast</a> Connect with Megan: <a href="http://www.megancartyart.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/megan.c.carty" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/megan_carty_art/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/megancartyart" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> On the next episode: Nikki Rae : <a href="http://www.nikkiraeauthor.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/NikkiRaeAuthor" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> Join the discussion in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourcreativepush/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!

264: Wish upon your creative star (w/ Megan Carty)

Marc Allante

Marc is an artist whose work is inspired in both form and style by western and eastern influences. He was born in Hong Kong, but has also lived in Sydney and London. He merges traditional Chinese inks with European watercolour and pen techniques in a contemporary style. He is self-taught, and utilizes many different techniques and subject matters to expand his work. Marc also runs the blog www.redinkstone.com – a website dedicated to helping aspiring artists achieve successful and sustainable careers in the art world. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/marcallanteIn this episode, Marc discusses:-How his art career was jump started when his friend posted one of his pieces on Reddit and the thread went viral. -How he utilized that "break" to make another post on Reddit, showcasing pieces of art he did throughout his childhood and life, and how that post went even more viral. -How he worked in financial risk at that time, and art was a hobby for him until that point. -The tough times that he was going through at the moment, with his mother being diagnosed with terminal cancer. -How he calculated whether or not he could quit his job before he jumped into being a full-time artist. -What it has been like in his first year as a full-time artist. -His advice to people with full-time jobs who want to still do their creative passion: dedicate some time every day, and you will see improvement and results. -The importance of developing a style with which you can differentiate yourself from other artists. -There are always valuable lessons to be learned in trying something new. -How art school has many things that it can teach you, but in today's world you can find out how to draw or paint in any style for free on the internet (or do anything creative, really). -About why he started redinkstone.com and how it can help expose artists to information about effectively marketing your work via social media, understanding contracts, and so much more. Marc's Final Push will inspire you to dedicate whatever free time you can find to furthering your realization of your dream. Quotes:"It does require a lot of effort and a lot of work to ensure that you properly utilize that momentum." "What am I going to regret more in life?  Am I going to regret a job that I'm kind of okay with or following through with a passion that is clearly working at this point?" "Even struggling for a few years would be a much more satisfying experience than cruising in a job that I didn't particularly enjoy." "Even if you are dedicating a half-hour or an hour every day it is going to improve that process and the skills that you are using." "The more that you practice and the more that you dedicate yourself to that subject or skill, you will see improvement and you will see results." "There's luck and there's also manufactured luck.  There's definitely ways that you can help it along." "It's good to be prepared and have the right tools in place so that if and when it does happen, you are ready for it." "Whatever time I could spare was to realize this dream."Links mentioned:"How I quit my corporate job to become a professional artist" Connect with Marc:Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Prints / Redinkstone

Marc is an artist whose work is inspired in both form and style by western and eastern influences. He was born in Hong Kong, but has also lived in Sydney and London. He merges traditional Chinese inks with European watercolour and pen techniques in a contemporary style. He is self-taught, and utilizes many different techniques and subject matters to expand his work. Marc also runs the blog <a href="http://www.redinkstone.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.redinkstone.com</a> – a website dedicated to helping aspiring artists achieve successful and sustainable careers in the art world. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/marcallante" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/marcallante</a>In this episode, Marc discusses: -How his art career was jump started when his friend posted one of his pieces on Reddit and the thread went viral. -How he utilized that "break" to make another post on Reddit, showcasing pieces of art he did throughout his childhood and life, and how that post went even more viral. -How he worked in financial risk at that time, and art was a hobby for him until that point. -The tough times that he was going through at the moment, with his mother being diagnosed with terminal cancer. -How he calculated whether or not he could quit his job before he jumped into being a full-time artist. -What it has been like in his first year as a full-time artist. -His advice to people with full-time jobs who want to still do their creative passion: dedicate some time every day, and you will see improvement and results. -The importance of developing a style with which you can differentiate yourself from other artists. -There are always valuable lessons to be learned in trying something new. -How art school has many things that it can teach you, but in today's world you can find out how to draw or paint in any style for free on the internet (or do anything creative, really). -About why he started <a href="http://redinkstone.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">redinkstone.com</a> and how it can help expose artists to information about effectively marketing your work via social media, understanding contracts, and so much more. Marc's Final Push will inspire you to dedicate whatever free time you can find to furthering your realization of your dream. Quotes: "It does require a lot of effort and a lot of work to ensure that you properly utilize that momentum." "What am I going to regret more in life?  Am I going to regret a job that I'm kind of okay with or following through with a passion that is clearly working at this point?" "Even struggling for a few years would be a much more satisfying experience than cruising in a job that I didn't particularly enjoy." "Even if you are dedicating a half-hour or an hour every day it is going to improve that process and the skills that you are using." "The more that you practice and the more that you dedicate yourself to that subject or skill, you will see improvement and you will see results." "There's luck and there's also manufactured luck.  There's definitely ways that you can help it along." "It's good to be prepared and have the right tools in place so that if and when it does happen, you are ready for it." "Whatever time I could spare was to realize this dream."Links mentioned: <a href="http://www.redinkstone.com/#!How-I-quit-my-corporate-job-to-become-a-professional-artist/dsch3/5640b6990cf2708e00120bf3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"How I quit my corporate job to become a professional artist" </a>Connect with Marc: <a href="http://www.marcallante.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MarcAllanteArt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marcallanteart/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/MarcAllanteArt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="https://society6.com/marcallante" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Prints</a> / <a href="http://www.redinkstone.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Redinkstone</a>

