December 6, 2011

It might not seem like creativity takes courage.

After all, your life isn’t in danger when it comes to creativity (at least for some of us). And for most of us, getting creative is an enjoyable activity.

However, to share your creativity to the world and put yourself out there takes tremendous courage. It take somebody who has dedication, determination, and most importantly, bravery.

But how do you remain courageous amidst all of the doubts, fears, and naysayers that jump out at every corner? How do you hold onto your faith when the expectations seem hopeless? And how do you keep marching on with your head up high?

There’s many different ways to deal with fear that I’m sure you’ll find on your own pathway to creativity. In the meanwhile here’s some of my own that I’ve learned along my own journey.

1. You’ll never be a true master: While you can be a master at whatever you do eventually, you’ll never have true mastery over something. Which isn’t to sound depressing but rather, uplifting. Because you no longer have to worry and wait until you know how to do everything perfectly. And besides, I think the journey is much more fun when there’s always something new to learn.

2. Stay cool, stay classy: I think this is one of the most important rules and one that I have fortunately followed most of the time. No matter what the critics, haters, and criticizers say, remain calm and collective. If you feel angry or depressed about it, feel that way in your own privacy. But whatever you do, don’t explode out in the public. It can only create more drama. By having class and character, it gains you respect in the end, regardless of what the other said. [Note: You can argue back if you need to. Just make sure that your rebuttal is calm, collected, and cool.

3. You’ve got nowhere to go but up: One of my writing heroes is Stephen J. Cannell. Not because he was born a genius. But rather, he grew up with the notion that he was talentless and not a genius due to his dyslexia. But you know what? It made him a writer. Because he realized that if he was the “worst” writer, then he had nowhere to go but up. And that’s what you have to realize too. That no matter where you currently are at, you have nowhere to go but further on up.

4. Take it with a grain of salt: Don’t let it get to your head, good or bad. If someone gives you a bad review, laugh about it. If someone praises you, nod your head and leave it at that. Because not taking yourself too seriously will keep you from being arrogant and it will also keep you from having a self-depreciating attitude.

5. Love the future, don’t hate it: The future can be a scary place. It’s an area of great expectations but also of great uncertainty. But not knowing what’s in store makes it exciting. Because who knows, perhaps you’ll stumble upon something far beyond your wildest goals. I’m not sure if I’ll achieve my goal to be an author who can make a living at it. But the journey so far has brought me plenty of wonderful surprises and lessons. And I’d rather be open to whatever comes next, then be bitter over not knowing if I’ll achieve my goals or not.

6. The worst that can happen, isn’t the worst that can happen: Imagine the worst that can come out of creativity. Everyone thinks your book is unreadable, your art is an eyesore, or you can’t play a decent chord. You stand there in front of everyone as they laugh and throw tomatoes at you. Now is that bad? Of course it is. You might live like a depressed hermit for a while. But is that the worst that can happen? Are you lying in a hospital bed or jail? No. Don’t get me wrong. If you don’t feel ready yet, practice your craft. But otherwise, try to remember that the worst that could happen isn’t really the absolute worst.

7: You’re never the worst: Just like taking everything with a grain of salt, it’s also important to remember that while you might not be the best at what you do, you’re probably not the worst either. If you have passion and you’re practicing at it, trust me, there’s someone far worse at it than you are.

Rising above your creative fears is not always an easy thing to do. As I prepare to release my own novel Drift on December 10th, it feels like I’m going to need more courage than I ever had before. But you know what? You don’t have to be a hero to feel invincible. All you need, is just a little courage.

Andrew Cyrus Hudson is a writer as well as a reviewer for ComicAttack.net . Originally from the San Bernardino Mountains in CA, Andrew Hudson now resides in the San Fernando Valley and is planning to move to wherever life takes him next. Along with working hard on getting the word out for Drift (coming out on December 10th, 2011), a mainstream fiction novel mixed in with some elements of horror and even mystery; he’s also writing Strange Happenings, a science-fiction anthology coming out Summer of 2011 and revising Poem for the Wolves, an epic science-fiction novel about relationships, poetry…and explosions.

http://andrewcyrushudson.com
http://andrewcyrushudson.com/drift/
http://comicattack.net/category/journalists/hudson/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=577943880
http://twitter.com/hudsonian

November 19, 2011

Have you been in a situation lately that has challenged you to the brink of abandonment? It happens to the best of us and most people who are successful will have to face some form of adversity throughout their life. I have been in precarious situations in my life and no matter what the predicament is I can tell you that there is always a way out.

