Ever feel like the world sees creatives as flaky dreamers, doomed to a life of ramen noodles and empty studios? In this episode, we challenge the "starving artist" stereotype and explore the reality of creative careers.

We'll discuss:

• Why the "starving artist" myth might be holding you back
• How to cultivate the skills and habits of successful creatives
• The importance of professionalism and time management for creatives
• Strategies to build a strong portfolio and network

We'll also explore:

We'll also explore these questions:

• Are creatives actually giving themselves a bad rap?
• How can we redefine the image of the creative professional?
• What does it truly mean to be a successful creative in the 21st century?

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a comment! Share your thoughts on the "starving artist" stereotype and what you do to stay motivated and successful in your creative journey.

Share your thoughts!

• Have you ever encountered the "starving artist" stereotype?
• What are your biggest challenges as a creative professional?
• How can we better support and empower creatives?

Join the Conversation:

• Share your own creative story on social media using #MadeCreative
• Subscribe to Made Creative to get notified of new episodes.
• Visit the Made Creative website: https://made-creative-show.captivate.fm/
• Follow us on social media @madecreativeshow
• Please do leave a review on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/made-creative-5689492 

In this episode, we challenge the idea of perfection as the key to creative success. We explore how embracing imperfection can lead to innovation and unexpected breakthroughs.

Key Takeaways:

• Perfectionism can be a creativity killer. The fear of getting it wrong can lead to procrastination, self-doubt, and unfinished projects.
• Imperfection can be the spark of innovation. Unexpected mistakes and "happy accidents" have led to some of the greatest discoveries, such as the Post-it note
• Embrace the messy middle. The creative process is rarely linear. Learn to thrive in the in-between stages, where exploration and experimentation reign supreme.

Actionable Tips:

• Challenge your inner critic. Silence the voice that tells you your ideas aren't good enough.
• Start small and celebrate progress. Don't get overwhelmed by the enormity of your project. Break it down into manageable steps and acknowledge your accomplishments along the way.
• Embrace constraints. Limitations can force you to think outside the box and come up with new solutions.
• Try free-flowing exercises. This non-linear brainstorming technique allows for free association and can help you connect seemingly disparate ideas.
• Make daily imperfection a habit. Set aside a few minutes each day to doodle, write freely, or experiment with a new creative technique. Don't worry about the outcome, just focus on the process.

Episode Spark:

The next time you're feeling stuck in a creative rut, remember the story of the Post-it note. This invention was born from a "failed" experiment, a testament to the power of embracing imperfection. What unexpected twists and turns might be waiting for you in the messy middle of your own creative journey?

Share Your Story!

Have you ever experienced a creative breakthrough thanks to imperfection? Share your story on social media using the hashtag #ImperfectlyCreative.

Join the Conversation:

• Share your own creative story on social media using #MadeCreative
• Subscribe to Made Creative to get notified of new episodes.
• Visit the Made Creative website: https://made-creative-show.captivate.fm/
• Follow us on social media @madecreativeshow
• Please do leave a review on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/made-creative-5689492 

Description:

Welcome to the first episode of Made Creative! Host Comfort dives into the question: What makes us creative? This episode explores the concept of creativity, dispelling the myth of a "creative gene" and highlighting the inherent creative potential within everyone.

Key Points:

• Creativity isn't magic – it's our unique way of experiencing and expressing ourselves.
• We all have the spark of creativity, waiting to be ignited.
• The "creative urge" is a signal to explore and create something new.
• Fear and resistance are common challenges faced by creators.
• Your creative voice is what sets you apart

What You'll Learn:

• How to cultivate your creativity through curiosity, play, and habit-building.
• The importance of embracing imperfections in the creative process.
• How limitations can spark innovative ideas.

Action Steps:

• Pay attention to your daily experiences - what ignites your creative spark?
• Capture these moments! Write down ideas, record a voice memo, or sketch.

Quote:

• "You can't use up creativity. The more you use it, the more you have." - Maya Angelou

Join the Conversation:

• Share your own creative story on social media using #MadeCreative
• Subscribe to Made Creative to get notified of new episodes.
• Visit the Made Creative website: https://made-creative-show.captivate.fm/
• Follow us on social media @madecreativeshow
• Please do leave a review on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/made-creative-5689492 

Welcome to the first episode of Made Creative! In this episode, Comfort shares her own creative journey, revealing how a lifelong curiosity about spaces and resourcefulness blossomed into a career in architecture.

