Creative Pep Talk

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.

Feeling lost in your creative journey? Discover how to tackle overwhelming to-do lists and focus on getting things done rather than seeking perfection. Embrace imperfection as a vital part of the creative process and learn to find joy in your work, rather than fear. Prioritizing completion can unlock new levels of productivity, while accepting flaws will make your projects more authentic. Get insights on managing expectations and find motivation to finish those unfinished creative tasks!

Feel like things have changed or are always changing? Do you find yourself changing yourself to fit? Where do you really want to be? In this episode I am joined by artist and author, Morgan Harper Nichols. We discuss envisioning a future for yourself that you actually want to go towards and how to find the right creative home within all the possibilities. https://morganharpernichols.com ------ Feeling lost on the creative journey? Download our 7 step Creative Career Path Handbooklet for FREE by signing up to our newsletter here: andyjpizza.substack.com   SHOW NOTES: Co-Writing / Editing: Sophie Miller http://sophiemiller.co Audio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones http://pendingbeautiful.coSoundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? http://whywithaquestionmark.com SPONSORS:SQUARESPACEHead to https://www.squarespace.com/PEPTALK to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PEPTALK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeling lost on the creative journey? Download our 7 step Creative Career Path Handbooklet for FREE by signing up to our newsletter here: andyjpizza.substack.com If you THINK more about making stuff than actually making stuff, this episode is for you! I tell a story that helped me realize that going the right way is overrated and what to do instead.SHOW NOTES:Co-Writing / Editing: Sophie Miller http://sophiemiller.coAudio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones http://pendingbeautiful.coSoundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? http://whywithaquestionmark.comWar of Art by Stephen Pressfieldhttps://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/Cal Newport Deep Workhttps://calnewport.com/writing/Christopher Vogler The Writers Journeyhttps://mwp.com/product/writers-journey-25th-anniversary-edition-mythic-structure-writers/Brian McDonald Invisible Inkhttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/invisible-ink-stewart-stern/1146054340SPONSORS:SQUARESPACEHead to https://www.squarespace.com/PEPTALK to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PEPTALK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sophie Yanow, an Eisner Award-winning cartoonist, shares her insights on building discipline in the creative process. She introduces the concept of a 'Gentle Comics Habit,' emphasizing the importance of manageable steps in habit formation. Topics include strategies for overcoming emotional challenges and maintaining motivation, especially for those with ADHD. Yanow highlights the transformative power of community in nurturing creativity and the value of personal outlets like blogging, emphasizing small daily practices for artistic growth.

In this insightful discussion, the host shares how to combat the tendency to quit by embracing creative experiments. They reveal five key strategies that have helped maintain consistency in producing 500 podcast episodes. The importance of developing a flexible podcast premise and establishing creative habits is emphasized, especially for those with ADHD. The journey of transforming from a serial quitter to a committed creator highlights the role of intrinsic motivation and the value of community support. Tune in for actionable tips to ignite your own creative journey!

Explore the creative pitfalls that artists face, from time constraints to the fear of sharing work. Discover how to transform challenges into opportunities for expression. The dialogue encourages embracing the fusion of writing and illustration, advocating for storytelling in all creative forms. Practical strategies to confront internal barriers and the importance of community support are emphasized. Plus, learn how grounding your work in concrete themes can elevate your artistic expression!

In this engaging discussion, artist, actor, and YouTuber Cheyenne Barton shares her journey through a recent creative crisis. She opens up about the emotional challenges of creating in the digital age and the pressures of metrics overshadowing genuine artistry. Cheyenne reflects on rediscovering joy in her work, emphasizing the importance of embracing personal strengths. The conversation also highlights unique skills artists can explore for growth, encouraging a more authentic and whimsical approach to creativity.

Creativity thrives beyond strict timelines and societal pressures. The discussion highlights how losing oneself in the creative process can lead to authenticity. Personal anecdotes and neuroscience reveal the importance of immersing in creativity, reminiscent of childhood joy. Listeners learn about seven unique 'brain types' that shape their idea generation, encouraging exploration of unconventional approaches. The emphasis is on nurturing personal routines and celebrating individual artistic voices.

Feeling overwhelmed by your creative pursuits? Discover a handy tool to categorize your tasks and focus on what truly matters. Dive into the world of positive psychology and its impact on creativity, moving away from mere positive thinking. Learn how to balance passion with profitability while finding your flow state. Explore the importance of passion in achieving mastery and overcoming societal expectations. This discussion encourages you to pursue your interests beyond your comfort zone for a more fulfilling life.