The philosophy of Jeet Kune Do states that “not being restricted by style, and yet disciplined by one, not being a slave to form (a given technique), but nevertheless making it perfect and knowing the right moment when to use it, all the while always adapting to the changing situation.” You have to adapt & change like “the nature of water.” If you apply this to the adversity that you are facing currently then you will see that you can simply change your way of thinking to adapt to the environment that you are in.

Lee warned, that pre-set routines, over-analysis, over-technicalizing, all these things, made martial arts not only inefective, but dangerous in an actual fight. See you read, and read, listen and listen, to old rhetoric, and restrict yourself to a given form, a given technique, at the moment of truth you work under those restrictions, and as Lee warned “the mind isn’t free.” Restricted by a way of thinking, a pattern, an inability to adapt, on the street it may not just lead to injury it could even get you killed. The only way to combat this is to free your mind of any negative thoughts.

Approach those who are giving you negative feedback and attack it with a postive notion. Solicit their input and make suggestions. Reach out to mentors by essentially giving back. It’s not about the medium it’s about you as a person. When you stop worrying about what people think and start to adapt to a particular style that works in your favor then people will begin to acknowledge you.

Jeet Kune Do isn’t a style, its a way of thinking; it is the entire reasoning behind Lee’s approach. You must always remember that there is no spoon. Spoon Boy: “Do not try and bend the spoon—that’s impossible. Instead, only try to realize the truth.”
Neo: “What truth?”
Spoon Boy: “There is no spoon.”
—The Matrix
When Neo visits the Oracle in The Matrix, he sees a young boy in the Oracle’s living room who is bending a spoon in mid-air. The boy, dressed as a Buddhist monk, bends the spoon just by looking at it. When Neo approaches him to learn the secret, the boy tells him that in order to bend the spoon, Neo must bend only his mind. In the Matrix, the spoon doesn’t exist—it’s just a code or a program that tells Neo’s brain that he’s looking at a spoon. Neo’s mind, on the other hand, does exist. What he sees before him is not a spoon, but rather an idea his brain has created of a spoon—his own perception. He can change reality by changing his perception.

Neo remembers this exchange as he becomes more confident in his ability to break the rules of the Matrix. All he has to do is remember that the rules he breaks aren’t actual rules. Just as there is no spoon, there is no gravity, there is no time—all these things are lies the machines tell his brain. Neo can fly, for example, because he can see gravity is a false construct. Once Neo understands that “there is no spoon,” then he realizes that he can do the impossible. Finally, you should only use these tips as a guideline. True inspiration can only be acheived by you. You have to find a way to combat negativity on your own. It will be different for each individual. Find what works for you and then discard what doesn’t.

[sws_blockquote_endquote align="left" cite="" quotestyle="style01"]Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way round or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves.Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless — like water. Now you put water in a cup, it becomes the cup; You put water into a bottle it becomes the bottle; You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend. – Bruce Lee

[/sws_blockquote_endquote]

 

 

November 7, 2011

Lately, I have been reading a lot of content on The Four Hour Workweek blog. You can choose to criticize or appraise Tim Ferris. That is not what I intend to discuss. I believe that we are put on this earth for a purpose. If you are religious then you believe in fate. Now, I don’t believe in fate because I don’t like the idea that I’m not in control of my own life.

It is my conviction that we each control our own destiny. On my facebook profile you can see that I am a very creative individual & I post a lot of inspirational photos that inspire me. I was on the Abduzeedo blog looking at Typography Mania and I came across this picture in reference to the passing of Steve Jobs.

