Why Your Next Big Idea Might Just Be a Classic

How Jim Henson Turned Rejection into Creative Gold.

If you haven’t seen the Ron Howard documentary yet, do yourself a favor and watch “Jim Henson: Idea Man” on Disney Plus. (It’s a game-changer!) After watching I found myself swirling in thoughts and inspiration.

Let's take a dive into the genius of Jim Henson and discover some valuable lessons for our own creative journeys.

Jim Henson: The Ultimate Idea Machine

I've always felt a deep connection with Jim Henson’s work—way more than Disney, to be honest. Disney was an occasional trip to fantasyland - it was "out there." But Henson? He was in my living room every day, making me laugh and feel understood. (I mean Sesame Street, the Muppets, on and on). His humor, creativity, and relentless pursuit of ideas are something we can all learn from.

Lesson 1: Curiosity Fuels Creativity

Watching the Disney Plus documentary “Jim Henson: Idea Man” was a solid reminder of his relentless curiosity. Henson didn’t just stick to one thing; he followed his ideas wherever they led (Even when they never led to becoming a real thing, like the night club he envisioned). It’s this curiosity that drove him from project to project, making him a true creative powerhouse.

Takeaway: Don’t box yourself in. Let your curiosity guide you. Explore new mediums, experiment, and keep the creative flame alive.

Lesson 2: Embrace Failure

Let’s be real—most of what we create won’t be instant hits (cue sad horns). Henson’s Muppet Show faced rejection after rejection. "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth" were initially flops. Yet, they’re now classics.

Takeaway: Failure isn’t the end; it’s part of the journey (but it still stings in the moment). Every rejection is a step closer to your next success. Keep creating, no matter what.

Lesson 3: The Joy of Making

Henson’s life and work are a testament to the joy of making. The process of creating—drawing, painting, sculpting, designing, writing, performing—is fulfilling in itself.

Takeaway: Focus on the joy of creation. Whether it’s a masterpiece or a forgotten project, the act of creating is what truly matters.

Lesson 4: Creativity as a Calling

Being a creative is no easy feat. It’s full of hurdles, both internal and external. Someone once told me (in a former career life), “You go into ministry because you can’t not do it. But it’s not for the faint of heart.” The same goes for creativity. It’s a calling, something you can’t shake off.

Takeaway: Embrace your creative calling. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Keep making, keep dreaming, and keep pushing forward.

Like Jim Henson, I’m driven by the need to create. I’ve made everything from drawings and music to events and books. Not everything has been successful, but the process has shaped me into who I am today.

Be inspired by Henson’s legacy. Keep chasing your ideas and turning them into real things. We need those real things—both for ourselves and for the world.

Keep creating, keep dreaming, and keep being awesome!

An Unresolved Idea: The Art of Storytelling

This is going to be one of those blog posts that doesn't have a bow on top. It's not going to resolve nicely, or present a complete narrative, or 5 ways to do such and such. No, this post is just me sharing an idea. Sharing something incomplete. Who knows, maybe you’ll help play a part in helping complete it.

Last year, I came to the realization that there just might be more opportunity in this thing I “just do”, namely drawing. Out of that and a trip to a conference called Tribe, was born a new service I now provide - event sketching. You can read more about that here.

This year, i’m feeling prompted to take that idea further. I need to tell more stories in my art - on location and in the moment drawings of people and places, events and stories. A kind of experiencing and then reporting with the art that is created.

I’ve done a little of this in the past. A few years ago, I was able to go on a missions trip with my church, partnering with Living Water International, an organization that helps bring clean water to those most in need of it. We were sent to help build a well, and teach the village about hygiene and the importance of clean water.

While on this trip to Nicaragua, I brought along a sketchbook and chronicled the trip. I drew and painted everything from the travel, to the teammates, to the activities we did and the people we met. At the time I didn’t realize how important this act of creating art in the moment would actually be. It’s been a few years, but I can open that sketchbook and vividly remember details that not even a photograph could help capture. The stories I encountered are forever linked with the art I created.

“The stories I encountered are forever linked with the art I created.”

Fast forward to today. I’ve been intentionally taking more time out to be quiet, listen and pray. This idea returns to me. How can I tell more stories through my art this year? How can I leverage it for the benefit and service of others, especially those without a voice, those who need to have their story told? What could that look like?

These are the questions i’m pondering. I don’t know what that looks like yet. I don’t have opportunity, connections, resources, money…. or anything really, except this idea. Maybe something happens, maybe it doesn't. I really don't know to be honest. But perhaps you have a thought to contribute, or another piece of the puzzle. If you do, I'd love to hear it.

So that's all I’ve got for now. This embryo of an idea. Maybe it's premature to bring out into the light, but the thing is, this idea feels bigger than me. So it's not about me keeping it under wraps until I figure it out, it's about releasing this and seeing if it resonates with more people too. And grows.

Whatever happens, I hope to create more art that tells stories that honor people, and glorify God.

What story would you tell through art?