287. Authentic Influence: How Creators Can Partner with Brands The Right Way with William Gasner

In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan speaks with William Gasner, co-founder and CMO of Stack Influence, about the journey of creativity, the importance of taking action, and the evolving landscape of influencer marketing. They discuss how early creative experiences shape our paths, the significance of engaging with ideas through action, and how Stack Influence connects brands with smaller creators to foster authentic relationships. William emphasizes the need for authenticity in influencer marketing and provides insights on how aspiring creators can navigate this space effectively.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Authentic Influence - Discover how true influence stems from passion and authenticity. William and Mike discuss how aligning with products you truly believe in can build trust within your community, rather than simply taking the highest-paying opportunities.

🎨 Power of the Micro-influencer - Uncover the advantages of working with smaller, niche creators. William shares why those with a more engaged but smaller following often yield better results for brands compared to larger celebrity endorsements.

🎨 Start Small, Think Big - Learn the importance of starting with minimal efforts and slowly building up. William emphasizes the value of putting ideas into action and receiving real-world feedback to refine your approach and eventually achieve success.

Episode Highlights:

00:00  Creative Beginnings: The Roots of Inspiration 03:06  The Power of Action: Turning Ideas into Reality 05:50  Stack Influence: Bridging Creators and Brands 12:01  The Evolution of Influencer Marketing 18:06  Authenticity in Influence: Redefining the Role of Creators 23:56  Getting Started: How to Join the Creator Economy

Links and Resources:

• Stack Influence: stackinfluence.com

• William Gassner's Contact: [email protected]

• Daily Creative Habit: http://www.DailyCreativeHabit.com

 

Feeling inspired? Don’t forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review!

Your feedback helps us provide more amazing content to fuel your creative journey. If you're ready to deepen your creative practice, visit dailycreativehabit.com to explore resources that can help you thrive as a creator.

 

#CreativeChats #InfluencerMarketing #CreatorsUnite

286. Lily Clayton Hansen: Inspiring Creative Confidence Through Story and Speech

In this episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan speaks with Lily Clayton Hansen, a multifaceted artist who shares her journey through writing, acting, and public speaking. Lily discusses her early influences from her artist parents, her passion for writing, and how she rediscovered her love for acting. She also delves into her transition into public speaking, driven by the success of her first book, and how she learned to connect with audiences through storytelling and authenticity. In this conversation, Lily shares her journey of focus and success, including her experience in public speaking and the process of preparing for her TED Talk. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling, connection, and the impact of sharing wisdom through conversations. Lily also discusses her passion for coaching others in public speaking and the significance of clear communication in today's world.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Follow the Breadcrumbs - Embrace the unexpected paths in your creative journey. Lily's career illustrates how opportunities often emerge organically when you stay open and curious.

🎨 Empowerment Through Expression - Public speaking can be transformative. Lily highlights her mission to help others convey their messages with confidence and clarity.

🎨 Stories as Connection Tools - Conversations and interviews are gateways to understanding humanity. By sharing and listening, we enrich our lives and find common ground.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:06:40] Lily discusses her earliest creative memories and the influence of her artistically inclined family.

• [00:17:54] The return to acting and how it rekindled a dormant passion from Lily's childhood.

• [00:28:51] The unexpected journey to delivering a TEDx Talk and its lasting impact.

Links and Resources:

• Lily's Website: Word-of-Mouth Conversations

• Instagram & TikTok: Follow Lily at @misslilyhansen

• Lily's TED Talk: Talking to Strangers is my Self Care

• Daily Creative Habit - https://www.dailycreativehabit.com

 

Feeling inspired? Don’t forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring more amazing content to fuel your creative journey. And, if you’re looking to deepen your creative practice, check out the resources and community at MikeBrennan.me.

285. Building Dreams from Loss: Jennifer Stavinoha's Artistic Vision on a School Bus

In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan interviews Jennifer Stavinoha, a multifaceted artist and Daily Creative Habit member, who shares her journey through creativity, teaching, and personal challenges.

They discuss the evolution of her artistic expression, the vulnerability involved in sharing art, and her unique project of converting a school bus into a mobile art studio. Jennifer reflects on her early experiences with creativity, the impact of teaching on her life, and her desire to connect with others through her work. The conversation emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passions and the community's role in supporting creative endeavors. This conversation explores the journey of creativity, the importance of community support, and the personal experiences of the speakers in navigating their artistic paths. They discuss the significance of inspiring others through art, the challenges of maintaining creativity, and the value of connecting with like-minded individuals. The dialogue emphasizes the organic nature of creativity and the necessity of taking action to foster growth and clarity in one's artistic endeavors.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Start and Play - Jennifer emphasizes the importance of starting small and allowing yourself the freedom to experiment with different forms of creativity. Don't be afraid to play and explore—creativity flourishes in playfulness.