This particular quote made me think of a line that I heard in a track by Y Society entitled “This Advice” Insight opens up on the beautiful production by Damu and says, “What are we here for?/ There must be more than grades or scores/ Obeying laws, staying employed, confrontational wars/ Some are sacred and pure who remain poor/ Where’s the golden doors?/ Some feel they’re open ’cause they slowing our shore/ When hope was the cure many ignored through the Betty floors/ Steady jobs, lost marriage, divorce, grownups immature/ The core of the problem is a mystery / Decisions affect history/ Persistence leads to victory/ Some wish to injury/ These kids we don’t relate to – but what does it mean?/ Hip-Hop connects us yet it’s strange / That respects change/ Ask ‘em what they want to be when they grow up / Who molds them? ‘It’s outta control’/ Is what they say to themselves when they get old/”

I meet lot of people who all vary in opinion. I don’t think that working more or working on behalf of others is altruistic. I do believe that we live the most fulfilling moments of our lives inspiring others and doing what we love to do. At the moment, I have no place to go. I don’t have anything except for my creativity. Is it because I refuse to work to acquire wealth for someone else? No, of course not. I am a graphic designer. I will always utilize my creativity towards my advantage. Everything begins with choice. I choose not to love my craft and to spend as much time as necessary doing what I love to do & vicariously inspiring others. When no one wanted to give me an opportunity I chose to create an opportunity for myself. I may not be where I plan to be ideally, albeit, I know that time will come. I’m on the pursuit of happyness.

One of the most inspiring stories that I have is the story of Chris Gardner, Entrepreneur & CEO who describes his story in “The Pursuit Of Happyness.” This is a true testimonial to those who don’t believe. If you are dedicated and you work towards your ideals no matter what anyone else says and if you have belief then you will succeed. I’m asking you to believe. Not only in my conviction to bring about metamorphosis. I’m asking you to believe in yours. The will is everything. You don’t have to be a hero to feel invincible. Creativity Takes Courage. Here are some tips on how you can improve your productivity and be on your way to living a fulfilling lifestyle

Bolster Your Creative Output By Activating Your Red Zone
A Manifesto For Free Raducals Less Paperwork Less Waiting More Action
Ending Business As Usual 10 Insights On Rethinking Work

October 27, 2011

With the recent changes in a stagnant economy are designers the new catalysts of American Entrepreneurialism? According to Bruce Nussbaum Designers are merging their ways of thinking with startup culture. The result, writes Bruce Nussbaum, is greater innovation and astounding VC success rates.

If any of you are familiar with basic economics then you know that wealth is created by production not consumption. Wealth has to be created. “The people who create wealth are the farmers who grow the wheat for the dough and tomatoes for the paste; those who harvest the milk for the cheese; the food processors who turn raw commodities into pizza ingredients; the entrepreneur who comes up with idea to sell pizza; the bank that decides to invest capital in a pizza store; and the delivery guy who brings the pizza to your door. Each of those actors creates wealth. Consumers then destroy the wealth that was created (in this case by eating the pizza).” – brian Stow In order to grow America needs a catalyst of startups.

Designers are emerging steadfast and more companies are being created now than ever. The  advancing desire among designers to bring their user focus, specific expertise, and propositional thinking to the ancient techniques of startups promises to be a welcomed metamorphosis.</p><p> This is especially the case with IDEO. A design & consulting firm in CA who take a psychological personal approach to design.  “The emerging trend represents a headlong crash of creativity into capitalism.” Today’s most innovative start-ups are successful because they’ve learned to think differently & creative. More and more agencies are turning to user experience designers as they want to engage their audience in a more creative way.

Uncertainty and ambiguity are directly linked to the part of our brains where fear and anxiety are active.  This makes the creative process difficult and taking risks towards innovative ends frightening. Creatives need to become entrepreneurs to inspire greatness in others.  “All the great and inspiring leaders and organizations in the world, whether it is Apple or Martin Luther King or the Wright Brothers, they all think, act, and communicate in the same way and it is the complete opposite to everyone else…”  Simon Sinek explains his theory on how great leaders inspire action. Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action The encouraging news is that we are seeing an emergence to capture the imagination and energy of a new generation of young designers & creators.  You don’t have to be a hero to feel invincible. Creativity Takes Courage!

For further reading: http://www.fastcodesign.com/1665120/designers-are-the-new-drivers-of-american-entrepreneurialism

http://capitalismtoday.blog.wku.edu/2010/03/15/production-not-consumption-creates-wealth/

September 11, 2011

For my monthly freebie I decided to do something different. I was listening to Enter The 36 Chambers and I suddenly felt inspired. With all the tumultuous talk of the economy and the U.S. being in such a massive debt I thought it would be unique to touch on the topic utilizing my creativity. I thought of the acronym C.R.E.A.M & then it hit me. Here I present to you Rich Uncle Pennybags (the Monopoly mascot) re-imagined. Enjoy!

