Austin Kleon on Finding Joy in the Creative Journey
If you think about drawing as a form of trying to copy, you know what's in front of you. Everything that feels ordinary, if you can just pay the right attention to it, it becomes extraordinary.
Ever wondered how to keep your creative spark alive, even when times are tough? In this episode of 'The One You Feed', host Eric Zimmer chats with Austin Kleon, a writer, artist, and speaker known for his refreshing take on creativity. Austin's latest book, *Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad*, serves as the backdrop for their engaging conversation.
Austin dives into how his most profound work often springs from dark places and why balancing light and dark is essential in life. He shares his thoughts on long-term pessimism versus short-term optimism and the importance of making peace with life's imperfections. Austin believes that creativity thrives not in perfect conditions but in the everyday messiness of life. He discusses how embracing imperfection and finding joy in the process can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary ones.
Attention, he argues, is the key to unlocking creativity, and sometimes, going analog can offer a fresh perspective. Throughout the episode, Austin draws inspiration from past creative legends and emphasizes the power of community in supporting one's creative journey. He also stresses the importance of staying true to oneself and discovering what works best for each individual. The conversation is peppered with practical advice and heartwarming anecdotes that remind us that creativity is about authentic self-expression, not perfection.
If you're looking for a dose of inspiration to fuel your creative endeavors, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights. Austin leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: creativity is a journey, filled with ups and downs, but finding joy in the act of creating makes it all worthwhile.