Want to learn how to navigate a creative career from the experiences of renowned personalities like Orson Welles, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Dave Chappelle, and Joan Rivers? Ever wondered how consistency, persistence, and lifelong learning can fuel your success? Curious about strategies to combat burnout while maintaining your creative momentum? Dive into these stories and more, for valuable lessons about the rollercoaster ride of a creative career!

Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered

Forget the "lone genius" myth that glorifies individuals like Mozart and Einstein as isolated superhumans. Creativity thrives in a collaborative environment, or "scenius," as musician Brian Eno calls it. Great ideas often come from a group of creative minds—artists, thinkers, and curators—who share, steal, and build on each other's ideas.

Consider the Internet, a vast network of sceniuses where anyone can contribute, regardless of status or expertise. Charlie Chaplin once said, “That’s all any of us are: amateurs,” capturing the spirit of those who pursue their passions for love, not fame. Amateurs take risks, experiment, and, in doing so, often discover new things. Zen monk Shunryu Suzuki noted, “In the beginner’s mind, there are many possibilities,” highlighting the advantage of a fresh perspective.

Amateurs like Radiohead's Thom Yorke and John Lennon embrace uncertainty to fuel their creativity. Writer David Foster Wallace admired how ordinary people could offer profound insights by paying close attention to the world around them. C.S. Lewis suggested that sometimes fellow learners can explain things better than experts because they recently faced the same challenges.

The late Roger Ebert, despite losing his voice to cancer, found solace and purpose in blogging, sharing his thoughts and experiences with the world. His relentless output was driven by a sense of urgency, a reminder that our time is limited. Steve Jobs echoed this sentiment: “Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.”

Mortality can be a powerful motivator. Near-death experiences transformed lives, like George Lucas's car accident that led to Star Wars and Wayne Coyne's robbery that spurred him into action. While not everyone seeks such dramatic events, reading obituaries can serve as a daily reminder of life's brevity and the importance of contributing something meaningful.

So, join a scenius, share your work, embrace your amateur spirit, and remember that every creative act, no matter how small, adds value. "Find your voice, shout it from the rooftops, and keep doing it until the people that are looking for you find you," advises Dan Harmon. Share what you love, and those who love the same things will find you.

Can Embracing Your Amateur Spirit Unleash Unmatched Creativity?

"A lot of people are so used to just seeing the outcome of work. They never see the side of the work you go through to produce the outcome," said Michael Jackson. This idea is especially true for artists. 

Picture a painter: her "work" could refer to the final masterpiece or the messy, inspiring journey in her studio. It's the difference between "painting" as a noun and as a verb. Traditionally, artists were taught to keep their creative process hidden. As David Bayles and Ted Orland wrote in Art and Fear, “To all viewers but yourself, what matters is the product: the finished artwork. To you, and you alone, what matters is the process: the experience of shaping the artwork.”

But times have changed. Today, artists can connect with their audience anytime, thanks to social media. They can share sketches, studio snapshots, and inspirations online, fostering a unique bond with their followers. This openness might seem daunting, especially for those who remember Edgar Allan Poe's sentiment: “Most writers—poets especially prefer having it understood that they compose by a species of fine frenzy... and would positively shudder at letting the public take a peep behind the scenes.”

Yet, people are fascinated by the process behind the product. As designers Dan Provost and Tom Gerhardt put it in "It Will Be Exhilarating", “By putting things out there, consistently, you can form a relationship with your customers. It allows them to see the person behind the products.” Brené Brown adds, “In order for connection to happen, we have to allow ourselves to be seen—really seen.”

Take astronaut Chris Hadfield, for example. In 2013, he captured the world's imagination by sharing his life on the International Space Station. Through tweets, photos, and videos—like brushing his teeth and doing maintenance in space—he connected millions to the realities of an astronaut's life. His son Evan said, “Dad wanted a way to help people connect with the real side of what an astronaut’s life is. Not just the glamour and science, but also the day-to-day activities.”

While not all of us are astronauts or artists, everyone’s work has an art to it. Even if you feel your job leaves nothing tangible to show, sharing your process can be incredibly valuable. Journalist David Carr advised students to “make stuff. No one is going to give a damn about your résumé; they want to see what you have made with your own little fingers.”

