Creative Pep Talk

Eliza Kinkz, a playful picture book artist and author of 'Miss Taco,' brings infectious creativity and joy to the conversation. She shares inspiring process tips to keep the fun and flow alive in your artistic journey. Kinkz reveals her unique strategies for connecting with her young audience, emphasizing the importance of authentic experiences in children's literature. With anecdotes that highlight humor's role in storytelling, she inspires artists to embrace playfulness, making creativity both engaging and fulfilling.

Feeling lost on your creative journey? Explore the challenges of building habits uniquely suited for creatives, where novelty and joy reign supreme. Discover how personal engagement transforms habit formation, and learn to embrace flexibility over rigidity in your routines. With anecdotes about running and coffee, see how adapting habits can spark motivation. The host shares their journey as a bestselling author, highlighting the importance of community and gratitude on the road to a fulfilling creative career.

Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, PhD, a senior research scientist at Yale's Center for Emotional Intelligence, discusses how to harness your creative potential. She emphasizes the importance of transitioning from ideas to execution and how a growth mindset can help overcome fears of failure. Zorana also explores the emotional dualities of creativity and how understanding emotions can enhance your creative process. Tips on balancing work, family, and personal projects, as well as breaking through initial creative limits, provide valuable insights for aspiring artists.

Feeling overwhelmed as a creative? This episode delivers a heartfelt message for sensitive artists seeking to reignite their spark. It explores the unique challenges of navigating both pain and beauty in the creative process. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their sensitivity and find balance through self-care and reflection. Discover the power of connecting with the creative community and how engaging with films can inspire and rejuvenate your artistic spirit. Dive in for practical strategies to reclaim your creativity!

Join Bob Shea, a talented author and illustrator of children's picture books, as he shares his insights on creativity and storytelling. He discusses how ADHD has influenced his creative process, highlighting the importance of fun and authenticity in his work. The conversation delves into the value of playfulness and relaxation in sparking creativity. Bob also reflects on personal experiences with mistakes, growth, and collaboration in the publishing industry, emphasizing the need for self-kindness and community in navigating the creative journey.

Feeling creatively stuck? Discover ways to reignite your passion and finish projects strong. The conversation dives into the challenges beginners and seasoned creators face, along with insights on ADHD and personal motivation. Learn about the importance of deadlines and how to find your unique triggers for creativity. Plus, explore the concept of 'dating yourself' for deeper self-discovery as an artist. Celebrate your creative journey while gaining valuable tips to navigate it!

Join Caldecott-winning author and illustrator Brian Selznick, known for his innovative storytelling in 'The Invention of Hugo Cabret', as he dives into the magic of finding your creative voice. He reflects on personal identity, discussing the evolution of queer narratives in literature. Hear about the alchemy of combining text and illustrations in his new book 'Run Away with Me'. Brian emphasizes the importance of reframing challenges and embracing synchronicity in creativity, inspiring listeners to connect authentically with their artistic journeys.

Feeling lost in your creative journey? Discover how to shift from comparison to celebrating your unique strengths. Explore the importance of embracing individuality and how failure can lead to growth. Reflect on powerful insights from iconic characters, emphasizing empathy and community. Uncover your secret creative powers and learn to tap into them for personal fulfillment. With personal anecdotes and practical advice, this discussion inspires listeners to reclaim their creative confidence!

Feeling lost in your creative journey? The conversation emphasizes embracing uncertainty as an opportunity for growth. It explores the balance between exploratory and strategic creativity, urging listeners to cultivate creativity for its own sake. Discover how to transform stress into motivating energy and reflect on pivotal moments for hidden inspiration. The hosts encourage a mindset shift, viewing challenges as pathways to creative breakthroughs and personal development.

In this engaging discussion, poet Maggie Smith, known for her impactful poem 'Good Bones' and her book 'Dear Writer: Pep Talks and Practical Advice for the Creative Life,' shares invaluable insights into the creative process. She emphasizes that creativity is a skill accessible to everyone, not just a gift for the chosen few. Maggie explores the importance of patience and the interplay between inspiration and craftsmanship. She also addresses the dual nature of creativity, highlighting how both praise and critique can fuel artistic expression.