Allen C. Paul's Blog, page 28

19 more answers to the questions people ask creatives

You've heard it all before.

As a musician, creative professional, and artist, you've had to explain what you do more than once. And each time you've explained, there have been some follow-up questions that are, let's say, a bit annoying.

A while ago, we shared 20 answers to the questions musicians are asked . But there are plenty of other types of questions you have to respond to, so here are a few more answers that you can add to your list.

You can probably figure out what the questions...

Promote Smart: How Artists Can Reach the Right People [TGGS 40]

Are you confused about exactly HOW to promote your music, art or creative projects?

You're not alone.

While there's a ton of people online telling you how to market your music or brand, there's also a lot of confusion about exactly WHO you should be reaching.

We recommend a simple way to determine the right content for the things you post and publish online as an artist and creative.

Ask this question – is this content for my content audience (listeners, fans, viewers) or for my potential...

A Time to Reflect: Thoughts as we remember LaShawn Daniels

So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12 (NKJV)

We artists spend a lot of time thinking about time.

Whether it's planning our days, setting up rehearsals, setting creative goals, or meeting deadlines – time has something to do with it.

And for us, we sometimes assume that we're in control of it.

We've talked a lot about time even on this platform – how to manage it, how to plan for it, how to utilize it.

Then something happens that reminds us all t...

The Courage to Create: How to Step Up and Speak Out with M.Denise Simmons, Producer [TGGS 39]

How does a talented creative step away from her comfort zone into leading her own production company, and into the crosshairs of one of the biggest cultural issues of our generation?

Creative producer M.Denise Simmons has made that step, and she's tackling big topics and courageously making her mark in the world of visual entertainment and the arts. She is a prime example of a creative person who realized her purpose was bigger than she first anticipated, and had to make key decisions in ord...

4 Essential Lessons to Remember after you finish a project [Best Of Series]

Author's note… the following post, written originally in 2017, is my personal reflection on becoming an author and the steps I followed after my creative project was launched. This isn't just for authors and writers, however. No matter what creative endeavor you're undertaking, you'll find some value in these four essential takeaways.

September 6th, 2016.

I woke up like a kid on Christmas. I was excited, but I was also as nervous as I've ever been. It had nothing to do with a performance. N...

How Your Performance Mindset might be Suffocating your Success [TGGS 38]

It's the magic formula for artists… hard work + talent = success.

Right?

Maybe not.

There are many immensely talented people in the arts and entertainment industry who can't seem to find success in their careers. Why is that?

Perhaps we've bought into the myth that success is all about being the best performer / talent / musician / creative. Sure, you can push yourself to rise above the rest of the talented people in your field. But is that all that matters?

We believe true success is imp...

How to Overcome the Frustrations of Creative Life (Part 3 of 3)

Have you ever wished you could clone yourself?

Don't worry – we're not going to touch the actual science of cloning. We're only talking about the wish that there was a person, just like you, who could do all the things required to make a living as a creative.

(That might not be a great idea…because you might end up in a situation like this scene from Michael Keaton's 1996 comedy fantasy “Multiplicity.”)

Having more than one of you isn't necessarily a good thing.

All jokes aside, you're no...

The Truth about Being a Successful Professional Musician: Tips and Advice from bassist Chris Snowden [TGGS Ep 37]

What makes a professional musician TRULY professional? What separates artists who are repeatedly hired and called back, from those who simply wish for respect from their peers and a reputation they can be proud of?

Bassist and producer Chris Snowden is a perfect example of a musician who quickly learned the keys to being a trustworthy professional, and now enjoys a successful career as a sideman performing all over the world.

Having worked with artists such as Kelly Price and MC Lyte, he sh...

How to Overcome the Frustrations of Creative Life (Part 2 of 3)

What activity did you spend the most time on last week?

Hard to remember, right?

If you aren't constantly tracking your time, you really can't be sure. And that means you likely let some precious hours get away from you – hours you could have spent doing the creative work that matters most.

As we address the common frustrations of the creative life, let's turn to one of the biggest issues we all face – time management.

In the first installment of this creative frustration series, we deal...

The BIG marketing mistake you might be making as a creative [TGGS Ep. 36]

Nod your head if you've seen one of these status updates on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube – or any other social media feed.

Download my music today!Please follow me! Watch my video right now!

What do these statements have in common? The fact that they all have ‘me' or ‘my' in the status.

We all know utilizing social media is now an indispensable part of being a successful creative. But when we make our message all about us, and not about the audience that we are trying to reach, we...