So, become a documentarian of your life. Keep a journal, take photos, record videos—capture the scraps and residues of your process. You’ll start seeing your work more clearly and feel a sense of progress. And when you're ready, you'll have a treasure trove of material to share. Remember, it’s about turning the invisible into something others can see.

Unveiling the Art of Process: From Michael Jackson to Astronaut Chris Hadfield

"Put yourself out there every day, and you'll start meeting some amazing people," says Bobby Solomon. The notion of overnight success is a myth; it’s usually backed by a decade of hard work. Instead of focusing on years or months, zero in on the day. Each day, after your work, share a small piece of your process. Early stages? Share your influences. Mid-project? Discuss methods. Finished? Showcase the final product or what you learned.

Artist Ze Frank once said he’s more interested in what job candidates did last weekend than their old work. Your daily updates—be it a blog post, tweet, or video—act like DVD extras before the movie comes out. Social media sites are perfect for this. Filmmakers go to YouTube, businesspeople to LinkedIn, writers to Twitter, and visual artists to Instagram. Experiment with platforms, and don't be afraid to abandon those that don’t work for you.

Creativity is key. Blind film critic Tommy Edison posts daily photos on Instagram, followed by over 30,000 people. Always ask yourself, "What are you working on?" Stick to your work, not your lunch. Theodore Sturgeon noted that 90% of everything is crap; thus, sharing helps you gauge what works. Artist Wayne White agrees, saying social chemistry sometimes reveals the value of your work.

Time is found in the nooks and crannies of your day. Maybe you’ll lose some TV time or an hour of sleep, but you can find it. Set a timer for 30 minutes to share, then get back to work. Russell Brand and Dani Shapiro stress the importance of structuring and being selective with your words. Remember, anything posted online is public and permanent.

Strive to create both "stock" (durable content) and "flow" (daily updates), as Robin Sloan suggests. Use your daily posts to build up something substantial over time. Keep old ideas alive by revisiting them.

Andy Baio insists that owning your own online space is a great investment. Start with a domain name and build a website. It doesn’t need to be perfect, just functional. Think of it as a self-invention machine, not just self-promotion. Over time, this space will become the cornerstone of your career.

Patti Smith received valuable advice from William Burroughs: "Build a good name. Keep it clean. Don't make compromises. Do good work, and your name will be its own currency." Your domain is your domain. Whether people show up or not, you're out there, doing your thing, ready whenever they are.

Can Daily Sharing and Creativity Amplify Your Online Presence and Career Success?

Imagine living in 16th-century Europe, where the wealthy and educated showcased their knowledge through Wunderkammern, or “cabinets of curiosities.” These rooms brimmed with rare and remarkable items—books, skeletons, jewels, and exotic artifacts—blending the marvels of nature and human ingenuity. These collections were the ancestors of modern museums, dedicated to history, nature, and art.

We all have our own collections, whether they’re physical objects like books and records or intangible memories and experiences that shape our tastes and influence our work. Writers, for example, find that reading and writing are interconnected; the reading feeds the writing, and vice versa. Jonathan Lethem, a writer and former bookseller, describes himself as a curator, shaping what he loves into new forms.

Our tastes, however, can sometimes overshadow our work. Ira Glass, a public radio personality, notes that while our taste is what draws us to creative work, there’s often a gap between our taste and the quality of our early creations. Before sharing our work, we can share our tastes: the books we read, the music we listen to, the art we admire. These influences reveal more about us than our own work sometimes does.

Take the story of Nelson Molina, a New York City trashman who turned discarded items into The Trash Museum. Located on the second floor of a sanitation garage, his collection includes over a thousand pieces of art and unique objects. Molina’s museum illustrates the artist’s job of finding treasure in what others see as trash, echoing Michel de Montaigne’s idea that the most ordinary things, seen in the right light, can be grand miracles.

Sharing our tastes requires courage. We must embrace what we love without guilt, as Dave Grohl says, “If you f---ing like something, like it.” When we share the work of others, we must give proper credit. Attribution is about providing context—what the work is, who made it, and where to find more. Online, the most crucial form of attribution is a hyperlink, as people are unlikely to search for the source themselves.

In essence, our collections—whether physical or mental—reflect our unique blend of influences. Sharing these with proper attribution not only honors the creators but also connects us with others who share our tastes. So, celebrate your influences boldly, and always give credit where it's due.

