I’ve said this before, but I am the most creative after I leave the presence of amazingly creative people. They…we are magnetic. There is a certain flavor, a type of energy that us creatives give off that spark something in other people to “produce” or to create and to put certain things into action. Creative people and powerful thinkers inspire me. And then there is music…it also does the same thing for me.
Every photo shoot that I have is a blessing. I say this a lot, but I meet some wonderful people through photography. This quote by Annie Leibovitz is one of my favorite photography quotes:
When I say I want to photograph someone, what it really means is that I'd like to know them. Anyone I know I photograph.
Photography..to me..is intimate. It’s as intimate as any other creative outlet that involves a relationship and a sense of trust between two or more people.
It’s wonderful to do work you love with people who carry and share their light with others, and greet you with flowers.
We had Ms. Carter's shoot in my garden and luckily the weather held up. We had fun. It was like old girlfriends getting together to hang out but with one behind a camera. Here a few of the photographs from the shoot that I wanted to share with you. Enjoy!
And that's all there is to it... Right?
A few years ago I began a personal photography project called I AM THE CHANGE. It was a project that I had really big hopes for, naturally. I even raised a little bit of money via crowd sourcing platforms. My plans included traveling across the United States, Europe, and West Africa photographing people and capturing their story through imagery. Needless to say, although I did not "complete" this particular project, the journey taught me some very important lessons about the importance of side projects. So here is are a few reasons why I believe side projects are necessary:
...So there you have it. My top 8 moments this year. The moments that left me feeling lifted, confirmed my beliefs about my self as a artist and a multi-passionate creative entrepreneur. These were the moments that gave me the extra nudge that I needed to move forward and to stay the course. I hope as you reflect on your 2014 you find those moments that lifted you, even those small moments.
Before I came to Germany, I was introduced to Joyce Darkoh by a mutual friend. He figured we would have some similar interest because we were both creative entrepreneurs and professional, and he though it would be beneficial for the both of us to get to know each other.
Sooooo..you probably got on this list to find out exactly what I’ve been talking about on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter about this romp through Europe with me for creative entrepreneurs.
The main thing you probably want to know is, “How much does it cost?”, “When is it so I can take time off?” and "What will we be doing?..
I’ll get to that..
but first..
Allow me tell you WHY I’m putting this tour together. I've been living in Germany for the past 2 and a this has afforded me the opportunity to really travel throughout Europe and become inspired with new ideas and new ways to create the type of business that reflects my truest self. I've learned that traveling is one of the best ways to stretch yourself, test yourself, create yourself, and connect with your truest self...all so that you can live the type of life you were designed to.
So, I thought to myself..wouldn't it be awesome if I brought together 10 creatively curious people, who love traveling, love exploring the arts and cultural scenes of different cities, and are looking for a fresh new way to live out their dreams and business goals, and take them to 2 of my favorite and most creatively stimulating and seductive cities in Europe ...Paris, France and Amsterdam, Holland?
Why Yes, It would be awesome!
Reading is fundamental. And that's exactly why I put together a list of books that I've read this past year that have really helped me in terms of my business and my personal life. Some of these books, like "You Are a Bad Ass", (and you are) I've read more than once. Unplugging from the digital world and connecting with words on paper can do so much for your head space. You'd be amazed. Check out some of my favorite books below:
1. The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharpe
One of the world’s leading creative artists, choreographers, and creator of the smash-hit Broadway show, Movin’ Out, shares her secrets for developing and honing your creative talents—at once prescriptive and inspirational, a book to stand alongside The Artist’s Way and Bird by Bird.Tharp leads you through the painful first steps of scratching for ideas, finding the spine of your work, and getting out of ruts and into productive grooves. The wide-open realm of possibilities can be energizing, and Twyla Tharp explains how to take a deep breath and begin...
2. Steal Like and Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You about being Creative by Austin Kleon
You don’t need to be a genius, you just need to be yourself. That’s the message from Austin Kleon, a young writer and artist who knows that creativity is everywhere, creativity is for everyone. A manifesto for the digital age, Steal Like an Artist is a guide whose positive message, graphic look and illustrations, exercises, and examples will put readers directly in touch with their artistic side.
