313. Rediscovering Childhood Creativity

In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan explores the themes of creativity, mental health, and the importance of rediscovering childhood creativity. He shares his journey of self-publishing, the significance of networking, and how professional pressures can stifle joy in creative expression. Mike encourages listeners to reconnect with their creative roots and emphasizes the value of creating for joy rather than profit. He also discusses tools and resources to help individuals reignite their creative passions and the lifelong journey of maintaining creativity in their lives.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Childhood Creativity Remains Powerful – The creative play, curiosity, and expression we enjoyed as kids lay the groundwork for our adult creative lives. Mike encourages reflecting on those formative experiences and uncovering lasting threads that continue to inspire us.

🎨 Creative Practice Needs Space – Professional creatives often risk losing personal joy when creativity becomes only a career. Mike stresses the importance of nurturing a practice just for you, outside deadlines, clients, or commercial pressure.

🎨 Reconnect, Rediscover, Reclaim – If creative frustration or "low-grade dissatisfaction" is present, Mike urges listeners to intentionally recapture that childlike wonder. Make sacrifices for joy, track your creative habits, and prioritize activities that bring personal fulfillment—even coloring for coloring's sake!

Episode Highlights:

• How crashing an event led to unexpected speaking opportunities and creative connections

• Mike's memories of drawing comics and making greeting cards as a child

• The struggle of balancing professional creativity with personal expression

• The role of community, tools, and daily habits for staying creatively engaged

Links and Resources:

• Mike Brennan's Website: https://mikebrennan.me

• Books by Mike (Shop Tab): mikebrennan.me/shop

• The Daily Creative Habit Free Facebook Group: Join here

Feeling inspired to recapture your creative spark?

Subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a rating and review—it helps us connect with more creators like you! Visit mikebrennan.me to explore resources including the Daily Creative Habit Journal, and don't miss the supportive community in our free Facebook group. Go create something today and revive the joy that started it all!