Your Creative Push

Troy Plota has been an award-winning Professional Photographer for over 30 years. His work has appeared in top magazines including Vanity Fair, GQ, Rolling Stone and many more. His advertising work has also appeared on dozens of billboards in New York's Times Square, as well as on the Vegas strip.  He has photographed dozens of celebrities like Heidi Klum, Usher, Mariah Carey, Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, and many more. Troy has always been on the forefront of technology and gave the Ted Talk titled "The Future of Photography."  Troy's latest creation is the digital sharing platform Plotaverse, which also features his award winning app, Plotagraph.  It was the only App featured on the Apple Store for the release of the iPhone X. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/troyplota In this episode, Troy discusses: -How he tries to constantly push the limits of technology. -The importance of having the perspective of an artist while creating software. -How challenges and contests have grown and matured the P

Aliza Einhorn is a writer, an astrologer and a tarot reader. Her first book, The Little Book of Saturn, is a smart, friendly introduction to the astrological Saturn.  It is a book for curious readers who know there is more to astrology than their sun signs. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/alizaeinhorn In this episode, Aliza discusses: -How her first book ended up not being a poetry book even though she thought it would. -Why she stopped writing poems while in her thirties. -Identity and whether or not we can define ourselves by something we no longer do (or haven’t done for a while). -A crash course of Tarot and how it can help people with their creative blocks. -Having a dual-identity, where one-half of you is focused on a day job and making money while the other half is focused on your creative passion and doing what you truly love. -How astrology is a tool for self-awareness and self-discovery. -The validation that creative people can get when they are (finally) told that they might be meant t

Danny Gregory is an artist, author, teacher and co-founder of Sketchbook Skool. He taught himself to draw in his mid-thirties after a tragic accident changed his life, bringing with it a new peace and perspective. One that informs his creative habit everyday. Danny has written nearly a dozen internationally best-selling books on art and creativity including Art Before Breakfast, Everyday Matters, The Creative License, Shut Your Monkey, An Illustrated Life and many more. Before starting Sketchbook Skool, he spent three decades as one of New York’s leading advertising creative directors and has created award-winning, global campaigns for such clients as Chase, JPMorgan, American Express, IBM, Burger King, Ford and Chevron amongst others. Danny resides in New York City. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/293 In this episode, Danny discusses: -The importance of your partner understanding your creative needs. -Creative postpartum depression that often occurs when we are finished with a project. -Why he le

David Talley is an internationally recognized photographer, director, and producer operating out of Portland, OR. His works exhibit the darkest moment before an explosion of light, a story broken, but changed for the better, and the ability to transform the present problem in to a prospering future. David is the founder and creative director of the world's largest photographic collaboration event, Concept Collaboration. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/davidtalleyreplay In this episode, David discusses: -How his personality doesn't lend well with a normal job where he is told what to do. -How many people are afraid of making money with their creative talents because they love it so much and don't want that love to disappear. -His "single sentence" and how it applies to his creativity as well as his life in general. -How if you want bad things to turn around, you have to seek out your "explosion of light." -How his creativity was nurtured from a very young age. -An important first experience photog

Carson Ellis is the author and illustrator of the bestselling picture books Home and Du Iz Tak? (a Caldecott Honor book and the recipient of an E.B. White Read Aloud Award). She has illustrated a number of books for kids including bestsellers The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, The Composer Is Dead by Lemony Snicket, and The Wildwood Chronicles by Colin Meloy (who happens to be her husband). Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/carsonellis In this episode, Carson discusses: -Going to school for painting, even though she had a desire to become an illustrator. -Doing album art for The Decemberists. -Working in bars while doing her art on the side and why she finally needed to leave. -Her stance on working for free or working for “exposure.” -Working with her husband, Colin Meloy. -What it is like to live on a farm and being surrounded by animals. -The importance of having your own creative space. -Battling procrastination. -How to know when to take a break from a creative project that