Key Takeaways:

• Creativity isn't just for artists! It's about the desire to create, solve problems, and find joy in the process of making something new.
• Debunking the creative gene myth.
• Early experiences can plant the seeds of creativity, even if you don't recognize them at the time.
• We all have the potential to be creative, regardless of our background or chosen profession.

Episode Highlights:

• The "Aha! Moment": Comfort discusses creating out of limited resources as a child fostered a lifelong curiosity about how spaces and things make people feel.
• Beyond the Grand Design: The episode challenges the notion that creativity is only about grand artistic masterpieces. It emphasises the importance of the creative spark that exists within everyday problem-solving and resourcefulness.
• Unleashing Your Inner Architect: This episode is a springboard for exploring your unique creative potential, regardless of your chosen field.

Join the Conversation:

• Share your own creative story on social media using #MadeCreative
• Subscribe to Made Creative to get notified of new episodes.
• Visit the Made Creative website: https://made-creative-show.captivate.fm/
• Follow us on social media @madecreativeshow
• Please do leave a review on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/made-creative-5689492 

In this special episode, Comfort takes a break from the usual format to express gratitude to the incredible people who make Made Creative possible. It's a celebration of collaboration, community, and the power of creative connection.

Key Points:

• The importance of acknowledging and appreciating those who contribute to a project's success.
• The value of a supportive community in creative endeavours.
• A reminder to express gratitude to those who inspire and motivate us.

A Note from Comfort:

Comfort acknowledges that while Made Creative may seem like a solo project, it thrives thanks to the incredible support of many.

Gratitude List:

• The Divine: A heartfelt thank you to God, the Almighty for the guidance, strength, and blessings that allow Made Creative to flourish.
• Family: A huge shout-out to my incredible husband and children for their unwavering love, support, and understanding.
• Business Women in Networking (Taunton & Bridgwater Chapter): Thank you to this amazing group of women for fostering a supportive and empowering community for female entrepreneurs.
• Emee, Self Publishing Made Simple: A big thank you to Emee for your invaluable guidance and resources in the world of self-publishing.
• Uganda Creatives: Deep appreciation goes to Sandra Niyonsaba, Kezia, and the entire Faces and Spaces community for their inspiration and representation of Ugandan creatives.
• Jacqueline Shaw, Africa Fashion Guide: Thank you, Jacqueline, for your dedication to promoting African fashion and for being a constant source of inspiration.
• Mark and the Captivate Team from the Podcasting Course and Platforms: A huge thank you to Mark and the entire Captivate team for providing the knowledge and tools that empower Made Creative to exist.

Most Importantly - The Listeners:

An enormous thank you to all the listeners! Your subscriptions, downloads, shares, and feedback are the fuel that keeps Made Creative going.

Looking Ahead:

Comfort expresses gratitude for the opportunity to connect with the audience and explore creativity together. She looks forward to many more episodes and a thriving creative journey alongside the listeners.

Call to Action:

• Subscribe to the show and leave a review to help others discover Made Creative.
• Keep creating, keep sharing, and keep embracing your inner creative force!

Welcome,Karibu!

This trailer introduces you to "Made Creative," your supportive space to explore, embrace, and unleash your creative potential. Whether you're a seasoned creative with a decorated shelf of achievements or a complete beginner with a notebook full of ideas, this podcast is for you.

Host: I am your host and co-pilot, Comfort.

• A passionate creative who has navigated the vibrant art scene of East Africa and the bustling creative hub of the UK.
• Believes in the power of creativity to connect, push boundaries, and allow for self-expression.

What to expect on Made Creative:

• Actionable tips: Gain practical guidance and strategies to help you move your creative ideas forward.
• Inspiring stories: Hear from fellow creatives at all stages of their journey, from newbies to veterans.
• Supportive community: Connect and collaborate with other creatives in a safe and encouraging space.
• Embrace the mess: Don't be afraid of the imperfections in your creative process – learn to thrive in it!

Ready to join the creative journey?

• Subscribe to Made Creative to get notified of new episodes.
• Visit the Made Creative website (https://made-creative-show.captivate.fm/)
• Follow us on social media @Madecreativeshow
• Leave us a review on Podchaser(https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/made-creative-5689492)