Cultural Creatives on Creativity

Hi Paige. Can you please tell us a bit about yourself, your business, and/or your passions.

I have a successful coaching business with my beautiful partner, Brian. We teach practical Spirituality through our Be It! Do It! Have It! System™, helping people transform their lives from mediocrity to waking up every day surrounded by people they adore, things they cherish and work they love. Our website is www.stapletonstark.com. We live on the stunning coast of Maine after living in NYC for many years.

Right now we are teaching our entire Be It! Do It! Have It! System™ in a 4-part teleseminar (which is recorded so folks can join in at anytime). We have more details at http://tinyurl.com/ch6zb5.

How did you get involved with writing an essay for Audacious Creativity?

I used to act with Stephanie Gunning years ago. We played lovers in my first play in New York City…naturally we became wonderful friends after that experience. She asked me to be part of her project and I was absolutely honored!

Share three interesting/crazy things about yourself.

1. – My family used to raise ostriches and llamas
2. – I was the female lead in a movie that sold in over 40 countries but never in the States – and no, it wasn’t porn!
3 – I have sung blues in most of the blues bars that no longer exist in NYC

What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?

Left NYC and moved to Cincinnati to heal my relationship with my kids…and myself! It turned out GREAT!

Based upon the description of a cultural creative, do you feel you are one? If so, why?

Absolutely! But I think I kind of grew into it. Once I found my Spiritual Path, I realized who I really am, and I have never turned back!

What made you first want to become an artist, writer, a creator? Did you choose, or did it choose you?

For me, it all starting with singing – watching Julie Andrews and Barbra Streisand – I date myself . I was obsessed and drove my family crazy. I still sing today, but my passion grew into helping people understand and recognize the amazing gifts they have inside of them and support them in bringing them out into the world.

Does spirituality play an important role in the creative process for you? If so, how?

Spirituality is the foundation of everything I do. When I get up in the morning, I start physically creating, but I’ve been creating in my dreams all night long. I believe we are all like that – we are all always creating. When I consciously create, like with my music or my writing or even with my coaching, I always begin with remembering my connection to the Universe. Then, the possibilities are limitless!

What is your first memory of creating something you were proud of?

A 3-D collage I made for Girl Scouts. I cut a horse head out of fake fur – won 1st prize.

What three words best describe the feeling you get when your creativity is flowing.

Awe, surrender, ecstasy.

What sparks your creativity?

Usually music or a deep need to share

Putting your vision into the world can be scary. Many of us wonder if we’re good enough. How do you respond to negative self-talk? What tools do you use to help work beyond your self-doubt?

Good question! That very thing is a huge part of what we teach people at Stapleton Stark Coaching. One thing that works great for me is journaling, usually on paper that I can rip up or burn after I write out all the fears and self-limiting beliefs I have swirling around in my head. It’s so great to get them out of my psyche, out of my body. Then I burn them and let them float off into the nothingness. It is very powerful! Then I write out a slew of things that I know to be true, so I can stay grounded and connected to my own Truth.

How do you promote your work?

Social Networking mostly. We also put out a weekly ezine called Authentic Living…it is great fun to write and share!

Cultural Creatives tend to want their work to impact society in a positive way. Is changing/improving society with your work part of your goal? If yes, why and how?

That’s really the goal of all my work. Whether I am singing, writing or coaching, it raises my vibration, which allows me to help others to raise their vibration. It is a beautiful cycle, and I can’t think of a better way for me to contribute to my society.

Have you been able to earn a living while pursuing your creative passions? Is there anything from a business perspective that you feel has contributed to your success?

Yes! There are so many things that have been crucial to my success. Perhaps the biggest thing, other than trust, is redefining what a decision is. I used to think making a decision meant that I would try to do something and maybe it will work out, maybe it won’t. Now I define a decision as something I know is going to happen. No turning back, the only way it doesn’t happen is if I quit. It may not (and most likely will not) look like I think it will, but it will happen and it will happen even more beautifully and joyously than I ever could have imagined.

Thanks so much Paige for your very insightful answers.

Hi Linda. Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your business, and/or your passions.