Shayne Taylor is an illustrator, designer and maker originally from Detroit, but now making her home in Chicago, Illinois. She attended The College for Creative Studies in Detroit and worked a variety of jobs in illustration, design and restoration before becoming a full-time freelance illustrator and designer. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/shaynetaylor In this episode, Shayne discusses: -The game-changing realization that she could actually make a living from her creativity. -How things changed when she took Illustration at The College for Creative Studies in Detroit. -Her decision to move to Chicago and her early experiences there. -Doing craft shows and DIY trunk shows and how they can help you to make not just sales but connections. -Why we struggle to call ourselves artists and instead define ourselves by what we do to make money. -How to handle our parents not understanding what we do creatively. -Restoring vintage circus posters. -Unpredictability and how it plays a role in her art as wel

Jan Urschel is a freelance concept designer and illustrator working in the entertainment industry, designing for feature films and video games. Clients include: Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros, Lucasfilm, Marvel, EA, Sony, Ubisoft, LucasArts, Cloud Imperium Games, Psyop etc. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/janurschel In this episode, Jan discusses: -His decision to go to school for Japanese studies and what that did for his art. -Living and working in Singapore as a graphic designer. -His inspiration to become a concept designer and the thought process behind making the switch. -How he started and stopped his art many times over many years. -How he got his first job at LucasArts and what it was like to work there. -The struggle of either not being allowed to show the work that he did on a project, or not wanting to show it because it has been so long. -The importance of doing personal work as a freelancer and how he attempts to find the balance of personal work and client work. -How he is in his

Amber Rae is an author, artist, and speaker whose work invites you to live your truth, befriend your emotions, and express your gifts. Her writing blends raw, personal storytelling with actionable aha! moments and has reached more than 5 million people in 195 countries. Her public art has spread to more than 20 countries, and she's spoken to and collaborated with brands like Kate Spade, Apple, Amazon, and Unilever. Her book, Choose Wonder Over Worry: Move Beyond Fear and Doubt to Unlock Your Full Potential is your official invitation to face your fears, wake up to your truth, and get to the source of what’s holding you back. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/amberrae In this episode, Amber discusses: -Her journey of self-discovery. -Always pushing herself to be honest and vulnerable in her book instead of being “safe.” -Choosing to focus on the people who love your work rather than the people who might not understand it. -Being told from a mentor that her story “didn’t matter” and how it affected he

Iris Compiet is an artist and Illustrator living and working in the Netherlands.  She worked as a graphic designer for 16 years before making the decision to become a full-time freelance artist and illustrator. She draws inspiration from European folklore, mythology, fairytales, ghost stories and anything from tombstones, Victorian photography to popular movies and music.  She explores the depths of darkness to find the light. Iris used Kickstarter to successfully fund her book, Fairies of the Faultlines, a collection of drawings that she started in May and June of 2016 when she participated in the #mermay and #junefae challenges on Instagram. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/iris In this episode, Iris discusses: -Her experience of going to school in the Netherlands and working as a graphic designer for 16 years. -How the Kickstarter for her book, Faeries of the Faultlines torpedoed her to become a full-time artist and illustrator. -How and why she decided to go full-time as an illustrator. -Dealin

In this episode, Youngman explains why he decided not to do the #Cramuary challenge.  Yes, the very challenge that he created.  Was it fear?  Self-sabotage?  Laziness?  Burnout?  Bitcoin, even? He's not sure, and he's been too ashamed to talk about it, but by the end of the episode he gets a much better understanding of why, even after two years of constantly thinking and talking about it, Resistance can still hit you with fists of fury.  And that's nothing to be ashamed of. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/287 Quotes: "I was thinking about doing all of that work and putting in all that time, and I was just dreading it." "It's not a big deal if you push off your big project.  You shouldn't feel shame about realizing that it's not the right time or you're not in the right mindset or place in your life to be able to do something that you care very deeply about.  You can always do it later, you can always do it better.  As long as you do it." "I don't know why I felt for so long that I should be invu

