Productivity Archives - Creative Edge Coaching

The Quiet Creative’s Guide to Being Seen: Why Your Voice Matters More Than Ever

Monica OBrien — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 02:08:48 +0000

For the introverted artists, the hesitant writers, the photographers who’d rather hide behind their cameras, and every creative soul who believes their work should speak for itself

I see you there, scrolling through social media feeds filled with bold self-promoters, watching other creatives confidently showcase their work while you wrestle with that familiar knot in your stomach. You’ve probably told yourself the same story I’ve heard from hundreds of creatives over the years: “I’m just not good at selling myself,” or “My work should speak for itself,” or perhaps the most damaging one of all: “Self-promotion feels so tacky.”

Let me share something I’ve learned after two decades of coaching creatives: your reluctance to promote yourself isn’t a character flaw—it’s often a sign of your artistic integrity. But here’s the hard truth that might sting a little: in today’s oversaturated creative landscape, integrity without visibility is a recipe for obscurity.

The Myth of the “Natural Self-Promoter”

First, let’s dispel a crazy myth. Those creatives you see confidently sharing their work, booking speaking gigs, and seemingly effortlessly building their careers? Most of them started exactly where you are now. The difference isn’t that they were born extroverted or naturally good at marketing—it’s that they recognised something: their creative gifts have value, and the world needs to see them.

Recently, I worked with a brilliant artist whose work took my breath away. She’d been creating for twenty years, had a portfolio that belonged in galleries, yet, despite her international success, she was barely scraping by with occasional freelance gigs. “I just want to make art,” she told me, as if promoting that art was somehow beneath her artistic calling. Sound familiar?

Here’s what this artist didn’t realise, and what many creatives miss: self-promotion isn’t about ego or tackiness. It’s about stewardship of your gifts.

Your Creative Gifts Are Not Optional Luxuries

We’re living through unprecedented times of noise, distraction, and artificial creation. In a world increasingly dominated by AI-generated content and mass-produced creativity, authentic human expression has never been more valuable. Your unique perspective, your hard-earned skills, your creative voice—these aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re essential.

Think about the artists who’ve moved you throughout your life. Would their work have impacted you if they’d kept it hidden in studios and sketchbooks? Would the writers who changed your perspective have touched your life if they’d never submitted their manuscripts? Of course not.

Your creativity isn’t just about you—it’s about everyone whose life could be enriched, challenged, or transformed by encountering your work.

The Recognition You Crave Isn’t Shallow

Despite what we sometimes tell ourselves, most of us didn’t become creatives purely for the joy of creation. Yes, the process matters, but we also create because we have something to say, something to share, something we believe the world needs.

The desire for recognition isn’t vanity—it’s validation that our creative contributions matter. It’s the difference between speaking into the void and having a conversation. It’s proof that the countless hours you’ve invested, the skills you’ve developed, the risks you’ve taken to follow your creative path have meaning beyond your own satisfaction.

I’ve worked with painters who claim they “don’t care about sales” while secretly checking their gallery’s website daily for updates. I’ve coached musicians who insist they “just play for themselves” while dreaming of full concert halls. This isn’t hypocrisy—it’s human nature. We create to connect, and connection requires visibility.

When Time Feels Like the Enemy

If you’re reading this and feeling like you’ve missed your moment, let me stop you right there. I cannot tell you how many creatives I’ve worked with who felt they were “too late”—only to achieve their greatest successes in the years that followed.

Sarah, a photographer I coached, came to me at 52, convinced she’d missed her chance because she’d spent her twenties and thirties raising children instead of building her portfolio. “Everyone else started so much earlier,” she told me. Three years later, her first solo exhibition opened to critical acclaim. The life experience she thought had set her back had actually given her work a depth and perspective that resonated powerfully with viewers.

Your timeline is not everyone else’s timeline. Your creative journey—including the detours, the false starts, the years you spent “not promoting yourself”—has given you something unique to offer.

Reframing Self-Promotion as Creative Service

Here’s the mindset shift that changes everything: stop thinking of self-promotion as selling yourself, and start thinking of it as serving others with your creativity.

When you share your work, you’re not saying “look at me”—you’re saying “look at this thing I’ve created that might matter to you.” When you talk about your creative process, you’re not boasting—you’re teaching. When you put yourself and your work out there, you’re not being selfish—you’re being generous.

The artist I mentioned earlier, finally understood this when she reframed her reluctance. Instead of seeing promotion as “bragging about her art,” she started seeing it as “connecting her art with people who needed to see it.” Her income tripled within eighteen months, not because she became a different person, but because she changed how she thought about sharing her gifts.

Practical Steps for the Promotion-Shy Creative

Start where you’re comfortable. You don’t need to become a social media influencer overnight. Begin by sharing your work in spaces that feel safe—maybe that’s a small local group, an online community of fellow creatives, or even just with friends and family who’ve been asking to see more of your work.

Focus on the work, not yourself. Instead of posting “Here’s my latest painting” try “I spent three months exploring how light moves through water in this series.” The story behind the work is often more compelling than the work alone, and it feels less like self-grandstanding.

Embrace your authenticity. Your introversion, your thoughtfulness, your preference for depth over breadth—these aren’t obstacles to overcome. They’re part of what makes your creative voice unique. The world has enough loud voices. Sometimes what we need most is the quiet, thoughtful perspective.

Set small, manageable goals. Instead of “I need to be better at self-promotion,” try “I’ll share one piece of work each week with a brief story about why I created it.” Small, consistent action beats grand gestures every time.