I’m a professional freelance web writer who is trying to break into print magazines and who writes fiction also. I have one short story in Accentuate Service’s Anthology Competition (www.accentuateservices.com for more info) and a few I am waiting to hear back on. When I am not writing I am painting on canvas with acrylic’s and being a mom to my two little boys.

Share three interesting/crazy things about yourself.

I run a teen art group, am a mom to 2 boys, take self defense classes, freelance for five different websites, take the boys to karate, baseball and other activities and still make dinner almost everyday by 6pm. I think that’s a little crazy.

What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?

I held my mom’s dog while we put him to sleep and spoke to him about the other dogs he would meet on the other side to comfort him.

Name your top five books, movies, songs, musical groups, and/or websites. Are there any books or movies (genres) that you avoid?

Anything by Anne Rice, The Notebook (a brilliant movie), I love all kinds of music, currently my favorite bands are Shinedown and Tantric. I avoid most Stephen King books however I just read Four Seasons which was a fascinating compilation of short stories, the Library Policeman twisted my gut. I may read more of his work now.

Based upon the description of a cultural creative, do you feel you are one? If so, why?

Yes, because I am spiritual, earth friendly and still connected to the modern world.

What made you first want to become an artist, writer, a creator?

I have been painting since I could put my fingers on paper. I have always been an artist. Now I get to be an artist with words and get paid for it.

Does spirituality play an important role in the creative process for you? If so, how?

Yes, the best art comes from my spirituality and so does my faith in accomplishing some task no matter how big or small.

What is your first memory of creating something you were proud of?

I made a display for my mom in art class. It was two drawings. One was in color and the other was in black and white of a carousel horse. The drawings were cut into strips then laid on a display that had tilted spots. When you walked past it one way it was one drawing and then when you walked past it the other way it was a different drawing. It was pretty cool. My mom loved it.

What three words best describe the feeling you get when your creativity is flowing?

passion, energy, awe

What sparks your creativity?

Just about anything.

What was/is the biggest obstacle you’ve faced? How did you overcome it, and what did you learn from the experience?

Those who doubted me. It actually spurred me on to accomplish what I set out for myself. I learned that when they said “You can’t.” I said “Oh yeah, watch me.”

Putting your vision into the world can be scary. Many of us wonder if we’re good enough. How do you respond to negative self-talk? What tools do you use to help work beyond your self-doubt?

I meditate and try never to talk negatively about myself because it will just lead to more negativity. Positive affirmations help also.

If you get google alerts, what are some keywords/phrases you receive? Does this help your creativity?

I do get google alerts but they are for articles I have written. I do not use google alerts for personal keywords and phrases.

Are there any archetypes (hero, warrior, goddess, messenger, trickster, fool, savior, wanderer, magician etc.) that you resonate with which you feel have helped guide you on your creative journey? Does someone or something sometimes act as your muse?

Seshat, the Scribe is the Egyptian Goddess of writing, creativity and much more. She guides me on my creative journeys.

Are there any recurring motifs in your sleeping dreams, and if so, what do you think they symbolize? Is there a bigger message for you? Do your nighttime dreams ever spark your creativity?

My dreams are very vivid and sometimes turn into stories.

In what ways do you promote your work?

I talk to people, write a lot, hang out in some writer forums, use promotional social sites like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace to share work I like and my own work.

If you use social networking sites, have any been particularly helpful in helping you spread the word about your work? If so, which one(s) and how?

Both MySpace and Facebook have helped me get readers.

What’s your favorite Internet tool either for promotion or enhancing your creativity?

I don’t know if I have one.

Cultural Creatives tend to want their work to impact society in a positive way. Is changing/improving society with your work part of your goal? If yes, please elaborate a bit on your vision.

I want to make the world a more beautiful place and I want to educate in the process. I hope my positive writing does that as well as my paintings.
Have you been able to earn a living while pursuing your creative passions? Is there anything from a business perspective that stands out as a key or catalyst to your success that you’d like to share?

Yes, I have started making money. Not quite earning a living yet but I am working on it and getting closer every day.

