I think most people have always wanted to be creative in some way, whether it is painting, sewing, building etc. And pretty much everything I have turned my hand to over the last 20 years has not worked out that well (but not to say it has been atrocious either).
But I think I communicate pretty well (although sometimes my typed spelling can leave more to be desired). Years ago, I wrote a blog on all things related to the alcohol; spirit & bar reviews, history, cocktails etc. I loved it, and think I got pretty good at it. I mean, people would send me bottles to review, and I would get invited to the odd opening so I can’t have been that bad…
Anyway, the last few years have been a bit of a rollercoaster, but I have used these situations and my experiences to develop personally. Like everyone else, the work/life balance went out of the window a year ago, and I spent more and more time looking for ways to get this balance back. I found myself watching videos on productivity and self development to stack the deck in my favour.
This growth became the original inspiration for my digital creations, but very quickly the outlets (filming and writing) became a huge part of my why as well. I genuinely love sitting at my computer and writing articles. I also love planning videos, filming and editing them. I’ve learnt more about social media in the last week that I have in the last few years.
So that’s how I’m creative. I communicate ideas, tools and systems that I utilise as a form of guide for others. Now, I’m not saying that I’m an expert, more of a personal guide. By showing the systems that have worked for me, and the resources that I used to develop them, you can make a tailor made plan to suit you.
So, my message has taken a slight twist, and while my YouTube videos will mainly focus on productivity and how we can support ourselves to maximise our useful output (for the time being), this website is aimed more at fellow creators.
It’s not easy, but by using technology to keep my productivity high, I can ‘buy’ myself time to be creative. These tools and systems are an essential part of my creation, but are also the topic of my work.
When a painter talks about her “work,” she could be talking about two different things: There’s the artwork, the finished piece framed and hung on a gallery wall, and there’s the art work, all the day-to-day stuff that goes on behind the scenes in her studio: looking for inspiration, getting an idea, applying oil to canvas, etc. There’s “painting” the noun, and there’s “painting” the verb. As in all kinds of work, there is a distinction between the painter’s process, and the products of the process.
AUSTIN KLEON – SHOW YOUR WORK!
So, my YouTube videos become the noun – the finished piece of work, and my website and articles give an insight into my journey as we look a the systems and tools I use – the verb.
Hopefully, you will find some interest in at least one of these forms of work, but if you like the end product I’m sure the process will appeal to you too.
I would really recommend reading Austin Kleon’s book Show your work! (see below link) or check out my article at least.
Show Your Work!: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Getting Discovered: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get DiscoveredThe above is an affiliate link that I may get a kickback from if you do purchase, but it won’t cost you any more! Thanks
