overcoming creative blocks

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“You can't believe everything you think”   

When Wendy McWilliams was 49 years old, she felt like she needed a hobby. What started as a search for a simple past-time hobby, quickly evolved into her life’s passion - a thriving art career her work sought after for private collections around the globe. After working through 22 different jobs including for Calvin Klein & Revlon in Europe, she finally landed on what she was meant to do in life - painting. 

It’s hard to not be skeptical about ourselves and our abilities. Art allows us to channel a source of energy, of inspiration, and opens us to become a vehicle for creativity to create beauty through our hands. We are meant to create, to allow creativity to flow through us. Our job is to remain open and to make sure we do not believe everything we think - especially when it comes to limiting beliefs. 

“You hate your own creations because you think they look too much like you made them. You think if you keep trying you can make your work look like some other, better person made it. But there is no level of skill where you transcend yourself. The thing you hate about your art, is the most valuable thing about it”  (paraphrased from Elicia Donze) 

In this encore presentation, the episode revisits Wendy McWilliams' inspiring journey, originally featured in Season One. Wendy, who started seeking a simple hobby at the age of 49, eventually discovered her life's passion in painting. Despite going through 22 different jobs, including roles at Calvin Klein and Revlon in Europe, Wendy found fulfillment and success as an artist with her work sought after for private collections worldwide. The central message of the episode is encapsulated in the phrase "You can't believe everything you think," emphasizing the importance of overcoming limiting beliefs.

EPISODE NOTES:

• Wendy McWilliams, a guest from Season One, is reintroduced in this encore presentation.
• Wendy's journey began as a search for a hobby at the age of 49, ultimately leading to a thriving art career.
• Despite navigating through 22 different jobs, Wendy found her true calling in painting.
• The episode highlights the skepticism we often harbor about our abilities and the role of art in channeling creativity and inspiration.
• The quote "You can't believe everything you think" serves as a guiding principle, encouraging listeners to challenge their limiting beliefs.
• Wendy's story reinforces the idea that we are meant to create and be open to the flow of creativity.
• The episode emphasizes the importance of remaining open, having fun, and being curious in one's journey.
• Wendy's transformative experience occurred when she allowed herself to be guided by what would be fun and enjoyable.
• The episode underscores the power of letting go of self-imposed limitations and allowing enjoyment to guide one's path.
• Wendy's journey is described as a powerful reminder of the significance of remaining open and lighthearted in pursuing one's passion.

In this brand new episode, Kate Shepherd engages in a captivating conversation with the incredible Bibby Gignilliat, an artist whose journey navigates through self-doubt, career transitions, and a harmonious fusion of art, business, and spirituality.

We kick off diving into Bibby's early struggles with doubt and how those challenges shaped her artistic path. From leaving a successful career to returning to art later in life, Bibby opens up about blending her artistic flair with some serious business skills.

Ever wondered about selling art without the awkward "salesy" vibe? Bibby spills the beans on leveraging email, social media, and the power of community. Plus, she takes us on a journey into the mystical realms of spirituality and intuition in art.

But here's the gold: Bibby shares the secret sauce—embracing uncertainty. Yep, surrendering control can be the gateway to your creative jackpot. She dishes on being present, noticing life's signs, and starting small on your creative odyssey.

Throughout our chat, we uncover nuggets of wisdom, like how to tackle those sneaky limiting beliefs and finding joy even amidst uncertainty (cue the furry caterpillar story!).

And hold onto your paintbrushes for Bibby's evening ritual with her artwork—this bedtime activity might just inspire your own creative rituals!

So, if you're ready to unlock your creative potential, embrace uncertainty, and blend art with business wizardry, this conversation with Bibby Gignilliat is your ticket! Trust me, you don't want to miss this artistic rollercoaster! 🎨✨

Sign up for the Creative Genius Patreon Membership, Monthly LIVE WORKSHOPs, bonus episodes, behind the scenes content, guided meditations, and truly so much more. 
 

What We Talked About - Top 3 Takeaways:

• Overcoming self-doubt and childhood experiences fuels creative passion.
• Artistic success merges artistry with business skills.
• Surrendering to uncertainty maximizes creative potential.