Don’t be shy. Success will not come to you unless you go out and get it!

Hi Justin, can you tell us a bit about yourself, your business, and/or your passions?

My name is Justin St. Vincent, and sometimes I like listening to music. Those that know me will testify to the fact that the last sentence was the under-statement of the century as music is the soundtrack to my life. I have two primary passions: music and spirituality. I love to learn about people’s framework for faith and values, and I love to listen to weird and wonderful music. Xtreme Music is where music meets spirituality. After several years of research, I decided to share my extensive portfolio of exclusive interviews online. This publication project is simply known as “The Spiritual Significance of Music”, freely available via Xtreme Music: www.xtrememusic.org

Please share three interesting/crazy things about yourself.

During my younger years I had the privilege of traveling to over 100 countries. I still have the travel bug and would love to travel more, and I just recently had vision-correction laser surgery on both my eyes, now my eye-sight is crystal-clear, it feels like a whole new world.

What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?

Cliff jumping several times off the southern most tip of the Big Island of Hawaii into the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. The scariest thing was climbing back up the cliff with the aid of a rusty ladder that felt like it would snap at any moment. Just as well it wasn’t shark season.

Name your top five books, movies, songs, musical groups, and/or websites. Are there any books or movies (genres) that you avoid?

Top 5 Books: “The Bible” by God, “The Spirituality Of Music” by Selina Thielemann, “The Secret Power Of Music: The Transformation Of Self And Society Through Musical Energy” by David Tame, “Sacred Sound: Experiencing Music In World Religions” by Guy L. Beck, and “The 7 Secrets Of Sound Healing” by Jonathan Goldman.
Top 5 Movies: 1492: Conquest Of Paradise, The Mission, Sneakers, West Side Story, and When Harry Met Sally.
Top 5 Songs: “Ashes To Ashes” by Faith No More, “Ambugaton” by Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, “From Rusholme With Love” by Mint Royale, “Circumambulation” by Secret Chiefs 3, and “Rosewater” by Bottle
Top 5 Musical Groups: Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Secret Chiefs 3, Estradasphere, and SPEkTR.
Top 5 Websites: www.xtrememusic.org, www.facebook.com, www.myspace.com, www.bbc.co.uk, and www.wikipedia.org
I avoid horror books and movies like the plague. Why fill your mind with nightmares? Embrace the beauty and miracle of life.

Based upon the description of a cultural creative, do you feel you are one? If so, why?

I am probably a closet “Cultural Creative” as I didn’t know this personality type existed until the read the description. I personally resonate with the phrase: “people who are deeply spiritual without being dogmatically religious”.

What made you first want to become an artist, writer, a creator?

I have always enjoyed collecting things, organizing information, and writing books. Creating is part of being, and this seemed like a natural vocation. I also believe in serving others with excellence.

Does spirituality play an important role in the creative process for you? If so, how?

Spirituality is the central part of my being. It informs what I say, what I do, and who I am. Spirituality is the source of my creative process, it is what influences and inspires me to create for others.

What is your first memory of creating something you were proud of?

My first memory of creating for others was writing a series of books with characters based on my friends at primary school. Each of the five books were self-produced and written with the desire of sharing these experiences with others. We used to share reading these books among classmates; writing for others is truly a wonderful way for any child to develop and explore their imagination.

What three words best describe the feeling you get when your creativity is flowing?

Focused, Inspired, and Passionate

What sparks your creativity?

Art and film, life and music.

What was/is the biggest obstacle you’ve faced? How did you overcome it, and what did you learn from the experience?

We create our own obstacles. Two personal obstacles are greed and pride. To overcome this I decided to freely release “The Spiritual Significance of Music” as a blessing to the world. This experience allowed me to feel a new sense of personal freedom, and I learned that the cures for greed and pride are generosity and humility.

Putting your vision into the world can be scary. Many of us wonder if we’re good enough. How do you respond to negative self-talk? What tools do you use to help work beyond your self-doubt?