Connect with other quiet creatives. You’re not alone in this struggle. Find your tribe—other thoughtful creatives who understand the challenge of balancing artistic integrity with practical visibility. Support each other’s work. Promotion feels less daunting when it’s reciprocal.

The World Is Waiting for Your Voice

I want to leave you with this thought: somewhere out there is someone who needs exactly what you create. They need your perspective, your style, your way of seeing the world. They need the comfort your work might provide, the challenge it might offer, the beauty it might add to their life.

But they can’t find you if you’re invisible.

Your creative gifts aren’t just for you—they’re your contribution to the ongoing human conversation about what it means to be alive, to feel deeply, to see beauty in unexpected places. The world is noisy enough with voices that have nothing meaningful to say. It desperately needs the voices that do.

Yes, self-promotion might feel uncomfortable at first. Yes, it might challenge your natural inclinations. But consider this: isn’t the discomfort of staying invisible worse than the discomfort of being seen?

Your art matters. Your voice matters. You matter.

It’s time the world knew it too.

Monica O’Brien is a professionally trained and accredited Coach and founder of Creative Edge Coaching www.creativeedgecoaching.com.au. She blogs on issues about creativity and small business development for conscious artists and business entrepreneurs. Book your free discovery call here.

Join CREATIVITY UNLEASHED! Facebook GROUP – the Official Facebook Community for Creatives.

If you are a creative person building your career or looking to grow your creative business, this group is for you! Our purpose is to support and celebrate creativity and the talented people who enrich our world with music, art, drama, poetry, words, shape, colour, beauty and innovation. Our goal is to connect with other like-minded creatives, ask questions, reflect, get unstuck, move through resistance and blocks, participate in group conversations, share our stories, learn, get support and feedback for our creative endeavours/career/business and tap into the wisdom of the group.

The post The Quiet Creative’s Guide to Being Seen: Why Your Voice Matters More Than Ever appeared first on Creative Edge Coaching.

Why Every Creative Project Feels Like Giving Birth (And What That Teaches Us)

Monica OBrien — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 21:00:48 +0000

Ten days ago, I became a grandmother. As I encouraged my daughter through labour and watched her bring new life into the world, I was struck by something unexpected: every stage of her journey mirrored the creative process in ways I’d never fully appreciated before.

Standing in that delivery room, witnessing the raw power of creation, I realised why we call our projects our “babies.” The parallels aren’t just poetic—they’re profound. And understanding them might change how you approach your next creative endeavour.

The Quiet Beginning

For months, my daughter carried this secret life within her, something growing and developing that only she could feel. In those early weeks, when nothing showed on the outside, everything was changing on the inside. She was exhausted in ways that seemed disproportionate to her unchanged appearance, her body working overtime on something invisible to the rest of us.

Your creative projects begin the same way. That initial idea takes root somewhere deep, and while the world sees no change, you’re using enormous energy just to nurture it into something viable. Friends and family might wonder why you seem tired or distracted—after all, you haven’t actually created anything they can see yet.

This stage requires faith. My daughter had to trust that her body knew what it was doing, even when she felt awful and couldn’t see progress. Similarly, you have to believe in ideas that exist only in your mind, protecting them from the voices that say, “When are you actually going to start writing?” or “What do you have to show for all this thinking?”

Finding Your Rhythm

Somewhere in the middle months, my daughter hit her stride. The initial discomfort faded, her energy returned, and she began to glow with excitement about what was coming. She started sharing ultrasound photos, picking out names, and imagining how her life with her husband and new baby would be.

Your creative projects often follow this same arc. After the uncertain beginning comes a golden period where everything clicks. The words flow, the vision becomes clear, and you find yourself boring everyone with details about your work-in-progress. This is when you might finally feel safe enough to tell people what you’re working on.

But here’s what I learned watching my daughter: this easier phase can be deceptive. Just because the morning sickness passes doesn’t mean the hard work is over—it’s just different now. The same is true for your art. When the initial struggle gives way to flow, don’t mistake momentum for completion.

The Beautiful Weight

In her final weeks, my daughter carried this constant, wonderful burden. Every movement reminded her of what was coming. Sleep became difficult, comfort was elusive, and she alternated between excitement and overwhelm. “I can’t wait to meet her,” she’d say one moment, then immediately add, “But I don’t think I’m ready.”

This is exactly how you feel when your project nears completion. The weight of almost-finished work consumes your thoughts. Every interaction reminds you of what you still need to do. You’re simultaneously eager to share your creation with the world and terrified of letting it go.

Like my daughter in those final days, you might find yourself reviewing preparations, reorganising your cupboards reading everything you can find about your craft, questioning every decision you’ve made. This nesting instinct is natural, but remember: no amount of preparation fully prepares you for what comes next.

The Moment of Truth

When labour began, my daughter entered a zone I’d never seen before. Between contractions, she seemed almost normal—chatting, even laughing. But when the intensity came, everything else disappeared. Her entire being focused on one singular purpose: bringing this new life into the world.

The final push to complete your creative work demands this same total focus. Deadlines approach with the same unavoidable intensity as contractions. You might find yourself working through the night, forgetting meals, canceling plans. Everything else becomes secondary to this one monumental task.

This phase is rarely pretty. Just as labour is raw and messy, finishing a project often means abandoning perfectionism and simply pushing through. You’re too close to the end to quit, even when every part of you wants to rest.

The First Breath

And then—suddenly—it was over. After hours of intense effort, there was this moment of profound quiet, followed by the most amazing sound: a baby’s first cry. The exhaustion on my daughter’s face transformed instantly into wonder as she held her daughter for the first time.