035: Be prepared to POUNCE on your lucky breaks (w/ Marc Allante)

Mattias Adolfsson

Mattias is an incredible artist and illustrator from Sweden whose drawings feature infectious characters, fantastical worlds, sci-fi elements, and gentle, pleasing colors.  His work has been seen in the New York Times, The Onion, and Spotify, just to name a few.  He has released 4 personal books, and his book “The second in line, from the sketchbooks of Mattias Adolfsson won “Most beautiful Swedish book” in 2014, as well as several other awards. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/mattiasIn this episode, Mattias discusses:-His initial journey in the workforce as he discovered what his true artistic passions were. -How his body physically told him that he could not work at the video game company after only a few days of working there. -How it can be a shock when you start freelancing because you are used to a steady paycheck. -The development and expansion of teams that work on video games going from a close-knit team of a few people to very large teams of hundreds of people. -How his only real hurdle in terms of creating things is his lack of time to create personal art. -How he actually gets excited if his plane gets delayed, because it gives him more time to create. -How his time with his sketchbook is like spending time in his own sanctuary. -His hardest time creatively when he quit his job at the video game studio. -How many artists wonder if they would be able to make the leap into a full-time career with their art and how scary it is to make that jump. -One of the deciding factors in him quitting his job was when one of his coworkers described himself as "elite." -How his brain and body already made the decision for him to quit. -How his best creative moments are when he is able to meet his fans. -How having children really taught him to appreciate what little time he has and to make better use of it. -The power in shutting off your phone in order to get work done (or breaking it!) -How creativity brings him a sense of calmness in his life. -His love for music and how electronic music is more international and universal than other forms of music. Mattias's Final Push will inspire you to start thinking about perhaps taking the leap into a creative career! Quotes:"I just filled up the sketchbooks with doodles." "My body just said "No, I can't continue making video games." "The older you get, the more sluggish your brain becomes." "I really feel that I have to create something personal each day." "It's almost like the sketchbook is a kind of sanctuary for me."Links mentioned:Mattias's Books MUSI 112: Listening to Music (Open Yale Courses) "Pump up the Volume: The History of House Music" (Youtube)Connect with Mattias:Website / Facebook / Behance 

Mattias is an incredible artist and illustrator from Sweden whose drawings feature infectious characters, fantastical worlds, sci-fi elements, and gentle, pleasing colors.  His work has been seen in the New York Times, The Onion, and Spotify, just to name a few.  He has released 4 personal books, and his book “The second in line, from the sketchbooks of Mattias Adolfsson won “Most beautiful Swedish book” in 2014, as well as several other awards. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/mattias" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/mattias</a>In this episode, Mattias discusses: -His initial journey in the workforce as he discovered what his true artistic passions were. -How his body physically told him that he could not work at the video game company after only a few days of working there. -How it can be a shock when you start freelancing because you are used to a steady paycheck. -The development and expansion of teams that work on video games going from a close-knit team of a few people to very large teams of hundreds of people. -How his only real hurdle in terms of creating things is his lack of time to create personal art. -How he actually gets excited if his plane gets delayed, because it gives him more time to create. -How his time with his sketchbook is like spending time in his own sanctuary. -His hardest time creatively when he quit his job at the video game studio. -How many artists wonder if they would be able to make the leap into a full-time career with their art and how scary it is to make that jump. -One of the deciding factors in him quitting his job was when one of his coworkers described himself as "elite." -How his brain and body already made the decision for him to quit. -How his best creative moments are when he is able to meet his fans. -How having children really taught him to appreciate what little time he has and to make better use of it. -The power in shutting off your phone in order to get work done (or breaking it!) -How creativity brings him a sense of calmness in his life. -His love for music and how electronic music is more international and universal than other forms of music. Mattias's Final Push will inspire you to start thinking about perhaps taking the leap into a creative career! Quotes: "I just filled up the sketchbooks with doodles." "My body just said "No, I can't continue making video games." "The older you get, the more sluggish your brain becomes." "I really feel that I have to create something personal each day." "It's almost like the sketchbook is a kind of sanctuary for me."Links mentioned: <a href="http://mattiasadolfsson.tictail.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mattias's Books</a> <a href="http://oyc.yale.edu/music/musi-112" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MUSI 112: Listening to Music</a> (Open Yale Courses) "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IxFz6qglxA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pump up the Volume: The History of House Music</a>" (Youtube)Connect with Mattias: <a href="http://mattiasadolfsson.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Mattias.O.Adolfsson/timeline" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://www.behance.net/MattiasA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Behance</a>

