It’s November already…that’s crazy! And, while the year seems to have flown by, our in-desperate-need-of-a-vacay bodies tell us otherwise.
Working in a creative industry has it’s serious ups and downs. When we’re motivated, we can create the most kickass content that even David Ogilvy would love. But, coming up with creative concepts on the daily, especially towards the end of the year, is EXHAUSTING.
Most of us get into creative jobs, because we have a passion for the craft. We have this romanticized idea about how we’ll create world shakingly great content for the most exclusive brands on Planet Earth. Content that’ll save lives.
But, reality is a little different and the process of coming up with creative concepts and meeting deadlines on the daily takes its toll on our motivation. Leaving us feeling more like pump-and-dump creatives with nothing valuable to contribute.
For all of my fellow creatives who are feeling the November Niggles – yes, I just coined it so let’s make it viral – this post is for you. These are 5 Resources you DESPERATELY need to stay motivated and resign from that pump-and-dump factory life.
1 Blinkist
Like many readers, I started the year by listing all the books I wanted to read. I had a goal: 30 books in 2018. But, then work started getting a little crazy and I began with the “I don’t have time” excuse. Needless to say, I’m a little behind on my goal…
In all fairness, committing to a book is time consuming. And, if you only read every other day, you spend a lot of time recapping what you’ve read before you move on.
Enter, Blinkist.
Blinkist is an app which allows you to fit reading into your life EVERY DAMN DAY. It’s a resource of any book you can think of summarized into a 15 minute read (or listen) with the key takeaways neatly packaged for you. Perfect for when you’re having breakfast or getting ready for work.
To restore your love of the creative arts, here’s my choice of excellent Blinkist reads/listens: The Artist’s Way, Contagious, Creative Confidence and Creativity Inc.
2 Podcasts
Part of the creative crash we experience is brought on by that painful commute to work. Who can really feel inspired after shouting at crazy drivers all morning? And, don’t get me started on the trite content they blast on the radio!
So, instead of getting fed up, I’ve made this my podcast time.
Podcasts have become one of the most popular forms of educational entertainment by offering bursts of radio that I CHOOSE to listen to. And for the scraping at the bottom of the barrel creative, there’s nothing better.
In these times when I’m feeling blah I download a couple episodes from my faves: Hot Copy Podcast, Accidental Creative, The Tim Ferriss Show and The Copywriter Club.
3 YouTube
No, I don’t mean hop onto YouTube and go down a binge watching spiral – even though it happens so quickly. However, this video sharing platform is an excellent resource of ALL things related or similar to your industry.
As creatives it is so important to learn new skills either related to your career or just for fun – we all need an outlet so channel it into something productive.
Maybe you’re a writer who want to learn design. Or a singer who wants to learn photography. Find a couple YouTubers in those spaces and get learning! There is no better way to feel refreshed in your expertise than to learn something new.
Here are a couple pros in the game:
Photography/Videography – Peter McKinnon
Web & Graphic Design – CharlieMarieTV
Sewing & Crafts – withwendy
…etc etc etc.
4 Online Subscriptions
Doesn’t every website ask you to subscribe to a newsletter now?
In the world of online content and messy mailboxes, I’ve been subscribed to heaps I don’t care about. They go straight to trash – do not pass go.
If you want to feel inspired, make sure you’re not bombarded by crappy mailers that are killing your vibe. Unsubscribe from those below average lists and get onto the ones adding creative value to your life!
Some excellent options include: NextDraft, Austin Kleon and It’s Nice That.
5 Get Collaborating
Sometimes the life of a creative is very lonely. You could be the only designer in a corporate company, a digital nomad or a travelling troubadour.
Whatever you are, find projects with others in your industry to help push your creative boundaries. Collaboration is key to knowing what trends and styles are hot right now.
If you cannot find anything locally, turn to the internet. Joseph Gordon-Levitt co-founded the ragingly popular HITRECORD. This is an online space where creatives can add their skills to any ongoing project. Go crazy and add your spice!
If you’re feeling that end of year slump, try include at least one of these resources in your life. You will not be sorry!