Positive affirmations are a powerful way to break negative self-talk. It takes discipline and patience, but this is by far the best way to work beyond any self-doubt. A few tools for breaking self-doubt, and to step outside of your comfortable zone, and you will be rewarded with the new experiences that come from embracing the present moment and enjoying everyday life.

Are there any archetypes (hero, warrior, goddess, messenger, trickster, fool, savior, wanderer, magician etc.) that you resonate with which you feel have helped guide you on your creative journey? Does someone or something sometimes act as your muse?

I enjoy reading The Bible for sourcing spirituality, a compass for faith, hope, and love. Jesus Christ is the archetype, and becoming the archetype can be the most challenging and rewarding experience for anyone’s creative journey. God is the ultimate Creator, and my ability and desire to create is birthed in Him.

Are there any recurring motifs in your sleeping dreams, and if so, what do you think they symbolize? Is there a bigger message for you? Do your nighttime dreams ever spark your creativity?

I no longer remember my dreams or nightmares. I’m sure this is both a blessing and curse. I feel that my creativity is sparked by experiences in reality, and realized in the musical moments of life.

In what ways do you promote your work?

Promoting “The Spiritual Significance of Music” is oddly enough not a priority for me. I allow others to freely share their thoughts on this project, and always welcome their feedback. It is a self-perpetuating portfolio that continues to grow exponentially. Promoting it seems to be superfluous as many musicians and readers are happy to share their discovery of the project through individual blogs, mailing lists, and personal websites. I enjoy the grassroots promotion of this project, and feel little desire to declare this work to the world.

If you use social networking sites, have any been particularly helpful in helping you spread the word about your work? If so, which one(s) and how?

I use two main social networking sites: Facebook and MySpace. However, I don’t actively promote my work widely on these networks, as I prefer people to randomly explore, search, and discover “The Spiritual Significance of Music”.

What’s your favorite Internet tool either for promotion or enhancing your creativity?

My favorite Internet tool for creative enhancement and development is searching for new information on Google or Wikipedia. I find these fantastic resources for continued inspiration.

Cultural Creatives tend to want their work to impact society in a positive way. Is changing/improving society with your work part of your goal? If yes, please elaborate a bit on your vision.

“The Spiritual Significance of Music” was designed to be a soul-stirring and thought-provoking project that explores music and spirituality. It brings a blessing by introducing people to spirituality.

Have you been able to earn a living while pursuing your creative passions? Is there anything from a business perspective that stands out as a key or catalyst to your success that you’d like to share?

Yes, I have a full-time career, together with this project that has quickly become a full-time passion. Involving over 500+ musicians in this project has been the catalyst to bring music-makers and music-lovers closer to exploring “The Spiritual Significance of Music”. I greatly admire and appreciate all of the authors and musicians who have freely contributed their thoughts towards this project. One key to success is to serve others with excellence.

Justin,is there a question you’d like to ask anyone reading this?

Yes. “What do you believe is the spiritual significance of music?” Feel free to read my answer by exploring “The Spiritual Significance of Music”, freely available via Xtreme Music: www.xtrememusic.org Thanks for all in advance, it’s greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much Justin for taking the time to share your thoughts on creativity with us today.

Tara Joyce is a writer and web consultant who is passionate about using business as a means to grow personally.

Hi Tara, please tell us a bit about yourself, your business, and/or your passions.

I am an innerpreneur, a writer and a web geek. I help independent, conscious business owners improve their online presence and strategy though my business, Elastic Mind. And I blog about innerpreneurship on my blog, Rise of the Innerpreneur. I am passionate about living a conscious and purposeful life.

Share three interesting/crazy things about yourself.

I am a die hard X-Phile (a super geeky term for fans of the X-Files) and can tell you the episode name and plot of almost any episode in its 9 year run.

My husband and I do not buy anything Made in China. A frustratingly hard resolution to follow at times.

I make up songs constantly, about almost anything (i.e., brushing my hair) and sing them out loud to myself. The tune doesn’t change much but the lyrics vary widely. I am renowned for having one of the best worst singing voices.

What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?

Deciding to leave the corporate world and start my own creative independent business at 26.

