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In this newsletter: how kindness supports your creative practice, big consulting news, plus books & events to spark your creativity
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I learned about “survival of the friendliest” watching the Netflix documentary Inside the Mind of a Dog and it feels related to my following thoughts on kindness. It also means I started two monthly newsletters in a row with a dog photo which is odd considering I’m not naturally “a dog person.” Though Hazel (pictured) has won my heart. |
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A client recently shared that a main barrier in her creative practice is how hard it is for her to be kind to herself. She, like many of us, simply does not give herself the same time, encouragement, and grace that she does others. Sound familiar? Whether with a creative practice, career strategizing, or navigating any other life challenge, why can we be so unkind to ourselves? What this looks like: Talking yourself out of things before even trying: “I’ll never get it or it won’t be perfect, so why even bother?” “Everyone does [insert your idea] so nothing I do will matter or be original.” Being overly critical about common struggles: “No one else stares blankly at blank screens.” “Everyone else is more motivated and focused.” “It makes no money, what’s the point?” Expecting to be great at everything: “I’m not [insert famous professional artist] so why try?” “I’m too old to start.”
Imagine saying any of those things to someone you care about. RUDE. Here are a few things to help balance these totally normal, common, unkind barriers to your creativity: Pick a day per week (I like Sundays) to look back on your past week’s creative practice and identify challenges AND wins. Some people wear rose-colored glasses and miss opportunities for improvement. Others lean gloom-and-doom and miss celebrating. Balancing awareness around things that are hard with things you’re proud of is key. In that same reflection session, lookahead at your coming week and see when you can dedicate to your creative practice. Be sure to include Creativity Boosters—aka activities that energize and reset you—and remove non-critical draining activities. When we’re drained we’re less kind. Start a F*@k Yeah List. Whenever you feel proud, get praise that feels right, etc, add it to a list you can look at when you’re feeling down. Talk to a trusted creative friend. They could probably use the connection too. And maybe we just need to be more like dogs? I’m not sure what that means yet.
I’m of course here to help with all of this too.
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Prioritize your personal creativity For anyone craving support, inspiration and accountability with their creative passion projects and practices. Formats: 1:1 sessions, workshops, events, digital workbook
Elevate your career For Creative Industry Professionals looking to reimagine, evolve and strategize their careers; prepare for job interviews, meetings and presentations; update their LI profile and resume; sharpen leadership skills, and more. Format: 1:1 sessions
Improve your team dynamics For Leaders seeking more strategic, efficient, creative, connected, inspired teams. Formats: off-sites, 1:1 sessions, team consulting
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Big news for the Creative Team Consulting arm of my business!
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I'm thrilled to be joining the roster of Blum Consulting Partners, Inc. as Creative Operations & Leadership expert. Their deeply experienced team is incredible.
“Creative Operations, when optimized, is the central spoke of planning, communication, project execution and team culture. It’s how people, process and tools intersect to ensure the creative work meets the needs of the business while adapting to inevitable change. Cultivating a thriving environment of creativity and collaboration at all levels is key” says Consultant, Kate Sullivan.
“In a time of shifting landscapes across the creative industry, teams with scalable, adaptable creative operations will thrive. We know Kate will help us meet the demand we’re seeing in the marketplace and are thrilled to have a partner in the Bay Area” says partner, Andrea Ruskin.
You can read the full announcement here.
I’m especially grateful that this consulting work allows me to build on my decades of corporate creative experience while continuing my focus on personal creativity/career 1:1 sessions, events, workshops and creating content. I love the balanced, connected, variety.
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August events to spark your creativity!
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Aug 7th @ 1:30-3:00pm: Private tour of the historic Paramount Theatre | RSVP
Opened in 1931 and meticulously restored in 1972-73, "Oakland's Paramount Theater is one of the finest art deco theaters still running in the United States." The tour as described by SF Gate’s Jon Carroll in 1995 (an article still linked on paramountoakland.org/about/tours):
“THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE in Oakland is like the world's best haunted house. Not that it's actually haunted (to my knowledge, anyway) … There are tunnels, trapdoors, secret doors, crawl spaces, catwalks, hidden stairs, doors that open into nothingness, props of uncertain function, great infernal machines with more gears and levers and wires than the mind can absorb, underground corridors, concrete mazes, surprises around every corner.”
Our Oakland Museum field in June was so inspiring! Attendees said it was:
“... FUN, relaxing, and sparked lots of ideas among the group. Not only did I come away feeling refreshed and inspired, but the experience fostered new creative connections and community, too."
"It felt good to be a kid again, clear my calendar, and spend a summer day exploring, chatting, and being curious among old friends and making new friends!"
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June Field Trip for Adults to the Oakland Museum of California |
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Well-planned, creative Field Trips are great for teams too. I’d love to help with yours! Reach out and we’ll find the activity that best fits your needs and team culture.
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Creative Sunday Afternoons
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We’re skipping July, but back on August 17th @ 2:30-5:00pm (and all third Sundays through November) at Gold Palm! Reserve your spot here. This is for anyone who wants to get inspired, work on creative projects, brainstorm, relax, read, journal, daydream or meet new creative friends—all while in a bright, beautiful space.
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There’s still time for your Summer reading!
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Our mid-August episode of Select Five will be our summer reading discussion. There’s still time to finish a book or two! We selected all music related books of course: We’d love to hear what music books you’re into too. Please reply with recs!
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Since you got this far, I have a couple requests to help me grow: Forward this newsletter to your creative friends, family and colleagues and asking them to sign up here. Follow me on Instagram and/or LinkedIn. I don’t overdo it on socials, but find it useful for sharing some news and inspiration that doesn’t always make it in here.
Thank you! Kate
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