Jeff Madoff, a fashion designer, playwright, author, professor, and entrepreneur, explores the essence of creativity. They discuss how creativity is innate in every human, how it solves problems and translates ideas into businesses. Topics covered include pursuing passions, fear of being perceived as cringe, embracing risk, evolution of failure, starting new creative projects, and challenges in starting a podcast.
Creativity is fueled by factors such as curiosity, engagement, humor, and connection.
Exploring childhood passions can provide insight into one's true creative calling.
Finding a balance between financial stability and creative fulfillment is important when pursuing creative projects or businesses.
Deep dives
Creativity fueled by curiosity, engagement, humor, and connection
Creativity is an essential ingredient for a well-lived life, but it is driven by other factors such as curiosity, engagement, humor, and connection. It is important to nurture these qualities in order to tap into one's creative potential and find satisfaction in creative pursuits. Perseverance is also crucial, as it helps overcome the challenges and setbacks that come with creative endeavors.
Discovering childhood passions as a guide to creativity
Looking back at what ignited our passions as children can provide insight into our true creative calling. Many artists and creatives find that what they loved doing as kids aligns with their adult careers. Understanding what brought us joy and engagement as children can help guide us towards fulfilling and creative paths in life. By prioritizing our innate curiosities and engaging in activities that light us up, we can unleash our creative potential.
Balancing financial motivations with creative fulfillment
When pursuing creative projects or starting a business, it's important to strike a balance between making money and finding creative fulfillment. While financial stability is necessary, the emotional satisfaction and engagement that comes from pursuing creative passions is equally important. By valuing curiosity, connection, and personal engagement, individuals can find ways to make a living doing what they truly love.
The importance of perseverance in creativity
Perseverance is a key factor in creative pursuits. Starting and sustaining a creative project or business takes time, effort, and resilience. Recognizing that there will be obstacles and setbacks is crucial for maintaining the motivation and drive to continue despite challenges. Perseverance allows individuals to navigate through failures, learn from them, and keep pushing forward in their creative endeavors.
Embracing creativity without seeking permission
To embark on a creative path, one must give oneself permission to pursue it. Seeking validation or permission from others can hinder creative growth. It's important to prioritize and value one's own creative instincts and ideas. By understanding that creativity is a personal journey driven by curiosity and engagement, individuals can break free from seeking external approval and fully embrace their creative potential.
When you think of creativity, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s a disheveled Earnest Hemingway writing in a cafe in Spain. Or a prolific artist like Beyoncé who churns out hit after hit and sells out stadiums. But every single human being is a creative being. Creativity is about how you solve problems, how you put yourself out there and how you translate ideas into businesses. [Episode 35]
Jeffrey B. Madoff is a fashion designer, playwright, author, professor and entrepreneur. He wrote the book Creative Careers: Making a Living With Your Ideas based on the class he developed and teaches at Parsons School of Design, in NYC.
Learn more about Jeff:
• Check out Madoff Productions