Completing a creative project brings that same rush of emotions. First comes relief—pure, overwhelming relief that you actually finished. Then that surreal moment when you see your creation as a complete entity, separate from you yet entirely yours.

Like my daughter meeting her baby, you might feel a strange mix of familiarity and surprise. This thing you’ve carried and nurtured has its own identity now, both exactly what you expected and completely different from what you imagined.

After the Storm

What surprised me most was how challenging the days immediately following the birth turned out to be. My daughter had prepared for labour , but it’s impossible to imagine the emotional complexity of those first weeks, huge learning curse and exhaustion.

The period after completing a project often brings similar unexpected challenges. You might expect to feel euphoric, but instead find yourself drained and strangely empty. The work that consumed your thoughts is now out of your hands, leaving an unfamiliar void where obsession used to live.

This is also when the real work begins—not the creating, but the caring. Just as my granddaughter needs constant attention now that she’s here, your finished project needs promotion, refinement, and the emotional work of letting others respond to it.

Watching Them Grow

Now, ten days later, I’m amazed by how quickly my granddaughter is becoming her own person. What started as cells has become a unique individual with her own personality.

Your creative projects follow a similar path. Once released into the world, they develop lives beyond your control. Readers find meanings you never intended. Viewers see connections you didn’t consciously make. Your creation carries your creative DNA while becoming something independent and surprising.

The Courage to Create

Watching my daughter become a mother reminded me that both childbirth and artistic creation are acts of profound courage. They require faith in processes we can’t fully control, commitment to seeing something through despite uncertainty, and the willingness to trust.

Both are messier and more challenging than anyone who hasn’t experienced them can understand. Both demand that you give parts of yourself to create something entirely new. And both, despite their difficulties, represent some of the most meaningful work humans can do.

The next time you’re struggling with a creative project—whether you’re exhausted by the invisible work of early development, overwhelmed by the intensity of final completion, or feeling vulnerable as you share your finished work—remember that you’re engaged in one of life’s most fundamental acts.
Trust the process. Your creative offspring is worth the labour pains, and you’re stronger than you know. After all, if my daughter can bring a whole human into the world, you can certainly finish that novel, complete that painting, or launch that business.

The world needs what you’re creating. Have the courage to see it through.

Join CREATIVITY UNLEASHED! Facebook GROUP – the Official Facebook Community for Creatives.

The post Why Every Creative Project Feels Like Giving Birth (And What That Teaches Us) appeared first on Creative Edge Coaching.

The Future of Creativity and the Advancement of AI

Monica OBrien — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 21:00:00 +0000

The landscape of creativity is undergoing a massive shift, driven by the influence of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. While some may fear a future where AI replace human ingenuity, the reality is far more nuanced. Instead of viewing these forces as adversaries, is it possible that we stand on the cusp of a transformative era where AI and automation become partners in the creative process?

As a creative professional myself, I’ve been fascinated by the rise of AI and its potential impact on our creative expression and the creative industries. For the past six months, I’ve been diving into experimenting with tools like ChatGPT and Genius. Let me tell you, the results have been fascinating. From hilariously nonsensical outputs to surprisingly insightful prompts, it’s been a fun journey of discovery and learning. These tools have become my brainstorming buddies, helping me spark unexpected ideas and refine existing ones in ways I never thought possible.

Adapting and Embracing the Evolution

The apprehension some feel when faced with such transformative change is understandable. Concerns about job security and the decline of human creativity are valid. However, history has shown us that technological advancements often create new opportunities alongside challenges. The printing press, for example, revolutionised communication but didn’t eliminate the need for writers and storytellers. Similarly, AI and automation are unlikely to render human creativity obsolete. In fact, I think it’s up to the creative community to make sure we do our part to ensure human creativity is honoured and promoted.

AI: Unleashing the Power of Exploration

Concerns aside, there are many ways in which AI can support our creative efforts. Imagine a world where AI acts as a creative catalyst, analysing vast amounts of data to identify connections, generate unexpected concepts, and even offer initial drafts tailored to your individual style. This is not the realm of science fiction, but the tangible potential of AI in creative fields. From assisting in music composition by analysing existing styles to aiding in the design of innovative products through predictive modelling, AI empowers us to delve deeper into the realm of possibility and push the boundaries of our imagination.

Automation: Reclaiming the Time for Creativity

Let’s be honest: repetitive tasks can sap the very essence of creative joy. Automation steps can free us from the mundane and allow us to focus on the truly transformative aspects of our work. My explorations have led me to expand my thinking and adopt AI for creating lists regarding content, planning business trips (and a few holidays!), organising address lists, and suggesting blog post topics. I’m a bit old-fashioned in that I still like to write the blogs myself, but in some cases, particular blogs requiring technical information or instructions, AI is extremely helpful.

I think the key lies in adapting and embracing these changes. Experimenting and playing with concepts and prompts can be fun and enlightening. This is why I wrote 95 Chat GPT & Gemini Prompts for Creatives. Its a free resource to get you started on this wild journey of AI. You can download it HERE.

Remember, AI lacks the spark of imagination and the ability to truly imbue art with genuine emotion – qualities that remain uniquely human. The challenge is to embrace this evolution with open minds and a willingness to learn, and together, we can usher in a new era of creativity more powerful, impactful, and human than ever before.

Join CREATIVITY UNLEASHED! Facebook GROUP – the Official Facebook Community for Creatives.

The post The Future of Creativity and the Advancement of AI appeared first on Creative Edge Coaching.