Feel Free To Download Here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MPCHGI7Q | http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4WGB2FB9 | http://www.megaupload.com/?d=WS2VRYL0

October 3, 2010

I was searching for successful marketing campaigns online to get inspiration for what I wanted to do to reinvent myself.  I came across this ingenious article by Andrew Kelsall discussing how he came up with his marketing campaign to garner attention using SPAM. In today’s society, it is my conviction that in order to survive you have to get creative. Regardless of you work 9-5 or you are seeking employment it is vital to utilize your imagination. You must adapt to change. Hopefully, this article will inspire you as it did me . . .

This article is dedicated to the Blog Action Day Poverty Fund as part of the Jacob Cass Group Writing Project, together with a PayPal donation. The proceeds go directly to the fund to help stamp out World-wide Poverty. You can visit the official Blog Action Day site here.

Now, for the article…

Image copyright here

A few years ago, when I left the Coventry University School of Art and Design, England, I landed a freelancing contract just a few days after returning home. How? I quite literally spammed some design companies!

STAGE 1: POSTING TINS WITH NO EXPLANATION

The first stage of this marketing campaign was very simple. I posted out empty tins/cans of SPAM meat in the post. After eating the SPAM (it tastes OK on a sandwich — there’s millions of staving people out there, I wasn’t going to waste it), I targeted a few design companies that I would like to work for and stuck a stamp directly onto the cans with their addresses and posted them. Yes, that was it. Just an address with no explanation on the tins.

I repeated this process over several days, until each company I targeted received about 5 tins through the post. Here in the UK, if you post something with a stamp on it, and it’s not hazardous, the ‘posty’ has to deliver it, so the SPAM got through okay.

My hope was for staff at the targeted design companies to ponder the meaning of the SPAM tins. I hoped it would create discussion between team members, with bemusement with each and every can posted to them. I anticipated reactions like this:

What the heck is this? Another tin of SPAM…this is the third one this week! What’s it all about?

Hay you guys, does anyone know who posting this SPAM? If someones playing a joke on me, which one of you is it?

Well, I found out later than I did promote discussions like this…read on…

STAGE 2: POSTING A SPAM-BRANDED FOLDER WITH MY CV

After I had finished posting of the SPAM cans, I waited a day or two, then sent out a folder showing a tin of SPAM on the cover stating “You’ve Been Spammed” (shown in the image below).

The folder was about A5 in size and opened up like a four-page brochure.

When opened, my covering letter and CV (printed on A4 paper) were folded in half and tucked inside the mock-up SPAM can, as shown in the three images below.

This folder was designed to put to rest all discussions and curiosities surrounding my “Spamming Campaign”. My covering letter contained this text:

Title in Spam-Shaped box at top simply said: What?

Dear Sir/Maddam

I am a recent graduate from the Coventry University School of Art and Design seeking employment. As a former student, I’m hard-up and living off SPAM — so your Post-Box has been Spammed rather than your In-box to let you know who I am!

Ok, I’m not really living off SPAM, but I am looking for a job in a company such as yours in this region. I believe that I could be a benefit to you and your clients…[and so on].

STAGE 3: THE JOB OFFER

Well, those curious reactions I was banking on to land me a job was a reality. I was invited to do various free-lancing work at Wobble Design Ltd in Leeds, UK. When I went to work there on the first day, the design team told me the reason I got the job was for my ingenious marketing campaign. They said they were curious to the reasons they was receiving my little empty cans of tin meat, and it promoted many discussions between them and the architecture firm next door!

So, if you’re wanting to stand out from the crowd, be different and do something unusual. If you want a Graphic Design or any other job, just be creative, be different and set yourself apart from the crowd. You never know where it will lead you.

But if you’re fed-up with hearing about SPAM, heres a lovely photo for you instead. Enjoy!

