What If I Don't Like My Idea?


Hey there Reader!

Enjoy this week's spark for your creativity:

  • This week's art gleanings. I have been loving this 3-Point Perspective podcast for illustrators. It's reminding me of why I chose illustration as a major for my BA: the love of visual storytelling. Also, here's a round up of other drawing insights.
  • A case against the "10,000 hour" concept. Have you heard of this concept? Malcolm Gladwell popularized the idea that if one practices for 10,000 hours, mastery ensues. I've appreciated this along with a few pushback ideas. Is this where true creativity occurs? Or is it where play and art happen?
  • Breath & Clay Conference 2025. The Breath & the Clay is a community of artists and creators showcasing beauty, life and wonder through works of art, community and faith. If you're near North Carolina, their annual conference might be something worth checking out. If you haven't, check out the Makers & Mystics podcast.
  • My Response to Responses (A Kendrick Halftime Show Thought). Over at the Yellow Ochre Patreon, I give some thoughts about the way I am seeing others respond to the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
  • What if I don't like my idea? John Mayer makes a compelling case for creating even if you don't like the idea...that your taste catches up to the idea's creation. Has this ever happened to you?
  • Making art after losing your son. Famous musician, Ben Kweller, lost his 16 year old son in 2023. Since then, he shares his grief and creation process in light of such a tragedy. How do you move forward? Check out his life and process here.
  • When's the best time for creative work? I love stuff like this. Daniel Pink makes a case for creative work occurring later in the day. However, history seems to show there has never been a consistent "best" time for creators or innovators.

- Matt

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The Yellow Ochre Newsletter

For over 13 years, I've been an artist in the Christian missionary world. Learn art and mission ideas to spark your creative engagement every Wednesday. Join like-minded artistic Christians looking for that extra nudge to use your creativity for God's mission.

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