4 Comments
User's avatar
Joe Treacy's avatar

Excellent observations. Creating joy for oneself is paramount to fulfillment. Especially working in a lifetime of creative endeavors.

Expand full comment
Gareth Hughes's avatar

As a parent, designer/creative director and self analyser in my late 30's, I really enjoyed this read.

For creative professionals, self evaluating the balance between what you earn and what you create is essential. In fact, it's almost a hobby of mine to self asses and plot new goals every year. Of course, not everyone is in the fortunate position to have a choice.

A while ago, I read about an approach someone was taking through their life as 3 year cycles. 3 years making - learning to get the most out of your craft, 3 years in leadership - learning how to get the most out of others. I also found myself in this flow by chance. Getting this perspective is becoming more and more useful as changes in our world accelerate. The cycles will become shorter as creative tools becomes easier to use, I'm sure.

My north star is always to ask myself, "when I am old, what will I regret not having or doing?".

Expand full comment
Takao  Umehara's avatar

I always enjoy reading your stories because they resonate deeply with my own experiences. Your story about deciding to build your own business is particularly intriguing.

One thought that comes to mind is that skills like simplifying complex ideas, identifying problems and opportunities, generating creative solutions, and crafting compelling narratives are common among many creative individuals, myself included. However, what truly sets you apart is your ability to attract meaningful, high-paying clients.

I’m curious—how can those of us in the creative industries with these skill sets connect with C-level executives who would benefit from our expertise? This seems to be the missing piece that I, and many of my peers, struggle to figure out.

.

Expand full comment
Rei Inamoto's avatar

Thanks for the compliment. I wish I were attracting way more high-paying clients.

Expand full comment