From Wunderkammern to Hyperlinks: The Art of Curating Influences in the Modern Era

Imagine you're a wealthy art collector stepping into a museum gallery. Two enormous canvases, each depicting a harbor at sunset, catch your eye. They appear identical, but there's no information about their origins. After an hour of intense scrutiny, the curator reveals that one painting is a 17th-century Dutch masterpiece and the other a recent forgery by a local art student. Suddenly, your perception shifts—paintings that seemed identical now carry vastly different values.

This scenario illustrates a fascinating psychological truth: our appreciation of objects is deeply influenced by their backstories. Paul Bloom, a psychology professor, explains that people's assessments of objects, foods, or faces are heavily impacted by what they know about them. This notion was empirically tested by Joshua Glenn and Rob Walker in their book "Significant Objects." They bought trivial items, attached compelling stories to them, and sold them for exponentially higher prices, proving that narratives can significantly enhance perceived value.

Artists often claim their work "speaks for itself," but in reality, storytelling is crucial for connecting with audiences. Rachel Sussman, an artist, emphasizes the importance of sharing the journey behind the artwork to make it more relatable and engaging. Every email, tweet, or conversation is a fragment of the broader narrative you're continually crafting about your work.

Understanding story structure can make you a better storyteller. John le Carré and George Abbott highlight that a good story needs conflict and resolution. Emma Coats from Pixar offers a simple framework: "Once upon a time, there was [blank]. Every day, [blank]. One day, [blank]. Because of that, [blank]. Until finally, [blank]." This structure helps you turn everyday experiences into compelling narratives.

In any pitch or personal story—like answering "What do you do?" at a party—clarity and honesty are key. Explain your work simply and truthfully, adapting your message to your audience. Whether you're a student, employed, or in a hybrid job, your narrative should be straightforward and relatable.

Ultimately, storytelling is a skill that enhances with practice. Study great stories, tell your own, and remember: your stories will improve the more you share them.

Can Storytelling Really Enhance the Value of Art and Objects?

Annie Dillard, an American author, once said, "The impulse to keep to yourself what you have learned is not only shameful, it is destructive. Anything you do not give freely and abundantly becomes lost to you. You open your safe and find ashes.” 

In the fiercely competitive barbecue world, sharing secrets is rare. But Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas, once revealed his smoking techniques for a PBS series. Similarly, his YouTube show, BBQ with Franklin, demystifies everything from modifying smokers to slicing the final product. 

In 2010, Franklin Barbecue started operating from a trailer. Fast forward three years, and Franklin's is now globally renowned, often dubbed “the best BBQ in Texas, if not America” by Bon Appétit. Despite its success and daily lines around the block, Franklin’s is committed to sharing knowledge. 

Aaron and his wife, Stacy, believe barbecue, though simple in technique, requires years of practice to master. Teaching doesn't breed immediate competition; it fosters appreciation. Even if you know Aaron’s methods, spending 22 hours a day smoking meat isn't for everyone. 

Their generosity extends beyond tutorials. Aaron often advises enthusiasts who bring their briskets for critique. This openness stems from their own humble beginnings and a desire to help others.

Sharing knowledge isn’t unique to barbecue. In "Rework," Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson encourage businesses to out-teach competitors by sharing their 'recipes.' What skills or techniques can you teach? Create tutorials, share reading lists, or post step-by-step guides. 

As blogger Kathy Sierra says, “Make people better at something they want to be better at.” Teaching adds value to your work by creating interest and connecting people to your craft. 

Author Christopher Hitchens cherished the feedback he received after publishing, calling it a “free education that goes on for a lifetime.” Sharing what you know not only enriches others but also brings invaluable insights back to you.

Smoking Secrets: How Franklin's Barbecue Masters the Art of Sharing Knowledge

Richard Ford once said, “When people realize they’re being listened to, they tell you things.” This insight is crucial, especially for aspiring writers. In college, we often encounter classmates who love to write but claim they don't like to read—a clear red flag. Every writer knows that to write well, you must first be an avid reader.

Dan Chaon aptly described those who want to be published without reading as "human spam." These individuals are in every field, eager to broadcast their ideas but reluctant to listen to others. It's a pitiful mindset, as the world owes us nothing. Even successful people can turn into human spam when they become too self-absorbed. True artists, however, seek collaboration and feedback, acknowledging that great work isn’t created in isolation.