Rediscovering Your Creative Soul in the Age of AI and Endless Hustle

Monica OBrien — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 21:00:18 +0000

In our hyper-connected world, the pressure to be constantly productive has intensified beyond what we experienced just two years ago. Creatives today face unprecedented challenges: AI tools promising to revolutionise creative work, social media algorithms demanding constant content, and a creator economy that often reduces artistic expression to engagement metrics and monetisation strategies.

The “hustle culture” messaging has evolved but hasn’t disappeared—it’s simply wearing new clothes. Now we’re told to “leverage AI,” “build our personal brand,” and “scale our creativity.” While these tools and approaches have their place, they can distance us from what makes our creative work truly meaningful: the deeply personal, irreplaceable human essence that no algorithm can replicate.

As a coach specializing in supporting creatives through these modern challenges, I’ve observed that the antidote to creative burnout and existential overwhelm isn’t found in the latest productivity hack or AI prompt. It’s found by returning to something timeless: your creative soul.

The Modern Creative’s Dilemma

Today’s creatives are navigating:

AI Integration Anxiety: The fear that artificial intelligence will replace human creativity, leading to either avoidance or over-reliance on these tools without understanding their proper place in the creative process.

Content Treadmill Exhaustion: The pressure to constantly produce shareable content across multiple platforms, often at the expense of deeper, more meaningful work.

Comparison Culture: Social media’s highlight reels make it easier than ever to compare your behind-the-scenes struggles with others’ curated successes.

Economic Uncertainty: Shifting industries, freelance instability, and the gig economy’s demands for constant self-promotion and adaptation.

The solution isn’t to reject modern tools or opportunities, but to approach them from a place of creative authenticity and inner groundedness.

Reconnecting with Your Creative Essence: A Modern Approach

Here are the evolved practices I use with clients to help them find their center amid today’s creative landscape:

1. Tapping into the Creative Unconscious

Generative Coaching remains as relevant as ever, but I’ve adapted it for our current context. The six-step process now includes:

Opening to an integral field (while creating boundaries with digital distractions)
Attuning to a positive intention (beyond metrics and external validation)
Connecting to a network of resources (both human and technological)
Identifying actionable plans (that honor both innovation and authenticity)
Working through obstacles (such as creative blocks, fear, imposter syndrome, or skills gaps)
Developing sustainable practices (that work in our always-on culture)

Generative Trance has become even more powerful in our age of constant stimulation. Dr. Stephen Gilligan’s approach offers a way to access deeper wisdom beneath the noise of notifications and algorithmic feeds. In this focused awareness state, you can:

Distinguish between your authentic creative voice and the “shoulds” of social media
Access innovative solutions that blend human intuition with technological tools
Work through creative blocks and fears that might be holding you back
Find your unique creative signature that can’t be replicated by AI

2. Embodying Your Creativity in a Digital World

Digital Boundaries & Somatic Practices: Combine traditional body-based practices with intentional technology use. This might include:

Morning pages or sketching before checking your phone
Movement breaks between digital creative sessions
Breathwork to reset after social media engagement
Walking meetings or outdoor creative sessions

Analog Creative Rituals: In our screen-heavy world, returning to physical materials—pen and paper, clay, musical instruments—can be profoundly grounding. These practices help you remember that creativity flows through your body, not just your devices.

AI as Creative Partner, Not Replacement: Learn to use AI tools while maintaining your creative agency. Use them for ideation, research, or handling routine tasks, but preserve the core creative decisions and emotional depth for your human consciousness.

3. Modern Visioning and Intention Setting

Rather than setting rigid goals based on external metrics, focus on intentions that honor both your creative evolution and the changing landscape:

Values-Based Creation: What do you want your creative work to contribute to the world, especially as AI handles more routine creative tasks? Your uniquely human perspective, emotional intelligence, and lived experience become more valuable, not less.

Sustainable Growth: How can you build a creative practice that thrives alongside technological change rather than despite it? This might mean choosing depth over breadth, or focusing on connection over reach.

Creative Legacy: In a world of rapid technological change, what enduring impact do you want your creative work to have? What stories, perspectives, or innovations can only come through you?

4. New Practices for 2025

AI Collaboration Rituals: Develop intentional practices for working with AI tools that maintain your creative authority. This might include setting clear intentions before using AI, regularly evaluating which tasks to delegate versus keep, and creating feedback loops between AI assistance and your intuitive responses.

Community Over Competition: In a world where AI can generate content at scale, human connection becomes even more precious. Focus on building genuine relationships with fellow creatives, collaborators, and your audience.

Micro-Sabbaticals: Regular breaks from digital creation and social media to reconnect with your inner creative source. Even short periods of digital disconnection can profoundly impact your creative well-being.

The Path Forward

The journey to finding meaning and purpose in your creative work has always been deeply personal, but today’s context adds new layers of complexity and opportunity. The key is neither to reject modern tools nor to let them consume your creative identity.

Your creative soul—your unique perspective, emotional depth, and human experience—is more valuable now than ever. AI can assist with execution, social media can help you connect with your audience, and modern tools can streamline your workflow. But the spark, the meaning, the irreplaceable essence of your creative work? That comes from the depths of your being, accessed through the timeless practices of turning inward, connecting with your body, and honoring your authentic vision.

As we navigate this rapidly changing creative landscape, remember: technology will continue evolving, platforms will rise and fall, but your creative essence is eternal. Invest in that, nurture it, and let it guide how you engage with all the tools and opportunities of our modern world.

The magic isn’t in the tools—it’s in you. And that magic is needed now more than ever.

Ready to rediscover your creative soul in the age of AI? Book a free discovery call to explore how generative coaching and trance work can help you navigate the modern creative landscape while staying true to your authentic voice.

