312. Building a Culture of Curiosity with Dustin Black

In this episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan speaks with Dustin Black, an executive creative director at Preston Spire. They explore Dustin's unique perspective on creativity, the importance of resourcefulness, and how to teach creativity to the next generation. The conversation delves into the impact of AI on creative processes, the necessity of adapting to change, and the significance of fostering a culture of curiosity within teams. Dustin shares insights on celebrating wins in creative work and offers advice on balancing personal and professional growth.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Cultivate Curiosity – Dustin emphasizes the importance of adopting a "culture of curiosity." Whether you're learning a new technology or navigating uncharted creative waters, staying curious helps you adapt, grow, and keep your work fresh.

🎨 Creativity Thrives Beyond the Rules – Mastering the fundamentals is essential, but true innovation happens when you push beyond the boundaries. Dustin encourages not just following patterns but making them your own, and experimenting—failures included—along the way.

🎨 AI is a Tool, Not a Threat – Rather than fearing advances in AI, Dustin discusses how creatives can leverage these new tools to eliminate excuses and unlock new possibilities. Human insight and curation remain indispensable, even as technology transforms the creative process.

Links and Resources:

• Dustin Black's personal site: https://dustinblack.com

• Preston Spire https://prestonspire.com

• Mike Brennan's Daily Creative Habit Journal & Resources: https://dailycreativehabit.com

• See Dustin's artwork in-person: Minneapolis Airport, Terminal 1, F4 through October 2026

Feeling inspired?

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Stay curious, keep creating, and we'll catch you in the next episode!