Creative Block is a weekly newsletter that gives you a glimpse into my life, creativity, design, and music. It's like a little pick-me-up that you get delivered straight to your inbox each week.
There are many people who live in what I call 'No-man's Land,' a place where you're not really happy, but you're not unhappy enough to do anything about it. That's a dangerous place. It's a place where people numb themselves to their dreams. It's where they dismiss hope and accept what's in front of them instead of driving toward what they really want in life.
-Tony Robbins
Dear reader,
Tony Robbins's idea of "No Man's Land," that space where contentment and complacency blend so seamlessly, got me thinking. It's a spot too many of us know well — comfortable, yet yearning for more without the push to leap. Reflecting on my own talk last week in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I was reminded of the personal journeys we're all on and the collective desire to break free from this limbo.
Here are encouraging reminders:
Fuel Your Curiosity: The urge to remain in familiar territories often stems from unexplored curiosity. Questions like "What if I tried something new?" can be the catalyst for stepping out of your routine. It's about letting your curiosity guide you to fresh, unexplored avenues in your work.
Success Is the Path, Not the End: I've seen so many chase the allure of instant fame or quick wealth, especially in our digital era. But true success? It's the richness of the journey, the stories and scars we collect along the way. It's about crafting a narrative that's uniquely ours, not just a moment of glory.
Never Stop Learning: This one's close to my heart. The moment we think we've mastered it all is the moment we stop growing. I've made it a point to surround myself with mentors, peers, even critics who challenge me to stretch further, learn more, and dive deeper.
Fluidity in Identity: Creative evolution is not just beneficial; it's necessary. Allowing yourself to pivot, to experiment with new styles or mediums, is crucial. This fluidity can lead to discovering your most authentic and fulfilling work.
Embrace the Imperfect: Stepping out into new arenas means welcoming imperfection. Those initial attempts might not hit the mark, but recognizing what's off is the first step to refining your art. It's a sign you have the taste and the insight to see what others might not.
Build a Supportive Community: The journey out of "No Man's Land" is less daunting when you have a supportive network. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, offer constructive feedback, and push you toward your goals. A community can be a powerful motivator and a source of fresh perspectives.
Take Bold Steps: I've learned that to innovate, to truly break new ground, taking risks is non-negotiable. Sure, not every gamble pays off, but each one teaches me something invaluable, edging me closer to where I want to be.
Reflect and Adapt: Taking time to reflect has been a game-changer for me. It's in these moments of quiet introspection that I've been able to see the broader picture, reassess my direction, and make the tweaks needed to keep moving forward.
Sustain Your Passion: Find what genuinely excites you and pursue it relentlessly. Passion is the fuel for creativity, driving you to explore further and dive deeper.
Sharing these insights feels like extending a hand to anyone else standing at the edge of their own "No Man's Land." It's a reminder that we're all in this together, each of us navigating our unique paths but united in our quest for something more.
→Creatives to know
Arturo Torres | Arturo is one of my favorite illustrators because of his attention to detail and story telling capabilities through his work. He’s currently doing some work for the Dallas Mavs and it’s amazing to see how he comes up with an idea for each poster! Check out his work!
Temi Lawson | Temi is an amazing photographer and yes we have the same name lol. I love her work and it’s amazing to see her growth over these years. I remember when she first started now she’s really found her style and I’m a fan!
Josef Adamu | I call him “THE DON”. His mind is out of this world. The way he tell stories through his work is mind blowing. From infusing his Nigerian heritage into his work, to art directing big campaign for Nike and so many more. I’m excited about his future and really thankful for our friendship. There’s never a dull moment with Josef. He also has his own agency called SUNDAYSCHOOL.
→Quote of the week
Glad I came across you newsletter.
The design is epic and the reminders are well timed – particularly this one:
"Creative evolution is not just beneficial; it's necessary. Allowing yourself to pivot, to experiment with new styles or mediums, is crucial. This fluidity can lead to discovering your most authentic and fulfilling work."
inspirational read.