Show Notes:

• Introduction and Background
  • Early experiences with art and battling self-doubt.
• Pursuing Art and Career Transition
  • Finding courage to pursue art and transitioning from a successful career.
• Artistic Journey and Business Skills
  • Embracing a career in art and the importance of business acumen.
• Marketing Art and Building a Community
  • Insights into using email, social media, and nurturing a community.
• Spirituality, Intuition, and Creativity
  • Exploring spirituality's role and the significance of intuition in creation.
• Embracing Uncertainty and Surrender
  • Letting go of control, embracing uncertainty, and surrendering to creativity.

Chapters & Highlights:

• Overcoming Doubt & Pursuing Art: Early experiences and battling self-doubt.
• Transitioning to Art: Leaving a successful career, returning to art later in life.
• Art and Business Fusion: Balancing artistic prowess with business skills.
• Selling Art & Community Building: Using email, social media, and nurturing community.
• Spirituality & Creativity: Exploring spirituality's role in the creative process.
• Embracing Uncertainty: Surrendering to uncertainty and its impact on creativity.
• Finding Clarity in Moments: Being present and noticing life's signs.
• Starting Small & Building Habits: Initiating creative journeys with minimal resources.
• Facing Limiting Beliefs: Overcoming obstacles to make a living as an artist.
• Surrendering for Creativity: Balancing surrender and actively creating.

Top 3 Things You'll Gain:

1. Strategies to overcome self-doubt and leverage past experiences in art.
2. Insights into blending business skills with artistic pursuits.
3. Techniques to embrace uncertainty and maximize creative potential.

Resources Mentioned:

• Academy of Intuition Medicine
• Artists: Nick Milton, Andrew Faulkner, Michael Cutlip
• Books: "Untethered Soul" by Michael Singer

Kate's Highlight Questions:

• Introduction to Artistic Journey: Sharing experiences and battling self-doubt.
• Key Strategies for Selling Art: Overcoming the discomfort of selling art.
• Creative Surrender & Uncertainty: Embracing uncertainty and its creative impact.

This episode is a transformative journey through the intersections of art, business, spirituality, and surrendering to the creative process. Gain valuable insights into overcoming obstacles, embracing uncertainty, and igniting your artistic passion. Tune in to unlock your creative potential!

FULL TRANSCRIPT available at KateShepherdCreative.com

About Kate Shepherd

Kate Shepherd, Founder of Morning Moon Nature Jewelry and Creative Genius Inc., is a celebrated artist and podcast host, making waves in the world of creativity. Her jewelry has appeared in Netflix's "Yellowjackets" and Disney's "Once Upon a Time," while earning recognition from stars like Andie Macdowell (a repeat customer) and Meghan Markle, who once called her on the phone to tell her how much Kate’s jewelry meant to her. 

But Kate's story is not just one of artistic achievement; her true passion and calling is for supporting the human spirit to return to its creative roots. Kate believes Humanity is Glitching™ because we have collectively become disconnected from our inner creative gifts, and through her podcasts, meditations, writing, and workshops, she dedicates herself to helping as many people as she can to find and activate their intuition and creativity. 

Despite a challenging childhood and discouragement from early “teachers” Kate forged her own path with creativity at the helm. Her podcast, "The Creative Genius Podcast," empowers others to find their creative voices, too, it ranks among the top 1% of podcasts, globally.

Kate resides in North Vancouver with her two kids and rescue dog, Maggie. Join her newsletter for art classes, workshops, exclusive content, and a chance to win a piece of her work. 

Dive into Jessa's creative journey, discussing her early interests, the inspiration behind her current work, and her unique approach to merging art and design. They also delve into the themes she passionately pursues and reflect on the challenges, rewards, and moments of satisfaction in her artistic endeavors. Jessa graciously shares her insights on overcoming creative blocks, handling rejection and criticism, and the importance of embracing weirdness in art and creativity. Through experimentation and play, she continually evolves as an artist.

Rob and Jessa discuss:

• Jessa's early creative interests and path into the art world.
• The vivid description of her current work, which centers around abstract visual storytelling and connecting individuals with their own narratives.
• Insights into Jessa's creative process, including the themes she explores and the challenges and rewards she encounters.
• The significance of embracing weirdness in art, overcoming creative blocks, and the role of experimentation and play in Jessa's ongoing artistic evolution.