Image copyright here

Have you marketed yourself in an outreagous manner? If so, did it get you anywhere? I’d like to hear your stories…

September 12, 2010

The themes from ThemeForest posted this week are, as the previous set, classy and well cropped. The simple but fancy line is still present, with quaint variations from now on, or designated attributes which outline the line of focus: either a corporate, personal, elaborate or a minimal design; all of them fitted  approaches for blog or web pages themes which are desired to be easy to maneuver as well as to admire by visitors. Pages load easily and are pleasant to the eye without exposing it to an exaggerated amount of visual stimulus.

Moreover, the theme presented speaks not only for the user, but also for the designer, as an appanage or symbol of its personal brand. Here after, a series of such themes have been selected, starting from the smooth and elegant views drawn in pastel or just “simply” minimal to the more laborious or a bit extravagant ones.

Enjoy the collection and feel free to use any inspirational ideas you might encounter, either as a support to your own vision, either as a ready for usage material.

Tesigner2 – Beautiful HTML – Download

Breeze – Professional Corporate and Portfolio WP – Download

Optimus Theme – Download

Design Lovers – Download

Corporate Works – Download

Duotive ONE General Purpose WordPress – Download

Innovative Shop – Download

Pang – Business, Portfolio and Corporate Template – Download

Quad Template NewsBlog and Product Catalogue – Download

Rockfolio One Page Portfolio Template – Download

Sliding Content jQuery Portfolio (5pg) – Download

Watecolor WordPress – Download

Zeguma Professional – Advanced Theme – Download

Simplicius Simplicissimus Universal WP3 – Download

Enfolio – Premium One Page HTML – Download

Orange Theme – Download

Cars Dealer WP3 Edition – Download

Toronto – HTML-CSS – Download

Softshell – Unlimited colors. Great video support – Download

PixelCreative – Clean Corporate Template – Download

Melani Sub Rosa – Download

Loopback – 9 in 1 – Portfolio-Business Template – Download

Olive Business & Portfolio WP CMS Theme 15 – 1 – Download

OPAtheme – Download

Retro Mail – Download

August 18, 2010

I’m not sure if many of you have heard of Drew Struzan. Does the name sound familiar? You may not know the name, but if you are at least 25-30 you will definitely recognize his work. He has done illustrations for some of the most epic movies within the last century which include, but are not limited to Indiana Jones & The Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Star Wars, Coming To America & Back To The Future . . . to name a few. These are some of the most phenomenal illustrations that I have seen. This is the true definition of an artist. This is a once in a lifetime talent. We have come to the age where most people have come to utilize technology to the point where it is almost required to do any type of design or illustration work. It all begins with natural talent. The programs, albeit amazing should be second hand to the pencil and pad. I would encourage you to visit Mr. Drew Struzan’s portfolio for a great quantity of marvelous works, with the prospect to buy his original pieces. Our legacy will live on through our art. If you haven’t seen these movies then you should probably watch them as soon as possible.

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Coming To America

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Batteries Not Included

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Cutthroat Island

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
The Goonies

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Back to the Future Trilogy

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Back To The Future III

(variation of the original poster)

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan Big Trouble in Little China

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Blade Runner

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
First Blood

(Rambo)

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Hellboy

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Hellboy II the Golden Army

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Hook

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Lonely Guy

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Masters of the Universe

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Meatballs III: Summer Job

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
The Name of the Rose

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Pan’s Labyrinth

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Police Academy 3: Back in Training

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
“Revenge of the Jedi”

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Star Wars Trilogy

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
The Thing

One of the Greatest Illustrations in History by Master Drew Struzan
Three O’Clock High

August 3, 2010

This post is part of our ongoing series of posts highlighting the most inspiring images selected by not only myself but all of you. If you want to participate and share your graphic design inspiration, just send us, via email, the image with the link from where you found it, also use “Creativity Takes Courage” in the subject; or via Twitter sending to http://twitter.com/jdarko82

Via Twitter

Send your suggestions via Twitter to http://twitter.com/jdarko82 using #dmo in the end of the tweet.

July 26, 2010

Some people go their whole lives without considering the prospect of working for themselves. For many, it’s nothing more than a dream;
something to occupy their minds each time they find themselves unfulfilled in their current job. And then, there are the ones that actually go
out and start something: entrepreneurs. It’s an undertaking that’s glamorous and ugly; exhilarating and depleting; the path to wealth and ruin;
all at the same time. So, how about you? This issue, we’ll outline a few things to consider if you’re wrestling with the dilemma of finding a job or
starting business for yourself.