Join CREATIVITY UNLEASHED! Facebook GROUP – the Official Facebook Community for Creatives.

The post Rediscovering Your Creative Soul in the Age of AI and Endless Hustle appeared first on Creative Edge Coaching.

The Benefits of Self-mastery

Monica OBrien — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 13:32:00 +0000

What does Self-Mastery mean? I occasionally read posts about this topic offering methods that promise to change beliefs or get rid of certain habits. But is it true? Do these methods actually work?

What if I suffer from anxiety?

What if I procrastinate?

What if I lack confidence?

What if I have a noisy Inner Critic?

What if I’m shy?

What if …?

I can’t speak for what others offer or the methods they use, but I can testify that Self-mastery is a lifelong process worth the effort. It is a conscious way of being in the world that enables a person to stay steady in the face of life’s challenges and the ability to be flexible. People who are developing Self-mastery are awake and committed to doing the personal work that rewires the brain, softens the heart and unleashes the creative spirit.

If there are underlying beliefs and mental structures that are holding you in a stuck position, ‘doing more’ can actually backfire.

A person who can exercise Self-mastery over their thoughts and emotions can:

prioritise their creative work
exercise self-leadership
graciously accept compliments
confidently stretch themselves creatively without the fear of failure
elegantly manage rejection
dismiss negative judgement
devise spirited goals
stay motivated
build support networks and creative collaborations
display positivity and enthusiasm for their creative journey
stay committed to reaching their dreams

Coaching is available for anyone who wants happiness, success and fulfillment. It simply takes a decision to say ‘yes’.

Join CREATIVITY UNLEASHED! Facebook GROUP – the Official Facebook Community for Creatives.

The post The Benefits of Self-mastery appeared first on Creative Edge Coaching.

Stop Doing More to Appease Your Inner Critic

Monica OBrien — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 13:32:18 +0000

You may be tempted into thinking that in order to succeed in your creative career or business you need to do more. – more training, develop more content for social media posts, buy more equipment or invest in software or systems to help you get organised. You may think these things will help you feel more confident, get more organised, be more productive or feel more ‘ready’.

The truth is, if you privately feel unworthy and you are bothered by your inner critic or the saboteur, no amount of ‘doing more’ will help in the long run.

Momentarily you may feel better within yourself because you can tick things off your ‘to do’ list and tell yourself that you are doing something to advance your dream career but it’s not sustainable.

If there are underlying beliefs and mental structures that are holding you in a stuck position, ‘doing more’ can actually backfire.

When you are unable to fulfil your outcomes or move forward as you desire, a vicious cycle is established where you become more self-critical.

There is a range of remedies or solutions for people who feel unworthy or lacking in confidence. They usually involve methods to eradicate them, fix them or reframe them. What we fail to appreciate is that these very aspects of ourselves are our greatest resources.

Vicious Cycle

In my work with creatives, business owners and coaches, I often hear comments such as, “On one hand I have this burning desire to make a difference in the world via my career or business BUT on the other hand, I am flooded with self-doubt and fear.”

This is more common than not and if the cycle of ‘doing more’ before addressing the deeper issues gets traction, you may find yourself experiencing anxiety, poor sleep, lethargy, low self-esteem or a range of other emotions and symptoms. You certainly will not be advancing your career.

Importantly, this vicious cycle of inner chatter can and does adversely affect your creativity, your level of motivation, your productivity and most importantly your overall sense of wellbeing.

So, how do you bring about the change that you desire?

Firstly, it is important to know that this is an inside job!

If you want to succeed in your career or business, feel empowered, on purpose and happy, you must begin with connecting to your internal world. I refer to this as accessing your creative unconscious. This is the part of you where your truth resides. It is the essence of you. It holds resources that are often unseen until they are invited to take a seat at the table.

Stillness, Silence, Spaciousness

Take Rami, for example, a successful photographer who felt overwhelmed and stressed. He was caught in the ‘doing’ cycle. Through learning the principles of generative change and the practice of centring, he was able to open to his creative unconscious and bring a part of himself (his fearful 4-year-old) into communion with his adult self and use this fearful presence as a resource rather than something to be pushed aside or fixed.

Daily Life Practice

Once he saw this fear in a new light, he was able to loosen his grip, breathe, let go and gain a sense of spaciousness. This simple step allowed him to free himself from the habit of ‘doing’. Through daily practices he was eventually able to let go of expectations that were self-imposed, to create spaciousness in his life for relationships and leisure, rather than always being focussed on his work.

Intentions

The next part of the coaching process was to consider the important question of what he really wanted to create in his life at this time. (Note the emphasis on the word ‘really’). But the transformation didn’t stop there, he, like most people who are opening to new horizons, began to experience some blocks and obstacles as he thought about the new life he wanted to create for himself and his family. Instead of trying to ‘fix’ things he was able to transform these obstacles into life-giving resources.

Generative Change

The generative change process enabled him to envisage and tap into internal and external resources that would support him in creating this life that he deeply desired. And finally, he was able to set in place meaningful and manageable goals that would support his desires and intentions for his new life.

Rami has now developed daily practices that enable him to stay connected to his source and to remain centred and focussed. His overwhelm has disappeared and he has discovered that he actually has much more time to enjoy his work and his life. He also reported that his relationships are healthier because he is more present and more relaxed. He said he feels joyful for the first time in decades. Now that’s worth being still for!

Invitation

What I’ve shared here is one of the things I help my clients achieve in my 3 month 1:1 coaching program that frees creatives from obstacles that keep them feeling overwhelmed, unfocused, disconnected and unmotivated with their career or business to be more confident, grounded and enthusiastic about their creativity and their life.

If you’d ready for generative change and you’d like to talk with me about how to transform your blocks and struggles into resources so you can get your creative life on track, bringing your gifts to the world, send me a message. We can chat and make sure it’s a perfect fit and if so, we can get started without delay.

Monica O’Brien is a professionally trained and accredited Coach and founder of Creative Edge Coaching www.creativeedgecoaching.com.au. She blogs on issues about creativity and small business development for conscious artists and business entrepreneurs. Book your free discovery call here.

Join CREATIVITY UNLEASHED! Facebook GROUP – the Official Facebook Community for Creatives.

The post Stop Doing More to Appease Your Inner Critic appeared first on Creative Edge Coaching.

How a Social Media Calendar Can Help You Engage with Fans 24/7

Monica OBrien — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 21:45:18 +0000

To stay top-of-mind with your followers and fans, you need to communicate with them on a consistent basis with a variety of content to keep them engaged. A Social Media Calendar can greatly increase your chances of being consistent with your postings.

Like any relationship, if we don’t stay in touch via social media on a regular basis it’s more difficult to maintain a meaningful connection.

Posting regularly does not need to be an arduous or overwhelming task. Using a Social Media Calendar is a great way to stimulate ideas and give you a framework to follow.

There are a number of calendars on the market or available online, however, they are general in nature and are not designed specifically for use by creatives. This is why I created a Social Media Calendar Bundle for Creatives.

3 Key Points

There are 3 key principles that are good to consider while you build your relationships with followers. They are as follows:

1. Post Content Regularly

There’s plenty of evidence to demonstrate that regular, consistent posts result in 4 times more engagement.

A Social Media Calendar takes the hard work out of trying to come up with ideas week in and week out.

2. Share More Content

The goal with content should be to provide something of interest and relevance to your audience.

You want your content to appeal to what your fans and followers care about.

It’s also important to remember that they are interested in YOU and your creative work – YOU are one of the things they care about!

This does not mean constantly posting promotions but rather, sharing insights into how you create, and pulling back the curtain on your daily routine. This gives fans and followers a glimpse into your work and life, and what inspires and motivates you.

It’s also essential that you promote your products and services, but try to keep these to around 20% of your posts.

If you have ever wondered if being active on social media to promote your art, business or career is worth the effort, remember, it is about relationship building and keeping ‘you’ in front of your fans and prospects.

3. Build a Community

Social media is social! Humans are wired to connect with each other. This is why Facebook Groups, Facebook Lives, IG Stories, Reels, TikTok, are thriving. People love to communicate.

If you want to genuinely create loyal fans and followers I recommended you follow a social media strategy that offers content that your fans and followers will enjoy. Variety is key!

When fans and followers get to know and like you, they build trust with you. It is much easier to market to people who are in your circle than to what marketers call ‘cold traffic’.

This is where a Social Media Calendar can be really helpful.

After struggling for years, I decided I needed to find and easy solution to ensure I was posting content that was relevant to my audience, that didn’t take days or months to organise. This is why I dedicated months to creating my Social Media Calendar Bundle for Creatives. It is tailor-made for creatives and posting only takes 5-10 mins a day. It includes 365 days of content PLUS a designer has creates 52 Quotes for Creatives and 52 Questions that are relevant for fans and followers of creatives.

The Bundle will help ensure you have a variety of content at your finger-tips you share with your members – variety is key to ensuring ongoing engagement.

Initially, you will need to be active in your group, by posting each day and responding to comments. Over time, and with your encouragement, group members will begin to contribute, and the continued success of the group won’t rely entirely on your input.

Good luck! Here’s to you building a strong and profitable tribe of fans and followers. If you’d like help with social media content, you can grab my FREE Social Media Calendar Bundle for Creatives.

Join CREATIVITY UNLEASHED! Facebook GROUP – the Official Facebook Community for Creatives.

The post How a Social Media Calendar Can Help You Engage with Fans 24/7 appeared first on Creative Edge Coaching.

An Open Letter To Artists & Creators

Monica OBrien — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 23:29:08 +0000

As I reflect on 2022, I am filled with thanks and admiration for you and our creative community.

Everyone would agree that it’s been a challenging year but in spite of a global pandemic, our artists have continued to gift our world with beauty, music, innovation and inspiration.

For many, I’m sure art and music have saved us during this ‘strange’, ‘crazy’ and ‘unprecedented’ time.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Flexibility

You have led the way with your creativity and your ability to be flexible and to adapt to the changing environment. Many of you have stretched beyond your comfort zones, venturing into new and often challenging mediums so that you can continue to share your creative gifts with the world. You are the epitome of creativity and the power to transform even in the most challenging of situations.

This year, you have used your artform to remind us of our humanity.

Creative Record

Art in all its expressions has helped document what is happening in the community, helped educate and created dialogue.

Singers have shared their songs. Artists have shared their art. Writers have shared their stories… You have kept us alive in our spirits because of your willingness to continue to thrive creatively.

Thank you…

When we look back on the year 2022, your music, your street art, your posts, your poetry, your books, your dance, your online choirs … will all form a creative memory which will be remembered and honoured decades to come.

Relief

Your creative expressions have offered us relief from the stressors of living through a global health crisis. Your work has comforted and encouraged, challenged, agitated, blessed and entertained.

Thank you…

Courage

You are courageous! Your willingness to try something new, have a go and go the extra mile has empowered us to do the same… to step out, often into the unknown.

Creativity is in essence a great act of surrendering to the mystery.

Through your creative work, you have demonstrated that each of us is full of possibilities. And you have done so with grit, grace, humour and love.

Creativity is at the core of our humanity.

Your art, especially during 2020 has offered different perspectives and enabled conversations to flow.

Thank you…

Tenacity

Finally, thank you for not giving up. Many in the creative community are doing it tough and many have struggled with stress and mental health issues.

We have not given up on you!

As a coach to creatives, I consider my role as sacred… I am grateful for the women and men who have trusted me in a coaching partnership this year. You are the reason I am a coach and you give my life meaning.

I honour you and your work. You have my unreserved respect, love and gratitude.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

May this festive season be filled with love, laughter and creativity.

Join CREATIVITY UNLEASHED! Facebook GROUP – the Official Facebook Community for Creatives.

The post An Open Letter To Artists & Creators appeared first on Creative Edge Coaching.

How to Make More Money, Doing What You Love

Monica OBrien — Fri, 29 May 2020 00:30:47 +0000

Have you stopped to think about how you can make more money doing what you love?

Every creative person knows the feeling of being ‘in the zone’ or in flow when they are doing what they love. But how does ‘doing what you love’ translate into making a healthy income?

Whether you are a performing or visual artist, author or dancer, poet or songwriter, in order to live an abundant creative life, free of money worries, you need to know the 6 key concepts successful creatives employ to generate a consistent and reliable income stream.

As a coach with over 2 decades of working with creative artists, I have observed that creatives who are successful at making a living from their creative projects, performances and services adopt a professional business mindset, and they approach their art differently to other creatives.

Creative success lies in developing a variety of channels by which you can earn your income.

1. Set your ‘professional’ mindset

For a vast majority of creative people, the thought of making money is a burden. It is often associated with getting a part-time job to supplement their creative work.

Marketing is not their ‘thing’ and in fact, many have an allergy to marketing. They have a resistance to promotions and they are repelled by the thought of ‘selling’ themselves. Some also believe that when art is mixed with money creative integrity is compromised.

It’s true, there are plenty of stories that reinforce this position, especially by people who are stuck in an old paradigm. In the past, it was common practice for a manager, producer, record label or booking agent to manipulate the artist to conform, where the creative person felt pressured to sacrifice their artistic freedom if they were ever to make any decent money.

For sure, there are still some individuals and companies that operate in this manner, but we now live in the ‘indie age’ where creative freelances can be the conductors of their own creative lives.

To be successful, we must move from an amateur mindset to a professional, ‘business’ mindset.

2. Develop multiple sources of income

Successful creatives know what to charge for their gigs and services and they build multiple income streams.

For example, most musicians play music in the evenings and on weekends and supplement their income by selling merchandise, teaching music, offering online courses in a related field such as music production.

Diversity is key. Adding a podcast, online courses, teaching or mentoring services can boost your income for minimal expenditure and overhead.

Additional products and services elevate your profile in the marketplace.

3. Think ‘outside the box’

Creatives can leverage income-generating opportunities in a variety of ways by thinking ‘outside the box’.

For example, in addition to selling an original product such as artworks, music or a book, you could increase sales in the following ways:

Sell tickets to exhibition, concert or launch (Partner with a charity for a percentage to go to them.)
Sell ‘gift cards’ during the event and via your website and social channels
Ask for a gold coin donation for an official program or magazine
Sell ‘artistic’ merchandise featuring your logo, lyrics, artworks or words
Conduct a ‘silent action’ for products or future events
Sell ‘Dinner with the Artist’
Offer products at multiple price-points
Sell advertising at the event or in the program or magazine

4. Repurpose content & retarget your audience

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time you wish to offer a new product or service. Take inventory of what already exists and consider different ways to re-purpose the content.

Here are some examples of repurposing content:

A singer/songwriter may release an album of recorded songs and re-purpose lyrics in the form of a slide presentation that focusses on a particular theme such as love, compassion, caring for the earth or dealing with grief. These slides could be used as lead magnets or sold as a pack for use by schools, coaches or personal development facilitators.
A visual artist may hold an exhibition and re-purpose images of the artworks or photographs as note cards or screen savers, which could be sold for an affordable fee.
A video presentation could be visually interpreted to form an eBook or a series of inspirational infographics.
A podcast series could be repurposed as an eBook, a cartoon, a magazine/newsletter, or a slide presentation.

Low-end sales may not significantly increase your bottom line however, these buyers are now customers with whom you can directly market other products and services.

In addition to repurposing content, we can become fixed on a particular audience or demographic. This can limit the potential for increased sales.

Here are some examples of audience re-targeting:

Tweak a product by changing the branding or message so it appeals to a wider or specific audience to give a product a second life.
Performing and visual artists may have products or services that appeal to schools, sporting or religious organisations or a younger or older demographic than originally intended.

When you consider a new product, it is helpful to explore ways that you could repurpose the content to create an additional product or additional markets that could be targeted.

5. Collaborate

Today is it relatively easy to partner with other creatives in a mutually supportive ‘commission’ style arrangement on sales. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of placing an ‘expression of interest’ or an ‘invitation to partner’ on your favourite Social Media platforms.

Some examples of lucrative collaborations are:

Be an agent to help sell the work of other creatives for a commission on sales
Collaborate with other creatives to host and organise creative events like concerts, exhibitions, art shows, performances, talks and conferences, and charge for tickets
Do joint ventures with other creatives who can bring their audience to an online or live event
Co-author a book with an illustrator, poet or visual artist and sell online and in person

6. Get help

Successful creatives seek help. They know that it is unrealistic to think they need to ‘know it all’ when it comes to marketing and making money. They understand what it takes to be successful and they know they don’t need to be the person who ‘does it all’.

