I’ve been taking in a lot lately—creatively, mentally, spiritually. Reading, listening, learning, interviewing people far smarter than me. And somewhere in the middle of all that, I realized something about myself… and about what actually makes people happy. For me, it’s creativity.
It’s allowing ideas to flood in, swirl around, break me open a little…and then flow back out into the world.
Have you ever, like me, felt empty after mindlessly scrolling or shopping or watching a movie that didn’t move you? That hollow feeling you get afterwards. It’s your mind whispering, “This is a distraction. This isn’t your real path.”
Think of it like empty calories. Fast food for the soul. Honestly, people should take more photos of home-cooked meals than fast food. So what feeds me?
I’ve always been a born teacher—even though 12 years of primary school teaching nearly killed me. But the love of learning never left. I’m fueled by history, psychology, philosophy, creativity… and the artists and dreamers who shaped our world. Walt Disney. Jim Henson. Spielberg. John Williams, Burton, Polanski, Garris, Craven, Carpenter, and Romero. And so many more.
As a publisher and story coach, I take all of that in and use it. I shape it, I share it, I pass it forward—to authors, to students, to clients, to fellow creatives on our YouTube channel or in my mastermind. And every time I learn something that I know will make authors go, “Wow… I can do this,” it’s pure fuel.
We all absorb pieces of the world until we eventually explode into something new—words, art, music, stories, videos, entire careers.
What you create is shaped by what you consume.
So from the perspective of my personal brand, expect a lot more author/story coaching, career coaching, and motivational creative content from me. Along with the books, workshops, comic books, board games, etc. coming from Crystal Lake Publishing and our imprints, of course.
This is who I am. A publisher, a mentor, a coach, a motivational speaker, a marketer, event organizer, manager, business owner, and CEO. This is what makes me happy. And I hope—truly—that you find the thing that fills you the same way.
Because the world needs more successful artists. Just remember that each artist needs their own definition of what success is. It needs to be a personal relationship. If I can help you discover it or walk toward it…even better.
Come with me and nourish your soul. Our journey is just beginning.
Sign up to the Shadows & Ink newsletter.
Check out my videos on YouTube (many more to come).
For workshops, Patreon, Mastermind, etc. click here.