3. The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield
A succinct, engaging, and practical guide for succeeding in any creative sphere, The War of Art is nothing less than Sun-Tzu for the soul. hat keeps so many of us from doing what we long to do? Why is there a naysayer within? How can we avoid the roadblocks of any creative endeavor—be it starting up a dream business venture, writing a novel, or painting a masterpiece? Bestselling novelist Steven Pressfield identifies the enemy that every one of us must face, outlines a battle plan to conquer this internal foe, then pinpoints just how to achieve the greatest success. The War of Art emphasizes the resolve needed to recognize and overcome the obstacles of ambition and then effectively shows how to reach the highest level of creative discipline. Think of it as tough love . . . for yourself. Whether an artist, writer or business person, this simple, personal, and no-nonsense book will inspire you to seize the potential of your life.
4. The Artist Way by Julia Cameron
This book is the seminal book on the subject of creativity. An international bestseller, millions of readers have found it to be an invaluable guide to living the artist’s life. Still as vital today—or perhaps even more so—than it was when it was first published one decade ago, it is a powerfully provocative and inspiring work. In a new introduction to the book, Julia Cameron reflects upon the impact of The Artist’s Way and describes the work she has done during the last decade and the new insights into the creative process that she has gained.
5. You Are a Bad Ass by Jen Sincero
Via chapters such as "Your Brain is Your Bitch," "Fear is for Suckers" and "My Subconscious Made Me Do It," Sincero takes you on a wild joy ride to your own transformation, helping you create the money, relationships, career and general all around awesomeness you so desire. By the end of You Are a Badass, you will understand why you are how you are, how to love what you can't change, how to change what you don't love, and how to start living the kind of life you used to be jealous of.
6. The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle Laporte
The Fire Starter Sessions is an apathy-kicking, integrity-infusing guide to defining success on your own terms.
As the creator of DanielleLaPorte.com--deemed “the best place online for kick-ass spirituality,” Danielle LaPorte’sstraight-talk life-and-livelihood sermons have been read by over one million people. Bold but empathetic, she reframes popular self-help and success concepts:
: Life balance is a myth, and the pursuit of it is causing us more stress then the craving for balance itself.
: Being well-rounded is over-rated. When you focus on developing your true strengths, you enter your mastery zone.
: Screw your principles (they might be holding you back).
7. The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson
Bestselling author Bruce Wilkinson shows how to identify and overcome the obstacles that keep millions from living the life they were created for. He begins with a compelling modern-day parable about Ordinary, who dares to leave the Land of Familiar to pursue his Big Dream. With the help of the Dream Giver, Ordinary begins the hardest and most rewarding journey of his life. Wilkinson gives readers practical, biblical keys to fulfilling their own dream, revealing that there's no limit to what God can accomplish when we choose to pursue the dreams He gives us for His honor.
8. Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us by Tom Kelley
Too often, companies and individuals assume that creativity and innovation are the domain of the "creative types." But two of the leading experts in innovation, design, and creativity on the planet show us that each and every one of us is creative. In an incredibly entertaining and inspiring narrative that draws on countless stories from their work at IDEO, the Stanford d.school, and with many of the world's top companies, David and Tom Kelley identify the principles and strategies that will allow us to tap into our creative potential in our work lives, and in our personal lives, and allow us to innovate in terms of how we approach and solve problems.
9. The Creative Licence: Giving Yourself Permission to Be the Artist You Truly Are by Danny Gregory
When Danny Gregory's life was turned upside down by tragedy, he learned to cope by teaching himself to draw. The result was a complete transformation of his life, his priorities, his career, and the way he saw the world. In handwritten chapters full of his lush watercolor illustrations, Danny now offers readers a program for reconnecting to their own creative energies, using drawing as an example. He gently instructs us in the art of allowing ourselves to fail, giving up the expectation of perfection and opening our eyes to the beauty around us. The result is the permission to express ourselves fully and take part in the creative process without fear. Artist or not, readers of all stripes will find inspiration in this unique and beautiful book.
10. Show Your Work! 10 Ways to Show Your Creativity and Get Discovered by Austin Kleon
Show Your Work! is about why generosity trumps genius. It’s about getting findable, about using the network instead of wasting time “networking.” It’s not self-promotion, it’s self-discovery—let others into your process, then let them steal from you. Filled with illustrations, quotes, stories, and examples,Show Your Work! offers ten transformative rules for being open, generous, brave, productive.
