How to Be Creative

This week I'm talking to writer, veteran, and tech professional Billy Peters about World War III, the concept of coming home when home doesn't fully exist, and what it means to be a writer with military experience who doesn't want to be a war writer.

This week, I'm talking with director Ivy Jelisavac about intrinsic motivation, creating structure to get things done, and building community online. For the past two years, Ivy's been my creative accountability partner, and I'm tremendously inspired by her grit, talent, and commitment to creating a better world--and film industry.

Today I'm chatting with Jennifer Wiese, founder of Workroom Social, about running a creative small business, authenticity, and the value of hobbies. Discussed on this episode: Jen's upcoming Intro to Garment Sewing Intensive!Workroom Social websiteWorkroom Social on YouTubeWorkroom Social on InstagramWorkroom Social on FacebookWorkroom Social on TwitterWorkroom Social on PinterestClaryville JeansSaturday Morning Breakfast Cereal: 11 LivesIn Praise of MediocrityStanford d.schoolInstagram TwitterHTBC InstagramFind a full episode transcript at https://howtobecreative.org/?p=267

In this solo episode, I talk about taking a break to recover after being in a creative rut. Discussed on this episode: Rachel Syme on TwitterGoodreadsReal Talk Radio with Nicole AntoinetteInstagram TwitterHTBC Instagram

Today I'm chatting with psychotherapist and entrepreneur Kimberly Wilson about her journey as a multipassionate entrepreneur, getting things done while preserving your energy, and making space in your life for regular creative play. Kimberly Wilson is a psychotherapist in private practice, serves as president of Pigs & Pugs Project, and designs eco-fashion line TranquiliT. In 1999 she founded Tranquil Space —named among the top 25 yoga studios in the world by Travel + Leisure—and sold it to YogaWorks in 2017. She's penned a few lifestyle books catered to tranquility seekers and hosted a podcast since 2005. Here's what we discussed on this episode: Kimberly's websiteKimberly on InstagramTranquiliTInstagramPigs & Pugs ProjectInstagramTranquility du Jour LiveThe E-Myth12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women12 Secrets of Highly Successful WomenSaturday Morning Breakfast Cereal: 11 LivesInstagram TwitterHTBC Instagram

Today I'm chatting with illustrator Shama Hussain about inspiration, her creative process, and discovering new creative pursuits as an adult. Shama Hussain is a social media strategist and artist living in Manhattan. She currently works at IBM and has previously worked on social media for NBC, UN Women, New York Magazine, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and the Obama White House. Outside of her day job, she is a self-taught illustrator and likes to create art that shares a story and a message. Shama is a native New Yorker and has lived around the world. Links from this episode: Sketched by Shama on InstagramInternational Rescue CommitteeChris Saunders Bob Marley sketch"God will give you..." sketchTailor Made ShopSaturday Morning Breakfast Cereal: 11 LivesInstagram TwitterHTBC Instagram

Today I'm chatting with writer Theodora Blanchfield about the role creative work has played in her mental health journey. In this candid conversation, Theodora shares what caring for her mental health has meant for her in the aftermath of her mother's death from cancer and while she's navigated other challenges including career changes and breakups. Where to find Theodora: @theodorable@tblanchfieldPreppy RunnerAs always, you can find show notes, including a complete episode transcript and links to everything discussed today, at howtobecreative.org.

Today I'm talking with coach and writer Tiffany Han about incremental progress, making space, and saying yes to what you really want in life. As a participant in Tiffany's Raise Your Hand Say Yes Inner Circle, I'm so excited about this episode. I've gained so much from working with and getting to know Tiffany over the past year, and I'm thrilled to be able to share just a bit of her wisdom with you! Links: Tiffany HanRaise Your Hand Say Yes Inner Circle@thetiffanyhanthetiffanyhanRaise Your Hand Say YesInstagram TwitterHTBC InstagramYou can find show notes, including a complete episode transcript, at https://howtobecreative.org/?p=158

This week I'm talking about how tiny changes--taking a different route to work, stopping to notice your surroundings--can give you a fresh perspective. Can doing little things over time dramatically change your life? Spoiler alert: yes! Here's what I discussed on this episode: Nicole Antoinette/Real Talk RadioAtlas ObscuraDuolingoAtomic HabitsCavedayTheodora Blanchfield/This May Be Oversharing... podcastInstagram TwitterHTBC InstagramYou can find a full episode transcript at https://howtobecreative.org/?p=141

Today I'm talking with artist and activist Kimberly Enjoli about the intersection of art and activism, how to support activist movements beyond being out in the streets, and why art is even more necessary in a deeply troubled world. Some of the organizations discussed on this episode: TwitterFacebookEquality for FlatbushPeoples Power AssembliesWhere to find Kimberly: @groundwork_zine@sugarwaterartdeptTo support Ramsey Orta: Sign the letter of support of Ramsey Orta's release on parole Send letters to Ramsey: Ramsey Orta 16A4200 Collins Correctional Facility Middle Road p.o. box 340 Collins, NY 14034 *Must include his din # and your whole name and address on the envelope, or it may be sent back* Donate to Ramsey via PayPal at OfficialRamseyOrta@gmail.com (can also email with any questions) You can find a full transcript of today's episode at https://howtobecreative.org/?p=148

On this episode, I talk about how to get started on your creative work: getting past excuses, making tradeoffs, setting boundaries, and finding a support network. Here’s what I discussed on this episode: Business Christmas podcastTheodora Blanchfield/This May Be Oversharing… podcastCreative MorningsMy accountability partner, Ivy JelisavacTwitterInstagram TwitterHTBC InstagramYou can find a full episode transcript at https://howtobecreative.org/2019/08/26/episode-1-getting-started/

Welcome to How to Be Creative, a podcast about what it means to be creative across different disciplines, industries, life circumstances, and career structures. You’ll learn tips for fitting creativity into your daily life, and hear from a bunch of different people about how being creative has helped them reach goals, open doors, and live a more rewarding--or at least more interesting--life. Subscribe now to receive the first full episode when it drops on Monday, August 26.