Allen C. Paul's Blog, page 17

How to Prioritize Your True Creative Passions (Back to Basics #2)

Decisions, decisions!

Every day we are faced with a multitude of options on how to move forward in our creative and musical lives.

Sometimes, the choice is easy. But often, it's not. 

How do you decide when it's time to try something new, stick with something old, or change something in the middle?

The best way is to know your priorities before you face a new problem or opportunity. 

In this episode, we explore Step 2 of the Seven Service Steps, “Establish P...

How Isolation Damages Your Creative Calling (Back to Basics Series #1)[TGGS 134]

Be honest, creative – are your spiritual, family and church connections as strong as they should be?

If not, you're in for a rude awakening.

Without solid foundational connections between you, God, your family and your wider creative community, you will find it impossible to maintain a successful, God-honoring and sustainable creative career.

One of our God and Gigs Spiritual Shed connection events, 2018

Staying Connected is the first of the Seven Service Steps – a ...

Defeating Discouragement When No One Responds to Your Work! [TGGS 133]

It has to be the worst feeling in the world for a creative…when you post or share something you've worked hard on, and no one seems to notice !

This issue affects creatives deeply and can quickly demoralize you, to the point that you give up on your God-given dream.

In this creative checkup episode, you will learn strategies that will help you to stay motivated and to keep sharing your creative work with the world!

Watch the video of this encouraging reminder here!

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How to Maximize Your Big Moment with Brian Nhira, Vocalist [TGGS 132]

You dream of the day that God opens a door for you…but do you know what to do when it opens?

Brian Nhira, vocalist, performer and creative, knew exactly what to do – and it's helped him to grow his impact and share his message so that he can create new moments throughout his career.

In this episode, you'll learn how Brian explored and developed his singing gift through his early years in a ministry family, to eventually sing on national television in front of millions of vi...

Godly or Greedy? How to Expand your Creative Vision w/o Feeling Guilty [TGGS 131]

Is growth always good for the creative?

It depends on the reason you want to grow.

By taking a close look at ‘why' we want to grow, we can make sure that our motives are pure and that we honor our faith and calling even while expanding our vision.

In this episode, we take a look at the mindset behind growing our reach and trying to make the biggest impact possible with our art and our creative gifts.

From Validation or For Validation?

If we're honest, sometimes our desire ...

Five Massive Mistakes Every Creative Must Avoid [TGGS 130]

There's only two ways to learn…via education…or experience.

In this episode as we mark the 4th ‘podaversary' of The God and Gigs Show, host Allen C. Paul shares five big mistakes he made as a creative and entrepreneur beginning a new project.

Many of us make these same assumptions as faith-focused creatives and artists, but they can set you back financially and emotionally – and you'll want to watch out for the warning signs.

The five big mistakes

When starting o...

Anniversary Exclusive: Why Sticking With It Is Worth It w/ Allen and Lia Paul [TGGS 129]

What a difference FIVE years makes…

In September of 2016, the book God and Gigs: Succeed as a Musician without Sacrificing your Faith was published. One year later, The God and Gigs Show was launched. 

After hundreds of posts, episodes, conversations and interviews, there was only one person that could speak truthfully about the journey that God and Gigs has been on…

… the founder’s spouse. 

Allen and Lia Paul at the opening of Studio 403, 2019

In this special anniversary episode,...

Turn Your Talent Into A Lasting Legacy w/ Ulysses Owens, Jr., Musician & Author [TGGS 126]

How do you shift from simply trying to ‘make it' in the music industry, to truly building a sustainable, lasting legacy as a creative and entrepreneur?

Jazz musician, educator, author and creative entrepreneur Ulysses Owens, Jr. has found the key, and he's sharing it in this powerful interview, as well as in his book, “The Musician's Career Guide: Turning your Talent into Sustained Success.”

A native of Jacksonville, FL, Ulysses spent his formative years playing in church and ...

Imitate or Originate? How To Avoid Following The Creative Crowd [TGGS 125]

Are you tired of feeling like the copycats always win?

From music to fashion and everywhere in between, it seems that imitation is more than flattery – it's good business. But it's bad for the artist, right?

In this episode we explore the tension between imitating our mentors, teachers and iconic master artists, and becoming innovative and original artists in our own right. By carefully exploring each step between imitation and innovation, we can find the right balance wher...

How Community Leads to Confidence w/ Tobias Tankard, Jr., Musician [TGGS 123]

When you're building your creative or musical career, every connection matters – because the people you surround yourself with can either help you grow, or hold you back.

As the God and Gigs community heads into its 6th year, we're taking the time to highlight the stories and experiences of our talented and inspiring members, who have embraced the vision and God-centered principles we've practiced and preached. One such individual is Tobias Tankard, Jr., a drummer, producer and songwriter bas...