🎨 Community Support - The significance of community in sustaining and encouraging creative endeavors is highlighted. Jennifer's involvement in the Daily Creative Habit membership underscores the value of connecting with like-minded individuals who understand and support your journey.

🎨 Integration of Art Forms - Jennifer discusses how different art forms like photography and drawing can inform and improve each other. This cross-pollination of skills can lead to deeper creative expression and unexpected opportunities.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:12:00] - Jennifer shares her transition from teaching to pursuing her creativity full-time.

• [00:19:25] - The story and vision behind Jennifer’s school bus project.

• [00:37:42] - Encouragement for those looking to rekindle their creativity.

Links and Resources:

• Jennifer Stavinoha's Website: http://www.jstavinoha.com

• Daily Creative Habit Membership: https://www.mikebrennan.me/membership

Feeling inspired?

Don’t forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring more amazing content to fuel your creative journey. And, if you’re ready to deepen your creative practice, check out the Daily Creative Habit Membership at dahttps://www.mikebrennan.me/membership 

Join us in fostering a supportive and vibrant community of creatives!

284. Lessons in Creativity with Ben Rennie

In this episode of Creative Chats, Ben Rennie shares his journey from a sports-focused upbringing to discovering his creative confidence through nature and personal experiences. He discusses the importance of saying no to opportunities that don't align with one's values, the significance of being present in influential spaces, and the lessons learned from his book, 'Lessons in Creativity.' Ben emphasizes the power of self-discovery and the impact of personal choices on one's creative journey. In this conversation, Ben Rennie discusses the importance of creative confidence, curiosity, and personal growth. He shares insights from his journey of redefining success and the role of nature in fostering creativity. The discussion emphasizes the significance of identity beyond skills and the power of connection and curiosity in the creative process. 

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 The Power of 'No' - Ben emphasizes the importance of saying no to opportunities that do not align with your core values, even if they seem profitable. He shares how this has helped him shape a business that truly reflects his beliefs and goals.

🎨 Evolving Identity - The discussion highlights how creative confidence is pivotal in developing a unique identity, which can drastically change as we grow. Ben shares personal stories about his shift from sports to design, underlining that our careers or passions might take unexpected turns.

🎨 Nature as a Catalyst - Ben and Mike discuss how nature can be an incredible source for recalibration and inspiration. Spending time in nature helped Ben redefine his values and the direction of his business.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:04:23] - Ben describes how his creative journey began later than most, finding his inspiration in nature and long road trips with his mother.

• [00:20:02] - Ben reveals how his mother's passing spurred him to write his book, "Lessons in Creativity," exploring his journey of self-discovery.

• [00:34:36] - Ben shares the decision to take his family on a nature-centered journey to reimagine his business, sacrificing stability for personal growth and exploration.

Links and Resources:

• Ben Rennie's Website -http://benniernie.com

• Lessons in Creativity book - https://amzn.to/4bYf1fk

• Daily Creative Habit Website - http://dailycreativehabit.com

 

Feeling inspired?

Don’t forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring more amazing content to fuel your creative journey. And, if you’re looking to deepen your creative practice, check out the Daily Creative Habit Membership at dailycreativehabit.com.

 

283. Navigating Writer's Block: Insights and Strategies with Frank Ewert

In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan and Frank Ewert explore the journey of writing, creativity, and the challenges of self-expression. Frank shares his early experiences with writing, the evolution of his craft, and the importance of embracing creativity as a way of life. They discuss the impact of societal perceptions of writing as a hobby, the struggles of writer's block, and the significance of personal growth in the creative process. In this conversation, Frank Ewert discusses the importance of interactive writing workbooks, the necessity of writing to overcome writer's block, and the transformative power of personal experiences in creating tools for others. He emphasizes the need to embrace writer's block as a friend, the significance of making ideas one's own, and the impact of introducing twists in storytelling. The dialogue also explores the connections between seemingly unrelated ideas and the importance of paying attention to find inspiration.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Embracing Creativity Beyond Identity - Frank and Mike discuss how creativity serves not just as a career or identity, but as a profound form of self-expression and self-care. It's about knowing oneself through the creative process.

🎨 A Twist on Writer's Block - Frank introduces the intriguing concept of embracing writer's block as a friend. Instead of fleeing from it, see it as an opportunity to delve into deeper creative exploration.

🎨 Courage in Creativity - Both Frank and Mike emphasize the importance of showing up for creativity despite fear. It's about finding your voice, even when you're fearful, and letting go of perfectionism.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:06:12] Frank shares his early love for sentences and his journey towards becoming a writer.

• [00:32:05] Discussion on the workbook "Embrace Your Writer's Block" as a powerful tool for overcoming creative hurdles.

• [00:41:56] The conversation about introducing surprise into writing to engage and delight readers.

