The simplest of tips can get you to your destination a lot faster. It’s worth listening to your creative peers.
We asked our members from The Studio to tell us about the insights they gained that have revolutionised their creative process.
We asked the following question in our Wednesday Wisdom weekly prompt: “What’s one piece of creative advice that totally transformed your process or perspective?”
These responses are thoughtful, diverse and full of practical advice that anyone can use. We have selected some of our favorites to share in this article. You can also read the entire discussion on this page. If you are not yet a Studio Member, it is free for you to sign up.
“You can always paint it twice.”
Irene Ruby is an artist and teacher who has changed her view of what success means.
“The biggest shift in my perspective came when I stopped measuring success by how ‘good’ a piece looked and started measuring it by whether I showed up to create,” She recalls.
Ruby was no different. She used to question whether her work was impressive or skilled enough. She realized that artists aren’t good because their work is always perfect, but because they show up consistently and produce.
Where did you get this information? The simple words of her partner”You can always paint it twice”Removed pressure on perfection
The freedom to revisit her work and redo it freed her of the worry that she would make mistakes, and let her enjoy the creative process.
“If you want to grow creatively, don’t wait for inspiration—just show up,” Irene advises. “And remember, your first try doesn’t have to be your last.”
To learn more about this subject, please read our article How to overcome the threat of perfectionism.
“Some days, you will fail.”
Abhinav explains how sports journalist Harsha Bhogule gave him some transformational advice: “Admit that some days you will fail, and forget about the outcome. When we start worrying about the outcome, we lose the present.”
Abhinav has been able to navigate through the ups anddowns that come with creative work. “Some days are not for winning,” He reflects. “They are just about hanging in there.”
The advice in this article reminds us to persevere through triumphs and challenges.
Lyly Dhommar, a painter from the United States has adopted two complementary mantras. “Fail fast, learn fast” You can also find out more about the following: “Done is better than perfect.”
This reminder came from Lyly’s close friend, who encouraged her to go beyond perfectionism and take action.
“If you keep things in your head, no matter how advanced they look, they don’t exist at all!” Lyly clarifies. “So make something and work with that, try, fail, update, do better—it will lead you closer to your goal.”
“New ideas come from boredom and creative play.”
Emily O’Brien is a brand and content strategist. She has found a great piece of advice: “Creativity and new ideas come from boredom and creative play—not overthinking and pressure.”
She recommends that you set aside time each week for creative play. You could go for a stroll and find faces on everyday objects, or listen to music while drawing what comes to your mind.
Denise Strohsahl, a marketing consultant and copywriter who echoes the sentiments expressed above, says that dedicating half a day every week to creativity has proven beneficial. “game changer” For her consulting.
“Rest enough to deliver.”
Denise shares three pieces of valuable advice which have helped her to run her consulting firm:
- “Never take criticism from someone you wouldn’t ask for advice.”
- “Trust your gut.”
- “It’s not about having worked hard enough to deserve a rest but about resting enough to deliver your best work.”
This last point is worth a special mention. Resting is a necessity for creative work, especially in fields where burnout can be common.
“Ask others for help!”
Paul Kelly, motion, brand, and web designer, transformed himself by learning how to work with others. His father gave him this advice early in his career: “You’re trying to be everything all at once, and you can’t be. Learn to ask others for help, and lean on their strengths.”
Paul has had tremendous success with collaboration, even though it took two years for him to take this advice. This experience shows us that creative thinking doesn’t always have to be an individual pursuit. Sometimes the best ideas are born when our combined strengths and those of others.
Adrian Carroll, creative director and cofounder of design agency D8, reflects on his 26-year career at the company. He shares advice he received once from a mentor. “Surround yourself with good people and treat them well.”
Adrian initially thought that this was about hiring the best team members. Over time, Adrian realised that it was applicable to colleagues, clients and suppliers. He says that building strong relationships in all aspects of the creative industry has been a sound business advice.
“If no one is hiring, make it anyway!”
Nvard Nvardyerkanian is a graphic designer and illustrator. He had waited for his dream project to come along, but the moment he started creating it himself was when he realized that if he didn’t create them – they would never find him.
“Passion projects—whether personal or conceptual—have this incredible ability to shape your career,” Nvard explains. “They allow you to explore your true creative voice without restrictions or client expectations, and in doing so, they attract the kind of work you want to do.”
Nvard’s portfolio is a result of his constant creation and sharing. It has attracted the kind of work that she wants. What is his advice? “If there’s a type of work you love but no one is hiring you for it—make it anyway. Put it out there. The right people will find you.”
“Design is the answer to a question!”
What your actual discipline is is one of the most crucial things that you will learn about your future career. Consider the differences between design and art.
Matthew Gallagher, a designer and an artist, shares his advice on how he learned to grasp it. “Art can exist on its own; it is a statement,” He explains. “However, design is the answer to a question.”
Continues: “Art is internally driven by the artist to make a statement about something. It requires no explanation nor defence, as it is derived from the artist’s perspective and is complete once they deign so.”
The other side of the coin is design. “has to serve a purpose. It is the answer to the question posed by a client, designer, boss, customer, public, et al., like ‘What would it be like to have a telephone you could carry anywhere?'”
This difference will help you to approach your work more clearly. Ask yourself if you are trying to make a point or solve a problem. Each requires a different approach and set of measures for success.
“No one else will do this!”
The most effective advice can be the simplest. Clare Lavelle is the founder of Aniseed Creative. The most powerful words Clare Lavelle has ever heard are: “No one else will do this for you!”
Clare has been motivated by this mantra to achieve her goals. Clare has used it for everything, from creative projects to home decor to giving up smoking.
The conclusion of the article is:
All these observations highlight the fact that transformational creative advice doesn’t necessarily focus on techniques or tools. It’s often about shifting our mindsets to allow us work in a more joyful, authentic and sustainable way.
These perspectives, whether it is embracing mistakes, creating space for rest and play, or just showing up regularly, remind us that creative expression is not only about the product we create, but also about our approach.
As you reflect upon these thoughts, ask yourself: Which piece of advice transformed your creative journey? What advice would you give to someone else who is looking for their creative breakthrough?
You might just be the one to offer up that next transformational piece of advice.
