11 Successful Creatives Share Their "Secrets"
Over the last few months I've had the honor of interviewing creatives of all stripes (writers, directors, leaders and even a choreographer). Some were Emmy winners, some were Oscar nominees. Their work has been both validated and celebrated by audiences around the world.
While I have no plans to stop, it feels appropriate to pause and reflect on the big takeaways these gracious individuals and conversations have afforded. If you'd like to hear the full conversation for context and added tips, click the associated link:
- Don't sit around waiting for permission to make something. (Kung Fu Panda and The Little Prince Director Mark Osborne)
- Work ethic and truth are the best "secret" weapons. (Book of Life Director, Jorge Gutierrez)
- Engage your default mode network when you've hit a wall. (Emmy award winning choreographer Kathryn M Burns)
- Story is queen. (former Pixarian and soon-to-be show runner Lorien McKenna)
- Avoid the "What if?" game at all costs. (Crazy Ex Girlfriend cast member Donna Lynne Champlin)
- It takes a village to tackle grand creative endeavors. (Song of the Sea and Secret of Kells Director Tomm Moore)
- Content without story rings hollow. (Emmy award winning director of photography John Brooks)
- Turn your challenges into creative growth opportunities. (Spokane's NAACP President Phillip Tyler)
- Microcommitments are the key to creative breakthroughs. (Product Designer for Thumbtack Chris King)
- Imposter Syndrome is always lurking. (Square's Gloria Kimbwala)
- When building creative teams, diversity is absolutely crucial. (former Pixarian Esther Pearl, founder of Camp Reel Stories)