The Creative Shift with Dan Blank

The other day I was looking at Instagram, and I saw a series of videos from an artist I follow, Megan Carty. She was in her studio, working on a series of paintings for a gallery show she is preparing for. She looked directly in the camera and said this: “I feel like I’m having … Continue reading "How to Manage Anxiety in Your Creative Process. My Interview with Artist Megan Carty"

Illustrator and writer Meera Lee Patel describes why she began painting soon after she began working a day job: “I started painting as a way to find myself, as a way to remind myself of who I was when I was a little bit happier. Who I was when I was making things. When I … Continue reading "Embracing Possibility: My Interview with Illustrator and Writer Meera Lee Patel"

Today I speak with writer Jocelyn K. Glei about how digital media and technology has created a crisis for many writers and artists. Their days are spent running on the treadmill of digital and social media, chained to their computers and phones, and increasingly unable to break away in order to complete bigger creative projects. … Continue reading "Take Back Your Attention: Jocelyn K. Glei on Finding More Creativity and Meaning in Your Daily Work"

In this podcast, I chat with Brooklyn-based artist and designer, Kelli Anderson. We dig into The value of stubbornness in the creative process How her career path had her quit a safe full-time job for a part-time job that allowed her to do creative side-project with the rest of her time The importance of collaboration in … Continue reading "How Creative Side-Projects Led to a Career in Art and Design, with Kelli Anderson"

Today I’m excited to share my interview with author and publishing expert Jane Friedman. In our discussion, we dig into the nuts and bolts on how to earn a living as a writer. We frame the conversation around her new book, The Business of Being a Writer, which shatters romantic assumptions around publishing, but then … Continue reading "The Business of Being a Writer, My Interview with Jane Friedman"

In my latest podcast, I interview psychologist Ellen Hendriksen, who helps millions calm their anxiety and be their authentic selves. In our chat, we dig into topics that writers and artists constantly struggle with, including: Impostors Syndrome Permission to create Comparison to others Seeking validation Sharing your work publicly Collaboration Entrepreneurship We talk about her … Continue reading "Social Anxiety and Sharing Your Creative Work. An interview with Ellen Hendriksen, PhD"

In this podcast episode, I talk to illustrator Will Terry. We dig deep into how he went from freelance gigs as an illustrator to developing a sustainable career with multiple revenue streams. Will illustrates children’s books, sells his art at conventions, and is the co-founder of an online art school called The School of Visual … Continue reading "How to Develop Your Creative Career, with Will Terry"

On January 29th, artist Marc Johns saw this on social media: Drew Barrymore shared a photo of her daughter wearing a jacket that had Marc’s art on it: Amazing right? This is the type of thing that many artists dream about: a celebrity sharing their work with 8 million followers. But there was a problem. … Continue reading "Let’s Talk About Art, Money, Piracy and Drew Barrymore. My Interview With Marc Johns."

Today I speak with Srini Rao, who is the host and founder of The Unmistakable Creative podcast, and the author of Unmistakable: Why Only Is Better Than Best. In this chat we discuss how to find more time to do the creative work that you love. Click ‘play’ above, or listen to the episode on … Continue reading "Find More Time For Creative Work You are Proud Of, With Srini Rao"

How do you navigate creative burnout? That is something that illustrator/author Rebecca Green has been working through. Here is a snapshot of her work: A-MAZ-ING right?! But a couple months ago, she shared this with her 225,000 Instagram followers: “I have to be honest, my well is empty. Bone dry. It’s been a rough last … Continue reading "Navigating Creative Burnout, My Interview With Rebecca Green"