Name your top five books, movies, songs, musical groups, and/or websites. Are there any books or movies (genres) that you avoid?

Such a hard question…there is so much art that I love for so many different reasons…but if I am up for the challenge:
1. West Side Story (film)
2. Annie Hall (film)
3. Ben Folds (music artist)
4. Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein (book of children’s poems)
5. Roy Orbison (music)

Based upon the description of a cultural creative, do you feel you are one? If so, why?

Absolutely. When I took the CC quiz created by Paul Ray I agreed with every single statement. But more importantly, for a long time I have felt alienated and removed from mainstream culture, discovering the CC subculture made me feel not so alone. It gives me great hope to know there are many more out there who value sustainable and conscious living above all else.

What made you first want to become an artist, writer, a creator?

I think I always wanted to be one but I hadn’t admitted it to myself. I thought creativity was something I would express in my spare time not in my work. Over time, I became more aware of where my true passions and talents lay and the transition to writer/creator happened slowly, almost without me noticing.

Does spirituality play an important role in the creative process for you? If so, how?

Spirituality plays an important aspect in everything I do but I can’t honestly say that it has more emphasis in my creative work. I think my spirituality shapes everything I do and allows me to be more in touch with my inner self and thus my creativity.

What is your first memory of creating something you were proud of?

I was a lip-sync diva in public school. Every year for our annual school-wide lip-sync talent show I would find a group, pick a song, create costumes and choreograph a dance routine. It was the perfect avenue for me as I could express my love of music, dancing and showmanship without exposing the world to my heinous singing voice. Creating and performing those lip-syncs made me so proud and energized.

What three words best describe the feeling you get when your creativity is flowing?

Inspired energized other-worldly

What sparks your creativity?

Reading, surrounding myself in beauty, travel, challenging myself physically.

What was/is the biggest obstacle you’ve faced? How did you overcome it, and what did you learn from the experience?

I am my own biggest obstacle. My inner critic can be a real biatch. And I work every day to acknowledge her without letting her control or stifle me.

Putting your vision into the world can be scary. Many of us wonder if we’re good enough. How do you respond to negative self-talk? What tools do you use to help work beyond your self-doubt?

Oh man, this is so true. I am a perfectionist and I never think that anything I produce is good enough. To move beyond my unrealistic expectations I acknowledge the negative thoughts and use positive proof to identify their falsity. I also remind myself that I always try and do my best and that I can’t ask myself for anything more than that.

If you get google alerts, what are some keywords/phrases you receive? Does this help your creativity?

I’m a marketer at heart so I have google alerts for my business name, “Elastic Mind”; my name, “Tara Joyce”; my subculture, “Cultural Creatives” and the Cultural Creative tribe of business owners called “Innerpreneurs”, my target market and the topic of my blog, Rise of the Innerpreneur.
I also have alerts for “web consulting” and “small business website help”.
All of these alerts help my creativity as it helps to discover other people’s perspectives on these topics.

In what ways do you promote your work?

So far, online only via my website/blog, Twitter and a few other select social media platforms.

If you use social networking sites, have any been particularly helpful in helping you spread the word about your work? If so, which one(s) and how?

Twitter – driving traffic to my site/blog, increasing readership and word of mouth, meeting fellow innerpreneurs

BizNik- non-traditional business network where I found a large number of Cultural Creatives and Innerpreneurs belong.

StumbleUpon – tool to drive traffic to articles I have written

What’s your favorite Internet tool either for promotion or enhancing your creativity?

Blogging! A blog is like having your own obscure tv channel that only those who are truly like-minded will tune into. There is no better tool to connect with your niche market.

Cultural Creatives tend to want their work to impact society in a positive way. Is changing/improving society with your work part of your goal? If yes, please elaborate a bit on your vision.

Oh, yes, very much so. My vision is to use my blog to help Cultural Creative business owners (innerpreneurs) grow their business and their self. As well, my web consulting and web writing business helps innerpreneurs to build an effective online presence and strategy.
Though even if my business did not help others, I would still feel that I was impacting society in a positive way as I try and live a conscious, sustainable life.