Join us for this captivating episode and get ready to be inspired by the artistic journey of Jessa Dupuis.

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The Truth In This Art is not just about exploring art, culture, and community—it's a platform that actively engages with them. Whether you're discovering the vibrant arts scene in and around your community or tasting the local flavors at Foraged, you're immersed in the heartbeat of Baltimore. Located in the Station North Arts & Entertainment District, foraged. a hyper-seasonal eatery where Chef Chris Amendola serves farm-fresh seasonal plates alongside beer & wine, all in an atmosphere as warm and inviting as our podcast conversations. The space, adorned with greenery, mirrors the eatery's commitment to local and seasonal ingredients, a philosophy that's deeply rooted in the natural world—just like the authentic stories we explore on the podcast. It's a full-circle community experience, even featuring a signature cocktail named after Rob Lee. With Chef Amendola being a frequent guest on our show, the partnership illuminates the rich intersections of arts, culture, and community that we both celebrate. Discover more at foragedeatery.com.

Trust. Mess. Rest. Repeat.

In this fantastic episode, our gracious guest, Kim Myers Smith, reveals her four-part formula for cultivating a healthy, productive, and stress-free creative practice. Host Kate Shepherd emphasizes the profound significance of creativity as the life force behind the universe, urging listeners to reconnect with this potent energy. Together, they challenge toxic beliefs surrounding creativity, explore the societal conditioning that discourages embracing messiness and uncertainty, and unveil the transformative power of surrendering to these aspects. Engage in an enlightening activity and contemplation exercise to embrace the unknown in your own creative endeavors. Prepare to be inspired!

Join the Creative Genius Community on the Creative Genius Family Facebook Page!  to share your experiences and insights. Dive into Kate's daily sketching practice, drawing inspiration from the natural world and embracing imperfections, to cultivate comfort with uncertainty and messiness in your creative expression. This thought-provoking conversation with Kim Smith touches on her journey in embracing the messy and uncertain aspects of her art practice, the role of intuition, the relationship between intuition and intention, creative rituals, and the significance of one's environment in the creative process. Discover why "The Pig" holds a special place in Kim's heart.

Tune in to this enlightening episode, available on all major podcast platforms. Don't forget to leave a review to support the show. Thank you for joining us on this transformative creative journey!

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THANK YOU!

Are you struggling to find your creative voice as a photographer or artist? Do you want to learn how to unleash your creativity and produce stunning and unique imagery that resonates with your audience? Well, you’ve come to the right place because this week’s special guest is conceptual portrait photographer and photoshop expert GILMAR SMITH.

In this episode, Gilmar shares her journey as a photographer and educator, her approach to creative portraiture and personal brand photography, and her secrets for using Photoshop to elevate your images to the next level. You'll learn practical tips and tricks for finding inspiration, overcoming creative blocks, and developing your own style and vision.

Gilmar's insights and expertise will inspire you to explore new horizons, experiment with different techniques, and express your unique voice through your art. So grab your camera, get ready to be inspired, and join us for this must-listen conversation with one of the most talented and passionate photographers in the industry!

THIS WEEK’S LINKS:
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gilmarMsmith
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Welcome to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, hosted by Rob Lee, engage in this meaningful conversation with Nick McKernan, a Baltimore-based artist, who embarks on an astonishing animation journey that intertwines surprise and passion. Hailing from Oregon, Nick's diverse background as a stage actor, musician, and filmmaker interwoven with roles in hospitality and education led him to an unexpected yet intense affection for animation. His pursuit of this newfound passion culminated in his successful application to the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2017, where he embarked on an educational odyssey that resulted in the acquisition of his BFA in Animation in 2021. Nick's visionary creations have garnered global attention, described as psychedelically-charged explorations that delve into compelling themes like gender fluidity, systemic inequality, and the transformative bonds of communal love. Currently contributing his exceptional talents as an Animator + Editor at LAI Video in Washington DC, Nick calls Baltimore, MD home and continues to enchant audiences with his mastery of 2D animation, particularly in the realm of digital animation, and his recent focus on captivating music videos, a collaborative endeavor that breathes life into musicians' songs through the mesmerizing realm of animation.

