Creative Habits Podcast

Power can have a number of different effects on people, both positive and negative. On the positive side, power can give people a sense of control and confidence. It can also make people feel more influential and respected. On the negative side, power can make people feel arrogant and entitled. It can also lead to abuse of power.

One of the ways power influences people is by affecting their thoughts and the way they process information. Research has shown that people in positions of relative power think in more abstract terms. They also process information in a simplified way, which can lead to more stereotyping and a heightened focus on central versus peripheral details of a situation. Power has also been shown to make people more strict in how they judge others and less likely to consider other people’s perspectives. Power also leads people to be more confident in their decisions and minimizes the perceived impediments to their goals.

Power also alters someone's emotional experience. People in positions of power enjoy more positive emotions and higher levels of optimism and do so in potentially challenging situations, such as when leading discussions of controversial topics. They have also been shown to smile more, conceal sadness better than those low in power, and react less in response to stressful circumstances. People high in power have also been shown to feel less distress in the face of others’ suffering and reduce the extent to which they mirror the emotional responses of other people.

Power also changes the way people behave. Those who possess power are more likely to begin a negotiation, touch other people, and take initiative when it is unclear whether such behavior is permitted. In general, power leads people to feel less constrained by social conventions and more likely to violate social norms. Overall, it seems that power tends to make people more comfortable in taking action that fosters their personal goals.

Power extends far beyond the formal authority that comes from a title (or from having a corner office with a view). Leaders at all levels have access to power, but that power often goes unrecognized or underutilized.

Previous research has identified 7 bases of power that leaders may leverage:

Bear & Tommy 

Skulls in the Basement

Today’s episode focuses on a very sensitive subject matter. Please be advised that this episode may not suit children or listeners who are uncomfortable or

easily triggered. We will be discussing the ill-treatment of human remains in museum spaces and beyond. A few years ago, there were reports and discussions surrounding the repatriation of traditional and historical artifacts. As of today, The Smithsonian Returned a Trove of Benin Bronzes back to Nigeria. In an interview, last week, Niree Blankenberg director of the museum of African art, explained that the transfer is part of the Smithsonian’s commitment to fully investigate how objects have been obtained and the histories behind these items.

“It's important that we acknowledge the role of museums in continuing to perpetuate a kind of violence that strips African peoples and artists of the power of self-determination and representation and knowledge building,” she said. “It's important that we recognize that we haven't been doing that, and then to take steps to address that.” This sounds like an extremely profound gesture which acknowledges the wrongs of the past. However, it still does not address some of the darker histories that still linger beneath the surface. The conversations we do not hear much, but is public knowledge.

Today we will be touching base on the resilience of racism when pertaining to human remains of historical figures and other unnamed bodies that are housed in spaces for the purpose of research , archeology and anthropology. The most visceral and emotional of the restitution issues and perhaps the most successful to date, are those that involve African human remains – skeletons, skulls, and other body parts.

These human remains ended up in European collections through a number of encounters involving warfare, Egyptian tomb raids, and are grisly reminders of ‘scientific’ racism and the creation of human zoos. This last such humiliating spectacle took place as recently as 1958, when people from Congo were put on display for a World Fair event in Brussels, Belgium.

How did our museums become great storehouses of human remains? Let’s start with the story from university of Pennsylvanias penn museum which aired on all things considered in 2021. 900 human skulls obtained during the early 19th century by Philadelphia scientist Dr. Samuel Morton. His research was used to lend scientific support to white supremacy. Just last year in 2021 during the huge popularity of conversations surrounding black lives and racial inequities; the museum issued an extensive apology for keeping the skulls and outlined their plan to repatriate them for an ethical burial. The new director of the museum told NPR It is time for these individuals to be returned to their ancestral communities, wherever possible, as a step toward atonement and repair for the racist and colonial practices that were integral to the formation of these collections." 

If you want to start an art business, the first thing you need to do is create a business plan. This will help you determine your start-up costs, your target market, and your marketing strategy. Once you have a business plan in place, you can start to look for funding for your business. You can also start to build your customer base by creating a website and promoting your business online. If you are planning on selling your art on a regular basis, it is probably a good idea to obtain a business license. This will ensure that you are in compliance with your local laws and regulations, and will also give you the opportunity to list your business on official directories and websites.

Do artists need an LLC?

why it is important for an artist to have an LLC?

The biggest reason that people take this route is to focus on protection. The legal benefit to LLCs is that you are covered if someone sues you.

how to sell your art locally?

A guide for working artists There is no one formula for success as an artist, but there are some basic principles that can help you on your way. Here are a few tips for working artists:

Find your niche

Do your research.

Stay organized and professional

Get involved in the arts community

Create a portfolio.

Promote your work.

Keep learning.

10 steps to manifesting your reality

What is your style of relationship

Aideloje Austin Slam is an up-and-coming visual artist who believes every artist needs to create his/her own style, because it makes the artist unique during art exhibitions and the artist can be easily identified in public.

“So I would encourage young artists to have a signature because it helps them to grow faster in the industry and he has been able to master his painting skills,” he says.

“I have been in the art industry for some years now, and, because of my passion and not the money, I enjoy working. I love what I do and I love my medium because I understand it very well. I am used to the concept of using fingernails to work because they are my friends and we don’t give up on each other. My passion is the first thing that I do, and I know  the money will come later.”