Have you been able to earn a living while pursuing your creative passions? Is there anything from a business perspective that stands out as a key or catalyst to your success that you’d like to share?

So far? Not really. But it has only been 10 months and if there is one thing I learned in 4 years of business school it is that no new business owner should expect profits until at least year two.
My advice to any business owner is to be authentic. Nothing will take you farther.

Hi Darrell, thanks for being here. Can you please tell us a bit about yourself, your business, and/or your passions.
I’m a marketing professional and have also been a music producer and professional musician for many years. My blog is Awaken to 1.

How did you get involved with answering questions for the cultural creative blog?
I’ve always had a conscious connection with understanding the link between creativity and spirituality.

What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?
Helped a lady who crashed her vehicle on a bridge after having a seizure.

Based upon the description of a cultural creative, do you feel you are one? If so, why?
Yes, because I understand that creativity and existence go hand in hand. We are all endowed with the ability to manifest things in our lives, and the journey is to learn how to do so with the greatest proficiency and in accordance with spiritual balance (for the good of the whole)

What made you first want to become an artist, writer, a creator?
An innate sensibility and drive to do so.

Does spirituality play an important role in the creative process for you? If so, how?
It is all important. I have long come to understand that I’m not doing the creating; I’m just a channel that allows it to flow through me. This takes the ego out of the equation and allows for an unlimited and infinite flow of creative energy to come forth. I will never run out of new ideas.

What is your first memory of creating something you were proud of?
Pride might be a bit misleading. I was happy when I wrote my first musical composition, but after the process had completed and I listened back to the result, it was as if someone else had written it. I was impressed with the music not because I wrote it, but because it was good.

What three words best describe the feeling you get when your creativity is flowing?
IN THE ZONE

What sparks your creativity?
At this point in my creative process, I’m able to spark it at will. It begins with a surrender and dropping away of all tensions and burdens, and replacing these feelings with ones of love; love of God, love of spirit, unconditional love, and of course, gratitude. From there its just a matter of directing the focus to what I need to create.

What was/is the biggest obstacle you’ve faced? How did you overcome it, and what did you learn from the experience?
Getting out of my own way. I had to learn to leave my ego at the door, and identify the difference between creative flow and mental manipulation.

Putting your vision into the world can be scary. Many of us wonder if we’re good enough. How do you respond to negative self-talk? What tools do you use to help work beyond your self-doubt?
How does my gut feel when I hear it. My gut is a very good barometer of whether or not it will resonate with others. If I am moved, others will be.

Are there any archetypes (hero, warrior, goddess, messenger, trickster, fool, savior, wanderer, magician etc.) that you resonate with which you feel have helped guide you on your creative journey? Does someone or something sometimes act as your muse?
Not really. I guess I’ve transcended archetypes and avatars.

Are there any recurring motifs in your sleeping dreams, and if so, what do you think they symbolize? Is there a bigger message for you? Do your nighttime dreams ever spark your creativity?
All the time. I have to have a tape recorder or pen and pad by my bed always. Usually around 3am, I may get up with an astounding idea, or the answer to a problem I’ve been pondering. I go to the bathroom and record it so as not to wake my wife, then go back to sleep.

In what ways do you promote your work?
I’ve done some CD sales and other marketing. I also perform from time to time.

If you use social networking sites, have any been particularly helpful in helping you spread the word about your work? If so, which one(s) and how?
Still a work in progress. Developing my own website at the moment.

Cultural Creatives tend to want their work to impact society in a positive way. Is changing/improving society with your work part of your goal? If yes, please elaborate a bit on your vision.

Yes. I want people to get past the illusions of their physical presence and identity, and connect with one another soul-to-soul. In that way, the misguided notions of separateness will begin to drop and everyone will begin to understand that we are all connected to one another, therefore we treat each other with love and respect.

Have you been able to earn a living while pursuing your creative passions? Is there anything from a business perspective that stands out as a key or catalyst to your success that you’d like to share?
Yes. Love what you do.

Thanks so much for your time Darrell. You can read more about Darrell’s insights on his blog Awaken to One, http://awakento1.blogspot.com