In this session, we take a closer look at:

• The enchanting realm of animation as a lifelong voyage of self-discovery and self-expression, as our guest Nick McKernan delves into how this captivating medium becomes a powerful vehicle for channeling inner narratives and creative visions.
• Join us in uncovering the intricate threads of creative evolution as Nick reveals how discovering and cultivating your creative niche can unlock the true essence of your art, and how collaboration with fellow artists can elevate your creations to new heights of brilliance.
• Delve into the artistry of overcoming creative hurdles with Nick McKernan, as he shares insightful strategies for maintaining a sense of creative liberation and flow, unraveling the secrets to conquering those moments of artistic blockage.
• Take a plunge into the captivating interplay between visual motifs and storytelling elements in animation, as Nick intricately guides us through how these elements intertwine to imbue depth, resonance, and narrative impact into animation projects.
• Join us in a heartfelt exploration of resilience and self-compassion within the artistic journey, as Nick McKernan sheds light on the vital importance of embracing kindness and unwavering faith in oneself, even when navigating through the challenging chapters of the creative odyssey.

Get ready for a mind-blowing episode as Nick shares his journey into the world of animation. After working in various jobs and pursuing other creative endeavors, Nick discovered his love for animation and decided to pursue it as a career. He discusses the challenges and rewards of working in animation, the importance of finding your creative niche, and the personal and emotional aspects of his work. Nick also talks about his experience with corporate animation and the differences between personal and client projects.

Mentioned in this episode
Nick's website

🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧

This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

If you have a story about art, culture, or community, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on 'The Truth In This Art' podcast.

Follow The Truth In This Art on Twitter, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart

Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About "The Truth In This Art"

"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.

Connect with me:

Website | Twitter | Instagram 

Support the show:

Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation 

Delighted to have you join 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, where Rob Lee is your host with today’s guest hailing from East Baltimore, YTK. He emerges as a dynamic and versatile multidisciplinary artist, proficient in an array of creative avenues. A self-taught producer, writer, poet, rapper, and pianist, YTK's artistic journey has been unfolding since 2016. At just 22 years old, he has already carved a distinctive niche in the music scene, characterized not only by his captivating musical talents but also his prowess as a director, producer, engineer, video editor, and cover art creator. YTK's artistic essence thrives through his authentic and innovative storytelling, cementing his presence as an influential force in Baltimore's creative realm.

In the course of this episode, we explore:

• The multifaceted artistic journey of YTK, as we delve into his origins in East Baltimore, his prowess in music, directing, producing, and visual art, unraveling the intricate tapestry of his creative expression.
• Join us as YTK opens up about his creative process, unveiling his unwavering commitment to creative control and his multifunctional approach to crafting art, offering insights into how he meticulously orchestrates his vision.
• Embark on a candid conversation with YTK as he delves into the wellsprings of his creativity, reflecting on his personal experiences, cinematic influences, and musical inspirations that shape his pursuit of creating art that resonates with authenticity and vulnerability.
• Join YTK as he navigates the labyrinth of overcoming creative obstacles, unveiling his strategies for breaking through creative blocks, including the power of introspection, meditation, and drawing inspiration from diverse forms of media.
• Tune in as YTK sheds light on the pivotal role of social media in the contemporary music landscape, sharing his perspective on how artists harness the digital realm to foster connection and engagement with their audience, in a world where online presence is paramount.

This is one episode you won't want to skip! YTK shares his background and journey as an artist, discussing his various roles in music production and visual art. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining creative control and the challenges of trusting others with his vision. YTK also talks about his process of finding inspiration and overcoming creative blocks. He draws inspiration from personal experiences, movies, and music, and strives to create authentic and vulnerable art. The conversation touches on the impact of social media on the music industry and the need for artists to have a strong online presence. YTK shares his definition of success, which includes being able to sustain himself through his art and continuously evolving as a storyteller.

Mentioned in this episode
YTK's Spotify
YTK's website

🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧

This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

If you have a story about art, culture, or community, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on 'The Truth In This Art' podcast.

Follow The Truth In This Art on Twitter, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart

Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About "The Truth In This Art"

"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.

Connect with me:

Website | Twitter | Instagram 

Support the show:

Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation