Finding places to hide

The Guns 'N' Roses album Chinese Democracy took approximately 15 years to make. At some point, record company Geffen Records pulled its funding. It was finally released in 2008 and is a good example of how not to record an album and waste millions in the process.

In the 90s, Guns 'N' Roses were one of the most influential and popular bands around. So anything they put out was received with anticipation and people were waiting to see what the album had in store for them.

As musicians, your music speaks for you and taking 15 years to complete an album is a no-go.

Back in my advertising days, I once worked in a place where a piece of work took forever to get approved. At the end of six months, I'd realize that I didn't have anything to show. Sure, I had many things to hide behind - bureaucracy, bad clients etc. But that wasn't helping me as a creative.

If you're a director, people will ask you what your next movie is about.

If you're a writer, you'll be asked what you're currently writing.

When the work is visible, you have nowhere to hide.

It's a privilege and challenge to be in this position.