When asked why he uses contemporary women's fashion and female bodies and faces as his medium of expression, he says we all know that fingernails are an addition to the female body, and he uses them in both bodies and skeletons because the beauty of fingernails can tell how beautiful the soul of every human being if people can be truthful to one another.

“Sometimes when I look at some ladies’ hands and I see the particular color that I have been looking for and I would think, ‘If only you are my girlfriend; these nails are for you because I feel the fingernails tell me, take me. Friends should not give up on themselves.  I have been discouraged so many times, but I am still here.”

The artist, popularly known as Slam Austin, adds there are so many artists in the art industry doing fantastic works with good storylines,

“The only thing that stands me out is my signature. There are some artists who make good sales with or without a stay of their own. Sometimes, it is not all about the signature but what value can your works add to society.

“My works focus more on internal beauty and how they affect the society in different ways, positively and negatively, as the case may be.”

Narrating his first experience when he spent over N10,000 to buy the materials, he says.

“Firstly, I enjoy spending money to buy materials for my work, because I spend money to get money. If I want a good result in whatever I am doing, I would spend money on it to produce that artwork that gives me joy at the end of the day. When I want to sell artwork to a client, he/she sees the quality of the work and would be happy to buy it. My art is my investment, so I spend money to produce good artwork,” he says.

How does he determine the number of packs of fingernails to use in his works? The artist notes it can be measured if he is working on a commissioned job because he has an estimate that would enable him to complete the job. If he is doing a non-commissioned job, he doesn’t have to draw out an estimate but all he needs to do is to work and buy more materials if the need arises for him to complete the job.

Austin Slam admits the hardest work he has ever done is entitled Joyful Expectation. Hear him, “It was my first time handling the material, so I had to work hard both physically and mentally to understand what I was doing. My estimate for the work was wrong during that first time, but, now, I understand what I need for an artwork irrespective of the size.”

For Austin, the future is bright, “In the next five years or more, I want to exhibit the side of my works by side with great artists in the world. I want to hold exhibitions in big museums in the United States of America, Canada, etcetera, where I will have a great and lasting impact,” he concludes.

What does living an abundant life mean? It means being happy and content with the life you have. You do not need to have a lot of money to be happy in your life.

Money can buy big houses, cars, jewelry, and many more expensive things. However, it only gives you temporary happiness. After having all of it, you would always think that something else is missing in your life.

Having an abundant life does not require material things. Instead, you must learn to be content with what you have. Living an abundant life is everybody’s dream, and it always depends on your attitude.

If you want to learn how to have an abundant life, you can learn from the following:

1. Enjoy life.

To live an abundant life means you should enjoy your life and never let anyone or anything ruin it, including stress. You must do the things you enjoy the most no matter how busy you are. Allow yourself to enjoy the sport you have always loved every now and then. Give time to your book reading habit at least before going to sleep.  Or travel with your loved ones or on your own when time and budget allow.

2. Always wear a smile.

Smiling is the best way to brighten up your day. Your smile can make others feel good and may even motivate them to keep going on a hard day. Moreover, it can prevent you from looking old, tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. Plus, it can be an effective stress reliever. So keep smiling!

3. Stay connected with God.

One of the ways to live an abundant life is to stay connected with God. If you believe in God and that He is the source of blessings, then be faithful to Him. Studying the Bible can also help you receive both physical and spiritual blessings.

4. Start your day early.

Start your day early to get more things done in the day. Get out of bed earlier than usual to pray and thank God for the new day. Then, see to it that you warm up your body in an exercise to activate your sleepy self. Also, eat a proper breakfast so you will have enough energy to get going.

5. Celebrate success with gratitude.

You must celebrate every success you get in life. No matter how big or small it is, success is a success. Learn to appreciate every little progress you make. Doing so will help you to be more content and grateful in life.

Moreover, celebrating your success will motivate you to work harder to achieve the next level. Contentment does not include embracing mediocrity. While enjoying and being grateful for your current achievements, you should always aim to improve yourself.

6. Meet new friends.

Having a lot of good friends can help you enjoy life more. Moreover, you can have more people to turn to whenever you need help or someone to talk to. Therefore, do not get tired of people. Be friendly and approachable all the time.  Smiling is also one of the ways to gain new friends along the way as well.

7. Learn to forgive and forget.

How could you live an abundant life if you kept on hoarding bitterness and pain in your heart? Peace is an important element in having an abundant life. However, you cannot have peace if there is unforgiveness inside you.

Forgiving those who have offended you can help you heal and be a better person. In addition,  forgetting their mistakes can bring you peace and help you truly move forward.

Lulu Washington is an accomplished Portrait Photographer and Artistic Visionary passionate about capturing faces and the most beautiful moments of people's lives.

She studied Photography at

the Washington School of Photography, DC. Lulu specializes in doing professional headshots for actors and entertainers.

Her success story can be credited to her fueled energy for photography, which has gotten her to photograph several

published models. She takes pride in her job behind the camera and is passionate

about picturing the beauty, strength, style, and enthusiasm of people.

She's based in Maryland with her husband, and together, they enjoy traveling, cooking, and wine tasting. Lulu is currently on the lookout to work as a Studio Manager for a professional

photography studio that has an eye for the creativity she brings to the table.