When working with other creatives or vendors, things don't always go as expected.

So what can you do?

Sometimes things will be resolved, sometimes they won't.

But don't let a bad experience ruin your character or principles.

This week's episode is all about leveraging your work in new and novel ways to reach a different or larger audience.

Branch out and use a different medium to open your creativity, but if you lack the time or the skills consider collaborating with another creative that can complement your work and give you a new perspective.

Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. I personally really enjoy all the other creatives I collaborate with and look for reasons to work with them again again.

So you failed, now what?

TNP Feature Bump:

That's the Name of the Podcast. Last week I was interviewed by the TNP crew in their first episode of their second season.

They are a great grew and I highly encourage you to checkout their podcast. All three hosts are talented artists and illustrators.

Hosts: hypemankyle, soulbrush, and superday_brand

Understanding how we individually learn is a huge factor in our self-confidence and drive to keep learning.

If you don't understand what methods are most effective in learning new information, hopefully this episode helps.

Once you understand how you learn most efficiently, you can pause to reflect on how those around you learn most efficiently. By understanding that other people may learn more efficiently from other methods and techniques than ones you find familiar - you can more effectively connect and transfer information to others.

After you get comfortable with different types of learning styles you can adapt your communication to others so that information you are sharing resonates more strongly with them for a longer amount of time. You can also more confidently ask others if they can accommodate their information in a manner that is easier for you to learn because you understand what format and style that is.

Lastly, once you understand how you learn most effectively you can and will want to keep learning new things.

During this episode we go into some detail about the following learning styles:

Don't fall into the trap of the Hustle and Grind culture. It will leave you feeling burnt out and frustrated.

In this always-on, instantly available culture Grit has become

Sometimes having things instantly doesn't allow us to grow and appreciate the process.

Develop your Grit mental muscles. It will help you overcome challenges and bring needed perspective to yourself and others.

Enjoy the Create Itch content? Consider becoming a supporter.

Have you experienced creative burnout?

I'm guessing you have or at least known someone who has.

As counter intuitive as it sounds, you need to take a break.

Put time on your calendar once a week. Pick one day a week, it can change from week to week so don't over think this. Then block off a chunk of time, ideally 2 to 4 hours to really give your brain a break.

Now these are some things to try doing your scheduled break:

All these activities give your brain room to think in the background without adding to your stress or anxiety. You may be surprised that giving yourself a break can lead to great creative breakthrough. Just try to be present enjoying the activity away from your creative work.

It is important to take on personal projects for growth and exploration.

However, you need to avoid:

Be specific and purposeful with your personal projects.

You'll be amazed at how much momentum a purposeful personal project can have when you leverage the time you invested in yourself.

Mentorship isn't talked about enough in creative fields. Let's change that.

Are you looking for a mentor?

Are you a mentor?

The problem of using Artificial Intelligence and maintaining Ethical standards.

I'm in an Ethical Pickle.

Problems with using AI:

What would give AI some great potential?

Make 2023 the year you really get confident with your pricing and take time to consider new ways to make money.

How are you currently charging?

How should you increase pricing?

When are you getting paid?

Tier Pricing for Different Client Types

When you want to fill gaps between large project work, consider targeting smaller businesses and charge a rate that will keep you paid but entice them to working with you. By filling small gaps with smaller projects you can gain an entire new set of clients to work into your larger and more complex work. This also gives you variety and could be something really great to consider.

Inconvenient Pricing

By raising your rates, you may worry you'll lose clients. Perhaps you will, but typically those will be the irritating clients that want 24/7 access to you and expect unrealistic timelines while being unwilling to pay. Raise your prices and keep your sanity. 

Offer Add-ons

Consider items you can add to your existing projects or services. Maybe you include a few additional hours to help troubleshoot or make small adjustments (these additional hours should be included in your project or service pricing but do not have to be called out separately). Something else could be offering a discount on a future project. Keep an open mind and be willing to try something to see if it is effective in repeat client work, word of mouth advertising or referrals.