Take music producer Adrian Younge, for instance. While engaging with fans on Twitter, he sparked a debate about soul groups, which led to a serendipitous collaboration with William Hart of The Delfonics. Younge’s story, culminating in the album "Adrian Younge Presents The Delfonics," shows the magic that can happen when creators interact with their audience as peers. If you want fans, be a fan first. Connect genuinely, and be an "open node," as writer Blake Butler suggests.

Quality over quantity is key in building a following. Lawrence Weschler’s take on being “interesting” is about being curious and attentive. If you want to be interesting, you must be interested in others. Connections are built on the foundation of doing good work, as record producer Steve Albini points out.

Consider Pablo Picasso, who was notorious for draining the energy of those around him, compared to sculptor Constantin Brancusi, who avoided Picasso's vampiric tendencies. This “Vampire Test” can help you identify people and activities that deplete your energy and should be avoided.

R.A. Dickey’s knuckleball journey in baseball is another inspiring story. Knuckleballers form a unique brotherhood, sharing tips to keep the pitch alive. Similarly, as you share your work, you'll find your own "knuckleballers"—those who share your passions and mission. Nurture these relationships, collaborate, and share secrets.

Turning online connections into "IRL" (in real life) friendships is invaluable. Meetups and face-to-face interactions often lead to deeper, more meaningful connections. So, engage, collaborate, and be genuinely interested in others. It’s not just about who you know, but how you connect and contribute to the community.

Can Emulating Adrian Younge's Approach to Collaboration Boost Your Creative Success?

Cyndi Lauper once said, “I come pre-hated. Take your best shot.” It’s a sentiment echoed by designer Mike Monteiro, who learned to take a punch during brutal art school critiques. These experiences taught him that criticism is inevitable and often harsh but not to take it personally.

When you put your work out there, criticism is a given. Here’s how to handle it: First, relax and breathe. Imaginative people often fear the worst, but bad criticism isn’t the end of the world. Take a deep breath and accept it. Strengthen your neck by exposing your work frequently. The more criticism you face, the tougher you become.

Roll with the punches by using criticism as fuel for new work. Sometimes, it’s even fun to amplify the elements people hate. Protect your sensitive work by keeping it private, but don’t avoid vulnerability altogether—connection comes from sharing.

Balance is key. Remember, your work is what you do, not who you are. Surround yourself with people who love you for you, not just your work. As Brian Michael Bendis says, “Care about what the RIGHT people think of you.”

Be mindful of trolls. They’re not here to help, just to provoke. Austin Kleon once had a troll on Twitter who criticized his book, “Steal Like an Artist,” claiming it was irrelevant to parents. Her comments got to Kleon, amplifying his inner doubts. The worst troll isn’t online but in your head. Use the block button, delete nasty comments, and remember: you wouldn’t leave a mess in your living room, so don’t let trolls clutter your mind.

Consider turning off comments completely. As cartoonist Natalie Dee notes, there’s no comment space under gallery paintings. Let people discuss your work in their own spaces, not yours.

Handling Criticism like a Pro: Lessons from Cyndi Lauper and Mike Monteiro

Bill Withers once said the best sign any entrepreneur can display is "sold out." Whether you're selling art or furniture, the goal is to thrive, not just survive. Ben Shahn humorously noted that professionals often lean on outside support, be it a spouse or a day job. 

Historically, many celebrated works were created for money. Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel because the pope paid him. Mario Puzo wrote "The Godfather" to clear his debts. Even Paul McCartney admitted The Beatles sometimes wrote songs with the intent of buying a swimming pool.

Despite the stigma around making money from art, it's essential to let go of the "starving artist" mindset. When your audience grows, consider turning them into patrons. Amanda Palmer, for example, raised over a million dollars through crowdfunding by asking her dedicated fans for support.

Email lists can be invaluable. Collect emails from your audience and use them to share and sell your work. Everyone has an email address, and it's a direct line to your supporters.

Don't fear the term "sellout." Dave Eggers urges us to embrace opportunities, even if they seem corny or risky. John Coltrane believed the real risk lies in not changing. Embrace ambition and growth. If success brings money or clout, use it to uplift others.