If you are a creative who wants to take your creativity to the world without the ongoing burden of not knowing how you will make ends meet, please reach out today. Don’t let fear or your lack of knowledge hold you back.

Book a free 30 minute ‘Creative Artist Career Check-Up’ call with me today. I’ll help you get clear on how you can increase your income doing what you love.

Join CREATIVITY UNLEASHED! Facebook GROUP – the Official Facebook Community for Creatives.

The post How to Make More Money, Doing What You Love appeared first on Creative Edge Coaching.

Do You Have an Allergy to Marketing?

Monica OBrien — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 23:54:55 +0000

How to adopt a marketing mindset that protects your creative integrity while nurturing long-standing relationships with customers and fans.

If I had a dollar for every time I heard a creative person speak negatively about business, especially sales and marketing, I would be a wealthy woman!

I get it… creative people generally don’t relate to the business world, finding it brash, ruthless, insensitive and significantly scary!

Business Jargon

Business jargon and terms such as sales targets, networking, metrics, marketing plans, business goals, strategy and frameworks cause many creative people to break out in a rash, freak out or close down whenever they are confronted with the idea of needing to market themselves.

Some creatives are quite repulsed by what they perceive marketing to be about, and try to avoid it like the plague. They often associate the business world with coercion, sneaky sales tricks and dishonesty. And you know what? In some cases they are right.

But here lies the tension.

Many creatives hold the belief that if they participate in marketing they will be compromising their creative integrity.

Most creative people desperately want to share their creative gifts and talents with the world and make a decent living in the process. Unfortunately, there is no avoiding the fact that this requires them to engage in marketing and making sales. But how can they do that without establishing a business? Well… they can’t.

‘Doing’ Business

If you want to move from being an amateur to a professional (in other words, earning a living from your creative gifts and talents), then you will need to find a way to ‘do’ business without feeling that you are compromising your creative integrity, and without having to twist and turn yourself into a style of business that does not resonate with your creative spirit, your skill set, or your interests and energy.

I’ve got some good news.

There is a new wave emerging in the business community that delivers the necessary outcomes (such as branding, marketing and sales), while simultaneously being grounded in building relationships and providing value, rather than being strictly focused on cold, impersonal sales tactics.

Conscious Business

This new way is known as ‘conscious business’. It is a non-traditional business framework that comes from an authentic place, a heart-centered place, a place of integrity and authenticity.

Conscious business is built upon establishing and maintaining genuine relationships with clients, customers and fans.

Conscious business, and associated terms such as ‘conscious marketing’ and ‘conscious capitalism’ offer creatives a refreshing basis for ‘being in business’ without the need to compromise by adopting those more traditional business practices that simply do not resonate with sensitive, purpose-driven creatives, nor the people creatives want to reach and serve.

5 Key Principles of Conscious Marketing

I think we all agree, in order to bring your talents to the world, you need to engage in marketing so potential customers can get to know you and trust you. Selling then becomes a natural progression.

I have listed 5 key principles of conscious marketing for your consideration. Hopefully, you can begin to incorporate some or all of these into your own conscious marketing process.

1. Build and Nurture Relationships

Recognise that all marketing is about cultivating relationships.
Understand your ‘ideal’ customer, client or fan by exploring their needs, struggles, characteristics, and hopes. (Knowing this also informs your creative endeavours.)
Realise that conscious consumers are more likely to buy if they feel connected and they trust the provider.

2. Be Authentic

People connect with people.
Showing up authentically will mean the right people will be attracted to you and your product or service.
Authenticity and transparency are key to transcending the sleazy, manipulative sales and marketing tactics we want to leave behind!

3. Emphasize the Transformation

Highlight transformation to your client, customers or fans.

Examples:

i.) The original pieces in my new art exhibition are all created from sustainable materials and I offer suggestions throughout the installation on how individuals can recycle everyday items.

ii.) If you love peace and quiet, I think you will love my latest recording, in which I have incorporated Indigenous instruments throughout to create a listening experience that is aimed at transporting the listener to a deep meditative state.

iii.) My drama class is like no other. Yes, you will leave with increased acting skills, but you will also grow in confidence exponentially!

Speak to an experience they can resonate with on a feeling/personal level.

Explain specifically what they are likely to experience when working with you or when they are accessing your creativity.

4. Be Generous, Surprise Your Clients, Customers or Fans

Content and value are both crucial in online and offline marketing.

The more value and content you can offer, the better: you will encourage engagement and feedback. People usually love to experience your creative process and get an insight into your world. Be sure to let them in.

Be an advocate for your work and the transformation you offer.
Give your followers something they won’t expect – exceed their expectations.
Continue to market (nurture relationships), even among your most dedicated supporters.

5. Continually Grow Your Business

Enabling business growth is paramount for any business to be successful.

This requires planning, funding, the right systems, staff, processes, technology and partners. There is no need to feel overwhelmed or out of your depth. Be sure to reach out to coaches and mentors who can help, especially if you feel resistance to the idea of being in business, or you lack business skills.

A Healthy Business

A healthy business means that you can reach many more people, and be prosperous doing so.

If you feel nervous, frustrated, overwhelmed or just downright confused about how to adopt a conscious marketing framework in your business or career, please get in touch for a free discovery call with me so we can explore the exciting options together. I look forward to helping you bring your creative work to the world.

Join CREATIVITY UNLEASHED! Facebook GROUP – the Official Facebook Community for Creatives.

The post Do You Have an Allergy to Marketing? appeared first on Creative Edge Coaching.