062: Your art is your SANCTUARY so go and RELAX! (w/ Mattias Adolfsson)

Michele Chiaramonte

Michele Chiaramonte is a former New York City school-teacher turned stay-at-home mom, turned woodworker.  She designs and hand-makes children’s imaginative play toys for her company, Little Miss Workbench, an ecofriendly workshop out of Bellport Village, New York. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/littlemissworkbench In this episode, Michele discusses: -The story of how Little Miss Workbench came to be. -How her daughter, Mali, was always trying to play with her DSLR camera, which gave her the idea to make her a wooden one of her own. -How the camera evolved as it was being created and as more people got their hands on it. -The support of friends and family who were interested in having the toys for themselves or someone they knew. -How she always wanted Little Miss Workbench to be a home-grown company that stayed in the United States. -The skills that she learned growing up from her father, who was a master craftsman. -The importance of being able to surround yourself with people and resources that can help support, teach, and encourage you. -How she would have to split up her time thinking and working on her projects in the limited time that she had as a mother. -How she tries to look at "work" as "play" and what a shame it is when people concentrate on the success of what they do is based on money rather than what makes them happy. -Her attempt to get kids (and adults) to be imaginative and to look at the world around them with wonder. -Her "figure-it-out-as-we-go" mentality. -How big opportunities can often be as terrifying as they are joyful. Michele's Final Push will inspire you to figure out what it is that makes you tick, and then run with it! Quotes: "For my first Mother's Day, I asked my husband if he would get me a table saw." "It's always important to think about what things are already out there.  Is it really feasible for you to make it with creating your own business, creating something that people aren't doing already." "She was ecstatic when we first gave it to her.  She knew exactly what to do.  It was incredible." "It evolved as it was being created." "The whole idea was to be hand-making these things and providing something that has a story behind it.  Not just this manufactured good that gets put on the shelf for people to buy." "It's just how you define what "stay-at-home mom" means.  You can still be a rocket and be a mom 100% and also continue to fulfill your dreams." "When you think about what kids play with today, there's not a whole lot of imagination that's going on." "At the end of the day, you just have to have courage.  You figure out how you're going to make it work, and if you feel that you're not capable of making it work, you have to ask for help." "People often feel like they are failures because they weren't able to accomplish something on their own, but you really do need others to accomplish things that you set out to do." "You become inspired to do something, but if you don't act upon it, no one else is going to do it for you." "It's never going to happen unless you make it happen." Connect with Michele: Website / Instagram 

Michele Chiaramonte is a former New York City school-teacher turned stay-at-home mom, turned woodworker.  She designs and hand-makes children’s imaginative play toys for her company, Little Miss Workbench, an ecofriendly workshop out of Bellport Village, New York. Full shownotes: <a href="http://yourcreativepush.com/littlemissworkbench" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://yourcreativepush.com/littlemissworkbench</a> In this episode, Michele discusses: -The story of how Little Miss Workbench came to be. -How her daughter, Mali, was always trying to play with her DSLR camera, which gave her the idea to make her a wooden one of her own. -How the camera evolved as it was being created and as more people got their hands on it. -The support of friends and family who were interested in having the toys for themselves or someone they knew. -How she always wanted Little Miss Workbench to be a home-grown company that stayed in the United States. -The skills that she learned growing up from her father, who was a master craftsman. -The importance of being able to surround yourself with people and resources that can help support, teach, and encourage you. -How she would have to split up her time thinking and working on her projects in the limited time that she had as a mother. -How she tries to look at "work" as "play" and what a shame it is when people concentrate on the success of what they do is based on money rather than what makes them happy. -Her attempt to get kids (and adults) to be imaginative and to look at the world around them with wonder. -Her "figure-it-out-as-we-go" mentality. -How big opportunities can often be as terrifying as they are joyful. Michele's Final Push will inspire you to figure out what it is that makes you tick, and then run with it! Quotes: "For my first Mother's Day, I asked my husband if he would get me a table saw." "It's always important to think about what things are already out there.  Is it really feasible for you to make it with creating your own business, creating something that people aren't doing already." "She was ecstatic when we first gave it to her.  She knew exactly what to do.  It was incredible." "It evolved as it was being created." "The whole idea was to be hand-making these things and providing something that has a story behind it.  Not just this manufactured good that gets put on the shelf for people to buy." "It's just how you define what "stay-at-home mom" means.  You can still be a rocket and be a mom 100% and also continue to fulfill your dreams." "When you think about what kids play with today, there's not a whole lot of imagination that's going on." "At the end of the day, you just have to have courage.  You figure out how you're going to make it work, and if you feel that you're not capable of making it work, you have to ask for help." "People often feel like they are failures because they weren't able to accomplish something on their own, but you really do need others to accomplish things that you set out to do." "You become inspired to do something, but if you don't act upon it, no one else is going to do it for you." "It's never going to happen unless you make it happen." Connect with Michele: <a href="http://www.littlemissworkbench.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/littlemissworkbench/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>

112: Be IMAGINATIVE and see WORK as PLAY! (w/ Michele Chiaramonte)

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