Neil Gaiman reminds us that success can lead to distractions. He found that saying "no" more often allowed him to focus on his writing. Balance generosity with the need to get your work done.

Finally, Michael Lewis emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the luck behind success and the obligation to help those less fortunate. Be thankful, be generous, and keep striving.

Is the 'Starving Artist' Mindset Hindering Your Success?

Every career journey is a rollercoaster of highs and lows, often unpredictable. Actor Orson Welles once said, "If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story." F. Scott Fitzgerald claimed, “There are no second acts in American life,” but real life tells a different story—there are second, third, and even fourth chances.

Persistence is key. Comedian Dave Chappelle humorously reflected on his decision to walk away from his show, advising kids, “Life is very hard without a show, kids.” Joan Rivers emphasized, “You don’t quit because you don’t know where the next job is coming from.” The lesson? Stick around long enough, and opportunities will eventually arise.

One memorable day, Austin Kleon and his coworker John Croslin struggled to find a parking spot, circling endlessly until they finally found one. John’s words stuck with Austin: “You gotta play till the ninth inning, man.” This advice applies to life and work alike.

Consistency fuels success. Director Woody Allen has averaged a film a year for over 40 years by immediately starting a new script after finishing one. Ernest Hemingway would stop mid-sentence to ensure he knew where to start the next day. This constant momentum, or “chain-smoking", helps avoid stagnation. 

However, burnout is real. Designer Stefan Sagmeister takes a year-long sabbatical every seven years, finding it invaluable for creativity. While not everyone can afford such a break, we can all take mini-sabbaticals. Writer Gina Trapani suggests using commutes, exercise, and nature as opportunities to disconnect and recharge.

Embrace change and lifelong learning. The comedian Louis C.K. transformed his craft by discarding old material annually, inspired by George Carlin. Similarly, Steven Soderbergh spoke about tearing down his work to rebuild afresh. This approach doesn’t erase past work but leverages its lessons for new beginnings.

Ultimately, keep learning and sharing. Document your progress, show your work, and pay attention to those who engage with it. They’ll have much to teach you as well.

Playing till the Ninth Inning: Navigating the Rollercoaster of Career Success

The lone genius myth is outdated; creativity thrives in collaborative environments, or "scenius." The internet amplifies this by allowing anyone to contribute, fostering a spirit of amateurism and fresh perspectives. Sharing your work, even as an amateur, can offer profound insights and fuel creativity. Mortality reminds us to contribute meaningfully, and documenting and sharing our process can create valuable connections.

Creativity flourishes in openness. Sharing works-in-progress and the journey, not just the final product, builds a bond with the audience. Social media has made this easier, transforming how artists connect. This transparency demystifies creative processes and fosters genuine engagement.

Daily sharing of small pieces of your work can build significant connections over time. Balancing durable content with daily updates enriches your creative journey. Owning your online space is crucial for long-term career growth, and building a good reputation is invaluable.

Our collections of influences shape our creativity. Sharing these, with proper attribution, honors the original creators and connects us with like-minded individuals. This practice not only showcases our tastes but also enriches our creative community.

Storytelling enhances the value and relatability of our work. Understanding story structures helps in crafting compelling narratives that engage audiences. Being honest and clear about your work, adapting your message to your audience, and continually practicing storytelling improves your ability to connect.

Sharing knowledge and teaching others enhances your work's value and fosters appreciation. It invites feedback, enriching your creative process and connecting you with your community. Engaging with your audience and sharing what you love cultivates a supportive network.

Listening and engaging with others, rather than becoming "human spam," is crucial. Genuine connections and collaborations arise from being an interested and attentive member of your community. Sharing secrets and collaborating enriches both your work and your relationships.

Handling criticism involves resilience and using feedback constructively. Protect your vulnerable work but remain open to sharing and connecting. Dealing with trolls requires a mental firewall and selective engagement to maintain a positive creative space.

Embracing financial success and opportunities doesn't compromise artistic integrity. Crowdfunding and email lists can turn audiences into patrons. Success should be balanced with generosity and focus, using your platform to uplift others and keep striving.

Persistence in creative endeavors ensures opportunities arise. Consistent effort, learning from failures, and embracing change fuel long-term success. Documenting, sharing, and continuously engaging with your work and audience fosters growth and resilience.

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