Links and Resources:

• Frank Ewert's Website: workwithwords.co - http://workwithwords.co

• Frank's Amazon Link for "Embrace Your Writer’s Block" https://amzn.to/41z99nQ

• Daily Creative Habit - http://www.dailycreativehabit.com/

 

Feeling inspired?

Don’t forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring more amazing content to fuel your creative journey. Plus, if you’re looking to deepen your creative practice, check out Mike's resources at dailycreativehabit.com. Join the community and start embracing your creativity today!

 

 

282. Finding Joy Through Self-Expression with Beth Inglish

In this conversation, Mike Brennan and Beth Inglish explore the multifaceted nature of creativity, the journey of self-discovery as an artist, and the importance of embracing one's identity. Beth shares her experiences with self-doubt, the healing power of art, and the significance of intentional joy in life. They discuss how creativity can serve as a means of expression and resilience, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and joyful existence. In this conversation, Beth Inglish shares her journey as an artist, emphasizing the importance of joy in her creative process and the strategic alignment of her offers with her audience. She discusses her pivot towards community engagement and speaking, highlighting the power of art in bringing people together. Beth also reflects on her future aspirations, including writing a book and expanding her impact through art and speaking engagements, all while advocating for healing through self-expression.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Claim Your Artistic Identity - Embrace the title of "artist," regardless of your professional circumstances. Beth discusses the powerful step of self-acceptance and its impact on your creative journey.

🎨 Strategic Creativity - Beth emphasizes the importance of aligning your creative output with the right audience. She encourages artists to think strategically about offers and audience to create meaningful connections.

🎨 Joy as a Creative Fuel - Highlighting the healing power of creativity, Beth talks about how creating joy in daily life fosters resilience and personal growth, guiding you past trauma and into a life of purpose and community.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:02:55] - Beth shares her early exposure to creativity through music and art.

• [00:09:54] - Overcoming self-doubt and embracing the identity of an artist.

• [00:25:54] - The importance of pivoting in business and aligning creative vision with the audience.

• [00:38:44] - Beth talks about her current projects, including her book and the community events she hosts.

Links and Resources:

• Beth's Website - https://www.bethinglish.com

• Beth's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bethinglish

• Daily Creative Habit - http://dailycreativehabit.com

 

Feeling inspired? Don’t forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review!

Your feedback helps us bring more amazing content to fuel your creative journey. And, if you’re looking to deepen your creative practice, visit dailycreativehabit.com for resources and join the community. Let your creativity thrive—because when you create, everyone wins!

In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan welcomes Shen, a pioneering female graffiti artist from the 80s, who shares her journey from street art to professional artistry. They discuss the significance of personal connections in the art world, the evolution of artistic techniques, and the impact of personal loss on creative expression. Shen reflects on her unique name, her early experiences with graffiti, and the challenges she faced in finding her voice as an artist. The conversation also touches on the role of spirituality in her life and work, culminating in a powerful moment of transformation.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Embracing Your Artistic Voice - Shen discusses her pursuit of finding a unique artistic voice beyond photorealism, emphasizing the importance of personal expression in creating impactful art.

🎨 Navigating the Winds of Change - Shen illustrates her journey through various artistic forms and styles, highlighting the organic evolution of an artist’s career and the importance of being adaptable and open to change.

🎨 Faith and Creativity - Shen shares her personal faith journey and how it intertwines with her art, demonstrating how personal beliefs can deeply influence and enhance one’s creative work.

Episode Highlights:

[00:04:25] - Shen introduces her graffiti background and the evolution into a professional art career.

[00:11:09] - Transition from graffiti to commercial artist and the significance of pivotal learning experiences.

[00:34:29] - Shen narrates her defining moment of faith that changed her life and infused new meaning into her artwork.

Links and Resources:

• Shen’s Website:

  http://shenstudio.com

• Shen’s Instagram and Facebook: @ShenShen210

• Milan Art Mastery Program: https://masteryprogram.com/waitlist?sc_ref=FwEnAyMHKhfCMY83&sc_vis=EPQ0WiLKlKbMBreyGPMQVHmdHgAf4H

• Daily Creative Habit: www.DailyCreativeHabit.com

Feeling inspired? Don’t forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review!

Your feedback helps us bring more amazing content to fuel your creative journey. And, if you’re looking to deepen your creative practice, check out the Daily Creative Habit Membership at http://mikebrennan.me.

 

 

 

 

art, graffiti, personal growth, creativity, artistic journey, professional artist, technology in art, spiritual transformation, overcoming challenges, unique voice, faith, art, creativity, personal journey, advocacy, healing, community, self-expression, identity, inspiration

 

280. Why You Need to Join a Creative Community

In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan discusses the significance of creative community and the importance of engaging with fellow creatives. He shares his experiences attending various meetups in Nashville, emphasizing the need to overcome hesitations and actively participate in community events. Mike encourages listeners to push through discomfort, take ownership of their creative journeys, and seek out opportunities for connection and collaboration.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 The Power of Presence - Mike emphasizes the importance of being present in creative communities, sharing how strategic participation in meetups has helped him form valuable relationships and uncover opportunities.

🎨 Overcoming Hesitation - Learn about the common excuses creatives face when engaging with community events and how pushing through discomfort can lead to personal growth and unexpected benefits.

🎨 Building Connections - Discover why it’s essential for creatives to move beyond solitary workspaces, engage with others, and contribute to the richer tapestry of a supportive community.

Episode Highlights:

[Timestamp] 00:01:27 - Mike shares his personal journey of rediscovering creativity after a long hiatus.

[Timestamp] 00:04:40 - Insights into how attending meetups in Nashville is shaping Mike’s creative experience.

[Timestamp] 00:09:06 - Encouragement to challenge excuses and participate actively in creative communities.

Links and Resources:

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

Daily Creative Habit Membership: https://www.mikebrennan.me/membership

Daily Creative Habit (Free) Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailycreativehabit

 

Don’t forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review!

Your feedback helps us continue sharing valuable content to fuel your creative endeavors. Dive deeper into your creative practice by joining the Daily Creative Habit Membership at https://dailycreativehabit.com. Come be part of our growing community and let’s create together!

279. How Intuition and Identity Shape Our Creative Lives with Andrea Mai

In this episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan engages with Andrea Mai, a writer and founded WritersOfLight.com, exploring the themes of creativity, self-discovery, and intuition. They discuss the journey of writing, the importance of overcoming personal narratives, and the evolution of creativity. Andrea shares her insights on intuition and how it plays a crucial role in the creative process, emphasizing the need for self-trust and engagement with life. The conversation highlights the significance of experimentation in creativity and the importance of understanding one's identity as an artist.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Trust Your Intuition - Andrea emphasizes the importance of listening to and trusting your intuition in the creative process. Begin with small, low-risk decisions to build confidence in your own judgment and inner voice.

🎨 Evolve Creatively - Creativity is not a static journey; it's about evolving and allowing yourself to change. Andrea and Mike discuss embracing change rather than being confined by past identities or expectations.

🎨 Freedom in Process - The distinction between creation and revision is vital. Allow yourself to freely create without judgment before stepping into the editing phase, fostering true expression and innovation.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:05:01] - Andrea talks about the moment she knew writing was her calling.

• [00:22:41] - Discussion about how to recognize and trust intuition.

• [00:29:37] - Conversations on the importance of evolving creatively and avoiding stagnation.

Links and Resources:

• Andrea Mai Substack - https://andreamaiwrites.substack.com

• Writers of Light - https://writersoflight.com

• www.DailyCreativeHabit.com

 

Feeling inspired? Don’t forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review!

Your feedback helps us bring more amazing content to fuel your creative journey. And, if you’re looking to deepen your creative practice, check out the resources available at Mike Brennan's Website https://mikebrennan.me

Explore Andrea Mai’s writings and her offerings on mindfulness and creativity, which serve as a gateway to a more conscious and creative life.

 

 

278. Four Reasons You Need To Create Every Day

In this episode, Mike Brennan discusses the significance of daily creativity for artists, makers, and content creators. He emphasizes that creativity is a muscle that needs regular exercise, and that daily creation helps overcome resistance, opens new opportunities, and ultimately leaves a lasting legacy. Mike shares personal experiences and practical advice to encourage listeners to engage with their creativity every day.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Creativity is a Muscle - Consistent, daily creative practice strengthens your creative muscles. Mike urges listeners to prioritize daily engagement with their art to increase skill, discover joy, and develop a unique style.

🎨 Reduce Fear and Resistance - Daily creation minimizes the fear of imperfection and failure. By normalizing the process, it becomes easier to navigate creative blocks and resist the temptation to make art too precious and untouchable.

🎨 Opens Doors to Opportunities - Regular creative work can lead to unforeseen opportunities and connections. By showcasing your work consistently, you invite potential collaborations and invitations that you might not see coming.

Episode Highlights:

[Timestamp 00:01:36] - Mike explains why creators should focus on daily creation rather than sporadic efforts. 

[Timestamp 00:04:12] - Mike discusses how creativity flourishes as a muscle that needs regular exercise.

[Timestamp 00:10:07] - The impact of reducing fear by not placing too much pressure on each individual creation.

Links and Resources:

http://mikebrennan.me

Daily Creative Habit Journal: https://amzn.to/3EpKoCZ

Feeling inspired? Don’t forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring more amazing content to fuel your creative journey.

And, if you’re looking to deepen your creative practice, check out the variety of resources available, including the Daily Creative Habit 90-day journal and community support at Mike's Website http://mikebrennan.me. Go create something today!