Unsolicited Advice For Creatives

The photo above was taken 23 years ago. I was a fresh college graduate on an offsite with Stoltz and in week two of my first "real" job. Per tradition, we closed the office for 4 days to enjoy a guided raft trip, where we would recharge as friends and colleagues. I knew I had hit the lottery in terms of starting my career. But I look back and have to laugh at how much I didn't know at this point in my journey. Blink your eyes, and suddenly you're the one being asked for advice after two decades in this industry. For what it's worth, here are a few tips.

1. Be a self-starter. This industry evolves rapidly, and the most successful creatives are those who proactively explore new technologies, trends, and avenues for expression. You will constantly be learning. Oh, and that little thing called AI? Don't be threatened—use it as a tool to make your craft better.?No one is going to hold your hand on this. Get after it!
2. Seek inspiration beyond the office. The best ideas rarely emerge within the confines of four walls and a computer screen. Explore life. Mingle with other humans, binge-watch some bizarre indie films, crash an art show, travel, or just people-watch on the bus. Immerse yourself in culture. Inspiration strikes in the most unexpected places.
3. Who you know is as important as what you know. Building relationships in art, film, advertising, and business is crucial. The more connections you cultivate, the more opportunities you'll have for collaboration, advice, mentorship, and inspiration. It’s also how you will find your next job.
4. There are always more ideas. It's easy to become attached to a concept as you develop it, but remember, this industry often requires exploring hundreds of ideas to find the best solution. Clients or creative directors may not always agree with your vision, and that’s okay. Learn from the experience, stay resilient, and approach feedback with an open mind. Spoiler alert: sometimes they are right. Defend what is necessary, and choose your battles wisely.
5. Be prepared to laugh. A lot. Working in a creative environment means surrounding yourself with some of the most fascinating, quirkiest, fun people on the planet. I feel lucky to work with folks who make me smile every single day, push me to be my best self, and occasionally make chardonnay come out of my nose.

I’ve made plenty of mistakes over the years, celebrated some big wins, and learned from the best in the industry. Whether you’re just starting out or two decades in, this advice should be pretty solid. It might even save you from a 30-minute coffee chat with me (though see #3). And remember, if you ever need more unsolicited advice—or just want to share a laugh—I’m always here and happy to indulge. I'll probably learn something from you, too.