Paycheck to Paycheck vs. Project to Project
One of the most important factors in your decision will be the issue
of money. In most cases, working for someone else means getting a
steady paycheck. While the size of that check may be another issue
entirely, the biggest advantage is its dependability — a consistent
stream of cash you can organize your budget around.
Working for yourself can be a whole different story — especially in
the beginning of your endeavors. Depending on how many clients you
secure, how well their business does, and how much they rely on your
services, you may find yourself in a “feast or famine” cycle of income,
with your bottom line varying quite a bit from month to month.
In the end, the biggest difference from a financial standpoint
is that as a business owner, your financial success, rather than
being dictated by a set salary, is directly tied to the success of the
business. In banking terms, it’s much like the difference between the
old reliable savings account and the thrill ride of the stock market.
And just the same, the latter is not for the impatient, the weak of
heart, or the poor planner.
Each issue, we’ll be analyzing a point of consideration in the world of
the creative professional. We’ll look at numerous factors of everyday
dilemmas, try to see what makes the two sides tick, and offer
some insight on how to best approach issues in your own life.
We are two highly-informed, creative
professionals with strong opinions and
a sincere interest in helping others grow.

Punch-clock vs. Internal Clock
For tax purposes, the distinction between a salaried employee and
a “1099” or freelance worker is the degree to which the employer
dictates their work time and location. While not every employer
will expect you to check in with a punch-clock at 9 am, the
majority will expect you to work on a regular schedule — both in
terms of number of hours and the time of the day.
As your own boss, your hours are only as regular as you choose
to make them. If you’re the type whose creative juices start
percolating sometime in the late night and flow until 3 am, you’ll be in
a prime position to take advantage of your unique bio-rhythms. Of
course, it’s not a total free-for-all. When your client wants you on call,
or needs to meet during their business hours, that’s a request you’ll
have to take seriously. To some extent, as long as someone is paying
for your service, you have a boss to answer to.
Conscious reminders of the way you’re managing your time are
prevalent in the workplace because, as a salaried worker, someone
else has a vested interest in helping you do so. On your own, it’ll
be 100% up to you to develop a routine, track your hours, and
maximize your productivity to ensure you’re earning a living.
Mentorship vs. Control
Control may be hard to come by in the early stages of your
career. If you’re working as a paid employee, chances are the
organization you’re working with will be filled with people who
bring more knowledge, more clout and most importantly, more
experience to the table. It should come as no surprise then, that
these people get a lot of control over what you do on a day-today
basis.
In exchange, giving up control early in your career can bring
opportunities that would be rare, if not impossible, to score on
your own. However, it gets to a point for a lot of us free-spirited
creatives where we just have to try things our way. Call it ego;
call it drive — whatever you label it; you’re not going to want to
be second (or third, or fourth) in command forever. You’ll want
to do it smarter, differently and better than the people you’ve
been groomed by. And if this point comes before you’ve been
able to climb the creative ladder, breaking off and starting
your own thing will be the natural way to quell that hunger.
The impending journey will be filled with growth, a different
kind than you learn from day-to-day mentorship, but arguably
beyond what you’ll ever get working for someone else.
Leadership Learning vs. Business Burdens
A lot of that “different” kind of growth and experience that you
only learn when running a business is just that—how to run a
business. If you’re a creative working for someone else, there’s
a good chance you have very little to do with the business
operations of that organization. Someone else keeps the books,
files the taxes, pays you, pulls in the new business, manages the
projects/clients and takes the financial risks. When you’re running
a business, it’s up to you to do all the administrative things you
might otherwise take for granted — plus your creative work.
Sadly, some great creatives fail when they set out to start a
business simply because, by nature, they’re not savvy business
people. The extra business-related responsibilities can be very
time consuming and seriously eat away at your free time.
Of course there are still significant freedoms involved in running
a business. As the owner or partner, you get to call the shots—
exactly what type of work you do, where you physically work,
who you will (and sometimes more importantly won’t) work
with. To the right personality type, this kind of power makes the
sacrifices well worth the investment.

Morpheus:

This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill – the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill – you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes. [to Neo who is choosing the red pill] Remember… all I’m offering is the truth. Nothing more.