Allen C. Paul's Blog, page 27

Creative Checkup LIVE: How One Student Found her Audience, Fine-tuned her Message and Got Focused on Progress [TGGS 46]

They say if you really want to learn something, start by learning from someone else's journey, copy their successes, and avoid their mistakes.

That's exactly what we're offering in this week's special episode, as we complete our week long Consistent Creative Challenge with over one hundred creatives from around the world.

For five days, musicians, artists and creative freelancers shared a learning experience as they discovered the essential habits they need to produce consistent work, every...

Healthy Artist = Happy Artist! How to Take Control of your Health with Dr. Katina [TGGS 45]

As an artist, you clearly care about the health of your career, your artwork, and your creative relationships. But are you taking care of your physical health?

Musicians, artists and creative freelancers tend to put off their physical health until we have no choice. But if we aren't proactive about our health, we risk so much more than just a few uncomfortable moments with a health care professional. We can literally lose everything – including our creative purpose – due to a health issue we...

Nine Productivity Apps That Can Help Free Up Your Creative Time

The phrase “There's an app for that” is no longer just a catchy tag-line.

It's absolutely the truth.

From getting sushi delivered to our doors, to applying for a mortgage, there's seemingly nothing our phones can't do.

But for creatives, more isn't necessarily better.

We don't need a million apps to do everything for us. After all, creative work will always be something no computer can replicate.

We need apps that do just the things that we need them to do.

So instead of listing all of...

Five Foolproof Ways to Improve Communication within your Band, Creative Team or Ensemble [TGGS 44]

There's nothing like the feeling when a band just feels connected.

The synergy, respect and good vibes you experience during great performances are a major factor in keeping your band, ensemble or creative team productive and creatively healthy.

But when things aren't clicking between performers and artists, it can be a total drag to perform. We HATE it when the message / music / understanding isn't getting through to our fellow musicians.

Here's the question – how can your band, ensemble or creativ...

Being the New Kid: How to Overcome the Fear of Rejection

It's not easy being the new kid on the block.

Maybe you're fresh out of music school, or you've just moved to a new area.

You're unfamiliar with the scene, and every room you walk into feels like you're swimming in an ocean of anonymity. It's like you're the only person that doesn't know anyone.

Far from simply being a professional issue, making creative connections in a new area is really more of a mindset issue.

Why breaking into the scene is hard

Musicians and creatives tend to be very sen...

How to Amplify your Success by Sharpening your Skills with John Mike, Producer [TGGS 43]

Are you feeling stagnant and stuck in your current creative environment? Do you feel like there's another level of success waiting, but you're just not sure how to break through and find it?

How can you change things up and start doing the musical and creative work you know you're capable of?

According to John Mike, acclaimed producer, musician, clinician and creative entrepreneur, you must start by pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, stepping out in faith toward your goals, and making a commit...

3 Things you Shouldn’t Expect from a Creative Coach

If you've been looking for a creative coach, you're not alone.

These days, coaching has become all the rage, and the arts and entertainment space is no exception.

We've all seen the “American Idol / The Voice” model where established stars choose young artists and gives them sage advice that will help them get to the next level.

That's not realistic for most artists, and if you spend your whole career simply trying to get a chair to turn around, or a golden ticket, you'll likely never find the ty...

Your Mind Really Matters: Why Creatives Need to Open Up about Mental Health [TGGS 42]

For as long as artists and creatives have existed, we've been wrestling with our feelings, thoughts and mental struggles.

For some, the inner struggles are simply part of their creative process, or a normal outgrowth of dealing with life. But for many others, our mental battles are a sign of something deeper – and we often use our creativity as a mask for our issues.

Sometimes we artists normalize our pain and suffering, thinking that we are promoting authenticity. In doing so, however, we...

Why We’re Not Talking about Kanye West

Imagine seeing this headline on CNN, Fox News or The New York Times:

“Artist Loves God and Excels Professionally.”

You won't see that headline anytime soon. It's not a big story. But it is a true story.

All over the world, right now, musicians, artists and creative freelancers are working faithfully in the mainstream arts and entertainment industry. 

Many have a Christian foundation and believe wholeheartedly in the Gospel. 

They have strong values. 

They don't wear a badge of honor for hav...

Best Ever or Best YOU?: How to Prioritize your Greatest Creative Strength [TGGS 41]

Should you be striving to become the best musician / artist / creative ever?

Or is there a better way to make the impact you were called to make?

Most of us assume the path to creative fulfillment requires us to be head and shoulders above our peers in our skills and abilities. Eventually, though, we realize they'll always be another artist who is more skilled or knowledgeable.

But talent can't beat individuality. Your greatest asset is YOU.

In this episode, we show you how to prioritize...