Tom Hart is a cartoonist and the Executive Director of The Sequential Artists Workshop, a school and arts organization in Gainesville, Florida. He is also the author of the New York Times #1 Bestseller, Rosalie Lightning, a book about the loss of his daughter. Rosalie Lightning has been translated into French, Italian, Portuguese and Chinese, and was featured on many best of 2016 lists, and nominated for two Eisner Awards. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/tomhart In this episode, Tom discusses: -His early love of Peanuts and the exuberance, confusion and anger that Charles Shultz was able to convey through his characters. -His artistic educational journey. -How Scott McCloud’s Understanding Comics changed the way he thought about approaching comics. -How he was able to continue working on comics through his initial artistic shortcomings. -Following your instincts. -His own push towards creating comic strips. -Dealing with adversity, setbacks and failures in an extremely difficult and frustrating

Amy Dresner is a former professional stand-up comic, having appeared at The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory, and The Improv. Since 2012, she has been a contributing editor of the online addiction and recovery magazine TheFix.com. She’s also written for the Good Men Project, The Frisky, Refinery 29, and has been a regular contributor to Addiction.com and PsychologyToday.com, where she has her own addiction blog entitled “Coming Clean.” My Fair Junkie is her debut book. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/amydresner In this episode, Amy discusses: -How she got into the position to write her first book. -The misconception of creative people that you need drama, tragedy or addiction to have a significant life or art. -Finding inspiration by simply being outside of your comfort zone. -The connection between addiction and creativity and seeking a connection to something outside of yourself or something greater. -How she was able to be so open, honest and vulnerable in writing My Fair Junkie. -If you had th

Kan Muftic is a London-based Animation Director and Concept Artist, who has worked on projects like Annihilation, Godzilla and Guardians of the Galaxy.  He is also the animation director for the Netflix and Channel 4 show, Kiss Me First. Kan's first book, Figure Drawing for Concept Artists is a comprehensive guide for learning figure drawing techniques to aid every concept artist's skill set. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/kanmuftic In this episode, Kan discusses: -His early desire to be a zoologist and his decision to become an artist instead. -Discovering concept art and how he knew he had to pursue it as a new career and passion. -The terrifying decision to leave the stability of his current work in order to learn a new way of approaching art. -How your interest is the thing that will lead you to success because it will ensure your motivation to keep learning and working hard. -Having to push past the fact that actors and writers are given directorial roles without question, while traditional

Cindy Hohman is the creator of The Art Marketing Project, which helps independent artists by teaching marketing and promotion skills so you can do what you love and make a living with your art. Her goal is to make art and creativity a viable, sustainable, and profitable career path. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/cindyhohman In this episode, Cindy discusses: -Her background working at the Art Students League of Denver and the Denver Art Museum. -How and why she started the Art Marketing Project. -Why it is so important to develop a marketing plan and not just do what everybody else is doing. -The importance of keeping track of your numbers and analytics. -How to know when to quit your attempt at a particular social media tactic. -Building a brand for yourself that you choose, and then finding your ideal buyers. -Whether or not you should create a new identity if you plan on doing a different type of creative work. -How to push past the icky feeling that comes with marketing and self-promotion. -

Heidi Gustad is a knit & crochet designer, Midwesterner, & one-time Librarian who is obsessed with colorful knitting, crochet & yarn crafts. She is also the creator of Hands Occupied, which features dozens of free knitting & crochet patterns, over 250 step-by-step How-to posts, and 100+ inspiration posts to help you dream up your own DIYs. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/heidigustad In this episode, Heidi discusses: -How she got into knitting as a child as a way to battle anxiety and insomnia. -How she pushed her knitting to the side because of her talent (and responsibility) with the oboe. -Getting involved with blogging. -Her realization that she could have been monetizing her side hustle for years. -How much easier it is for younger people to learn things. -Why she finally made the decision to quit her job as a librarian and pursue her creativity full-time. -Dealing with the question of Am I defined by what I do for a living? -The importance of finding your own happiness so th

