Art Happens... Here

I stumbled upon this really inspirational show called "Art Happens Here with John Lithgow" (Check out the trailer here).

Picture this: John Lithgow (yeah, the dude from 3rd Rock From the Sun and a gazillion other things) willingly subjects himself to the horrors and joys of going back to school.

And what's the catch? He's there to prove a point about the magic of arts education. From dance to ceramics, silk-screen printing to vocal jazz ensemble, Lithgow dives headfirst into it all, showcasing how creativity can be the ultimate life hack

In his own words, Lithgow states:

"The arts give young people all sorts of tools to move on in life, even in the other areas of academia...They teach them discipline and hard work and patience and collaboration and cooperation and civility. They give young people an early sense of empathy....Hi everybody I'm John Lithgow. Come along and watch me go back to school. Printmaking, ceramics, vocal jazz ensemble, and dance. And celebrate arts in education with a bunch of incredible kids. It's called Art Happens Here."

Now, let's talk about you…

You are never too old to learn or grow. (and I'm not just saying that because I keep getting older...)

It's easy to get stagnant. Complacent. Comfortable.

When was the last time you tried something new? Perhaps something you really suck at? (we don't like that part. We want to be immediately great out of the gate!)

But hey, that's where the magic happens. It's about breaking through those self-imposed ceilings and embracing the chaos of learning something new. (yes, messy)

So, here's the challenge: sign up for a class in a completely alien (yes, a nice call back to 3rd Rock show.. wink, wink) creative discipline. Watch how it shakes up your world, how it breathes new life into your tired routine. And if you're feeling a bit lonely on this journey, fear not! Join us at the Daily Creative Habit Membership for some much-needed company.

In the end, just remember: age is just a number, and learning is a lifelong adventure.

Whatever you do, just be sure to never stop learning and growing. Your creativity depends on it!

The Monster Under Your Creativity Bed

We've all been there.

Staring at a blank page (or screen) that feels more like a judgmental abyss than a canvas for brilliance. That nagging voice whispers, "Who do you think you are, creating something amazing?" But fear not, because today we're slaying the monsters that lurk under the bed of creativity!

Let's get real actionable!
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Monster #1: The Perfectionist Posse

These guys wear ironed suits of self-doubt and wield pitchforks of "what ifs." They convince you your work needs to be a masterpiece before it even sees the light of day. Actionable Step: Ditch the all-or-nothing mentality. Create something messy, imperfect, and freaking awesome. Nobody wrote a novel on the first try, and Picasso didn't start with masterpieces (seriously, look up his early work, it's...interesting).

Monster #2: The Comparison Goblin

This green-eyed gremlin loves showing you other people's achievements and whispering, "You'll never be that good." Actionable Step: Unfollow the highlight reels! Focus on your own journey, your unique spark. There's room for all kinds of creativity in the world, and yours brings something special nobody else can replicate. You do you boo.

Monster #3: The Time Thief

This shadowy figure steals your hours with "just one more episode" (I feel exposed) and "I'll get to it tomorrow." Actionable Step: Schedule your creativity! Block out dedicated time, even if it's just 15 minutes a day. Treat it like an important appointment you wouldn't dare miss.

Monster #4: The "Someday" Dragon

This mythical beast hoards your ideas in a cave of "somedays" that never come. Actionable Step: Start small. Take one tiny step towards your creative dream today. Write a sentence, sketch a doodle, record a single voice memo. Momentum is magic, and tiny steps lead to big journeys. (Take some Abracadabra naysayers!)

Here's the thing: sometimes, the biggest monster is the one we create ourselves.

Remember the classic children's book, "There's a Monster at the End of This Book?" (It's my FAVORITE!) Grover spends the entire story freaking out because there's supposedly a monster at the end of the book. He keeps telling you NOT to turn the pages. But guess who the monster is? Grover himself!

We are often the monsters stopping ourselves from creating.

So grab your metaphorical flamethrower of self-belief and roast those creativity-sucking monsters! The world needs your unique spark. Now get out there and make something messy, magnificent, and entirely you!

Want to join a merry band of creative monster slayers? Become a Daily Creative Habit Member!

Lost your creative Mojo and feeling burned out?

Talent isn’t enough.

The first time I heard that statement, I don’t think I really agreed, until I took a closer look.

I had seen plenty of talented people have lots of opportunities that seemed to elude me. But I also have witnessed fellow art school students who were the top of the class talent-wise, crash and burn, leaving their art and creativity behind completely.

And all these years later, I have seen the same for many successful professional creative people.

It’s entirely possible to seem to have it all from an outward appearance, but to feel creatively bankrupt inside.

• You can have an impressive client list.

• You can have tons of awards and accolades.

• You can be postured publicly for success.

• And be utterly frustrated and dissatisfied.

I worked with fellow creatives in large advertising agencies with huge global corporate clients you would know. So much creative energy was leveraged for the clients that nothing was left for their personal expression. The clients were king, leaving them feeling like there was no room for self-expression or creative freedom in their life. Creating significant work seemed elusive.

It’s easy to build an empire that you can’t escape from. The never-ending cycle of creative pitches, client kiboshes, followed by frustration and discouragement. Rinse and repeat.

And it’s even more devastating when that empire is yanked away from you, because the powers that be decide on “creatively flushing the system” or the economy turns upside-down. I witnessed this up close in my first full-time creative position. Wide sweeping firing at all levels of the corporation in order to get "new blood." Talent couldn’t save anyone.

While not everything you create is meant for public consumption or has a place within client-driven projects, what I am saying is that we need our own creative space. No clients. No agendas. No financial pressures. A place where we are free to play, experiment and make mistakes without occupational repercussions.

While everyone is clamoring for the latest and greatest creative ideas, it’s easy to copy the culture around us while never diving deep enough to find something connected to what we uniquely have to offer. But here’s the honest truth: if you don’t take the time to cultivate your own voice, no one is going to do it for you.

This has all been part of my own creative journey. And as I talk with fellow creative people, I know I’m not alone. Does this resonate?

That’s a part of why I launched the Daily Creative Habit Membership. It's a place to invest in YOU and your creativity. To hone your voice, style, see results and creative transformation through consistent work. All in the context of a supportive creative community, and a live monthly call.

If you're ready to reignite your passion, discover your unique voice, and build a wellspring of creative inspiration, head over to the Daily Creative Habit Membership to learn more about or join today:

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