We're continuing our mission to help you create a crave-worthy career with 20 more tips to juice your creativity! Immerse yourself in the juicy goodness and share them with your favorite creative friends. And don't forget to check out the first 25 Tips.
- Take your work seriously. You're making a contribution to the world that would not exist without you. Honor that reality.
- Ask for support when you need it. Working in a vacuum is not necessary to preserve your authentic expression.
- Give credit where credit is due. All artists are influenced by work that came before them. If you were inspired by someone or something, happily say so!
- Embrace technology. You may be surprised how helpful it can be in your process.
- Look for inspiration in unlikely places. Is there someone in another industry that you admire? Can you translate what they do into your area of expertise?
- Eliminate energy drainers from your life. Be they people, places or things.
- Identify your biggest distractions and take steps to minimize their presence during your peak creative times.
- Be clear about who you are as an artist. What do you want to be known and remembered for?
- Find online and offline communities to join. Social interaction can break many a creative block.
- Be kind to yourself and commit to eliminating negative self talk.
- Remember that perfection does not exist. Really, it doesn't.
- Experiment with different art forms. If you're a painter, try choreographing a one-minute dance routine. You might be surprised by what shakes loose!
- Remember that most 'overnight successes' have been working for 20 years or more.
- Eliminate stress by making sure you have what you need. Keep your personal tank full with healthy food, time to exercise and a job/side hustle for extra cash. Running on empty is counterproductive.
- Find time to volunteer for a cause that's closely aligned with your work. You'll be giving back, expanding your network and increasing your impact.
- Set an audacious goal! Go ahead, scare yourself a little!
- Change your scenery. Travel or take a short trip. Can't get away right now? Go simpler and change your route home. Breaking a well-worn routine is great for sparking new ideas.
- Form an Artists Council with three or four friends who can give you honest feedback and a fresh perspective.
- Give yourself a break. Consider taking a month or more away from your art. You'll return as a whole new you!
- Plan a show for your unfinished work. Pick a date, find a location and start promoting it. Public deadlines are awesome fire starters!
Stay tuned for more Creative Entrepreneur Tips and join the conversation by tweeting your favorite tip using the hash tag #GreenlightYourselfTips. And don't forget to follow Greenlight Yourself on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
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This is a great list and so is the first. As a graphic designer and sign maker, I can relate to many of the items you listed. They apply to many professions outside the creative arena as well. Nice blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks Teresa! I'm glad you found it relatable. You're right, sound principles can be applied just about anywhere!
DeleteEnergy suckers (people, even family) are enemies. Mortal enemies. Daily life is literally a battle of life and death, so you have to take yourself seriously and (without drama) get rid of the people that can cause you harm.
ReplyDeleteOr, at the very least, limit their access to you.
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