Alex Strohl is a Madrid-born, French adventure photographer whose work is characterized by his extraordinary existence. Instead of creating contrived scenes, Strohl creates authentic moments and captures them as they unfold before him— continually blurring the lines between work and life. Strohl’s photography has been featured in prestigious publications such as Forbes, Vanity Fair, and Gentleman’s Journal and his client list includes dozens of household names. He is based in Whitefish, Montana—but spends the vast majority of his time on the road with his partner Andrea Dabene; they often journey to the most remote reaches of the world. His new course, The Adventure Photography Workshop offers an in-depth look into his mindset, methodology, and strategy, not just as a photographer, but as a creative thinker. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/281 In this episode, Alex discusses: -His recent traveling, including his recent trips to the Pyrenees and Iceland. -How he plans his trips and his shoots. -Th

Dougie Hoppes is a Dark Fantasy Artist living in Hillsborough, NC. During the daytime, he writes software for a neuroscience company, and at night and on weekends, he works on his art business and spends time with my family. He is also the creator of the ShadowMyths Cards, designed to inspire idea generation, and the upcoming Shadow Myth's book, Selik's Road. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/dougie In this episode, Dougie discusses: -How he got a later start in his art than most. -His wife’s wise advice to paint what he truly loved instead of what he thought he was supposed to paint. -Going to his first Comic-Con at the age of 47 and the creative shift that it gave him. -How he destroys 90% of his work, but documents it all. -A glimpse into the way in which he has evolved as an artist (and continues to evolve). -Getting past the tiredness. -Taking calculated risks. -His style of finding the images and the story after he makes marks. -His upcoming Kickstarter for Selik's Road. -How he came up with

Jennie Nash is a book coach, a writer, and the founder of Author Accelerator, a strategic book coaching service that offers the sustained editorial support writers need to complete their projects and make a powerful impact on their target audience. For eight years, writers serious about reaching readers have trusted Jennie to coach their projects from inspiration to publication, landing top New York agents and book deals with houses such as Scribner, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette. Jennie is the author of four novels, three memoirs, and one self-help book for writers. She has taught for 12 years in the UCLA Extension Writer’s Program, delivered three courses for CreativeLive, and spoken at writing conferences all over the country. Her guest posts have appeared on popular writing sites including The Write Life, Writers Helping Writers, and The Book Designer. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/jennienash In this episode, Jennie discusses: -The inspiration that her father gave her as a hard-working

Jeff Leisawitz is an award-winning musician/producer, a critically acclaimed author and internationally distributed filmmaker who has devoted his life to creativity.  He burns with a mission -- to inspire writers, artists, musicians, filmmakers, entrepreneurs (and everyone else) to amp up their creativity, heal their hearts and shine in the world. Not F*ing Around: The No Bullsh*t Guide for Getting Your Creative Dreams Off the Ground is Jeff's first book. Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/jeffl In this episode, Jeff discusses: -His early interest in music, photography, and writing. -The importance of focus when you have many creative impulses. -NLP and how it can aid creative people. -How creativity is a way for us to be seen, expressed and healed. -How to get past your inner critic. -Seeing your art as ephemeral and being willing to destroy it. -How the movie, Patterson inspired him to take up the daily practice of writing a poem. -The notion of building up resiliency to rejection. -The lessons th

Matt Madden is a cartoonist and teacher best known for his book 99 Ways to Tell a Story: Exercises in Style (Penguin), a comics adaptation of Raymond Queneau’s Exercises in Style.  In addition to his personal work he has written two textbooks with his wife, Jessica Abel, Drawing Words & Writing Pictures and Mastering Comics, (First Second). Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/matmadden In this episode, Matt discusses: -How he got a later start with art and cartoons. -How he discovered Exercises in Style by Raymond Queneau and he instantly knew he wanted to do something similar with cartoons. -Oubapo. -How giving yourself rules or constraints can help you to get past the fear of the blank page. -How he has come to terms with certain limitations of his own creative process and pace. -Some actionable advice for anyone wanting to implement some limitations or constraints in their own work. -His advice for people who might feel as if they got into their creative passion too late and are “behind pace.”