Getting Work To Work

How would you describe your creative vision when you look at your body of work? Is it present throughout, or can you see something missing? Earlier in my career, my creative vision was strong. I chased after my ideas. I created the work I wanted to see in the world. Eventually, I got tired and didn't allow myself to rest. I chased distractions down rabbit trails, started over too many times, and allowed lies and stories to hold me back. I still got my work out into the world, but my vision was a fraction of what it once was. In today's episode of Getting Work To Work, I'm talking about creative vision and how I am building it back up for a better future.

How would you describe your intention when you think about the most significant issues we are facing as a society? Do you give yourself the space and silence to be curious, or are you rushing to an answer so that you can be first and right? In today's conversation with Christopher Butler, we explore not only the topics of artificial intelligence, ethics, and technology but how we can better set the stage for our lives in a world constantly plugged into the Internet. I found this conversation with Chris insightful in numerous ways, from having a deeper understanding of breathing and silence to the role curiosity can play as I think about my position in the bigger picture.

Some of my favorite people to talk with on Getting Work To Work have transformed an obsession with a subject or idea into a creative project. Today's guest, Mike Schiff, took his fascination with filmmaking, horror, and heavy metal and created a documentary film, The History of Metal and Horror. In this conversation, he tells stories of getting hooked on horror listening to film scores and soundtracks, watching Universal monster movies, and learning how to create practical effects. From there, Mike shares how he got into filmmaking, when the idea for a documentary on metal and horror came to him, how he kept the project alive year after year, and the art of interviewing celebrities.

When you are curious, how do you chase new ideas? In today's conversation, Pat Cheung shares how he uses the concept of side quests to bring cohesiveness to his pursuits as a tinkerer, designer, startup founder, author, and podcaster. It's important to note that Pat really loves podcasts. Not only is his own podcast about podcasts—Podcast Growth Hacks—but his company, PodInbox, serves the needs of podcasters. In our conversation, we dive into many topics in and around the world of podcasts, including why he started listening to them, what led him to create his own, the psychology of fans supporting creative projects, and PodConf, the upcoming podcasting conference in Portland, OR.

I often get asked how I keep coming up with ideas for Getting Work To Work. I usually talk about the continual search as I read books, watch films, and listen to music. But what I don't talk about enough are the occasional moments when nothing is there. Today is one of those moments; every idea that pops up gets vetoed by some vicious part of my brain. But the one idea that got through was what I needed: "Remember that one episode you wrote last year and never recorded?" Originally written in August of 2022 and inspired by a show on Disney+ about Industrial Light & Magic, today's episode is what I needed to hear.

How do you respond to new technology? Are you open, curious, and neutral, or hesitant, fearful, and convinced that life as we know it is over? Heather Crank is a motion designer and visual artist exploring the world of AI-generated art with daily morning meditations created in Midjourney. In our conversation, she shares her positive take on the potential for AI tools in creative work and the broader world. Heather also explores a few areas of concern, from ethics and copyrights to the responsibility to ensure AI truly reflects all of humanity. We also touch on how she overcame imposter syndrome, her love for Joseph Campbell and the Hero's Journey, and the importance of being gentle with yourself.

If there's one thing I wish I had known earlier in my career, it's that the best way to transform ideas into finished projects is to attach them to the right people and never stop pitching ideas. Even if they aren't ready, especially if they aren't. There is a lot of fear about sending off half-baked or raw ideas, but something magical happens as you type up the idea and hit send. Even if the project has zero chance of happening, you've gotten over the first step of creation: wondering who the audience is and whether they'll "get it." In today's episode of Getting Work To Work, I'm unpacking the art of the pitch, or at least how I do it.

When you think about change, what comes to your mind first? Fear and frustration or hope and positive action? Today's guest on Getting Work To Work works in the world of change, practical ways to go from being stuck to making the necessary changes in your life and work. Cyriel Kortleven, also known as the Simplifier, is a global speaker on The Change Mindset. In our conversation, he shares his passion for changing people's hearts and minds and how change works in organizations. He introduces the three pillars of The Change Mindset—Yes And Act—and idea killers, which keep us from making change happen. One thing you'll notice about Cyriel is the way he infuses creativity into everything he does. It's certainly infectious.

When you think about your creative career, what memories fill you with joy and pride when you recall them? Building upon the concept of joy trails from Christina Tosi's excellent book about dessert, I'm reflecting upon a few moments in my career that fill me with joy. I believe it's important to remember, but we must also share memories and reflections with others. Not to be boastful or arrogant but to be a witness to hope, joy, and possibilities. After all, there is enough depressing news out there, so why not celebrate the good times with friends?

Are you a creative entrepreneur struggling to find your way forward and ready to give up? Do you dream of becoming an artist, but you're afraid of what people will say? If so, this conversation is for you. Miriam Schulman is an artist, teacher, podcaster, business coach, and author of Artpreneur: The Step-By-Step Guide to Making a Sustainable Living From Your Creativity. In our conversation, we explore many of the principles in her book, from choosing to believe you are an artist to selling happy endings. She also shares the five Ps of running a successful creative business, leading from your values, embracing your inner weirdo, why polarization is essential, and how myths and beliefs of creativity can guide us throughout our lives.