Allen C. Paul's Blog, page 32

A Conversation with Isa: How to Discover and Embrace your Why

Is it possible to be fully engaged in the music industry while fulfilling a higher purpose?

Asaleana Elliott, better known as âIsaâ(pronounced eye-sah) : professional singer, published songwriter, coach and consultant, says the answer is yes, and her credentials and passion for mentoring help to back up her confidence.

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Isa has worked with several household names in the music industryâs R&B and Gospel world. She sang background for R&B singer Avant for...

Emotional Labor: Managing The Ups and Downs of Performing (Part 2)

 

Acting feels more like an adrenaline rush…like I’m bungee jumping or a roller coaster…
Singing feels like I’m going to pass out or throw up. Then, when the first word or note comes out…if it goes well, usually like an eye of the hurricane…calm…if it goes bad…I imagine running off the stage in a dramatic fashion while still staying up there to complete the song or scene. – Sim Renee

There are two creative acts that happen every time you perform. One is the actual act of performing – the song...

Say “No” to Guilt over Negotiating for What You’re Worth

Have you ever felt bad when you had to push to be compensated for your time and talent? Does the idea of negotiating leave a bad taste in your mouth? You’re not alone.

We creatives enjoy making things, but we seldom enjoy making deals. This episode takes a page literally from a great resource for faith-centered artists written by DeVon Franklin, who is a Hollywood executive, speaker and author of the book “The Hollywood Commandments.” Franklin is the producer behind the hit movies “Miracles...

Say “No” to Guilt over Negotiating for What You’re Worth

Have you ever felt bad when you had to push to be compensated for your time and talent? Does the idea of negotiating leave a bad taste in your mouth? Youâre not alone.

We creatives enjoy making things, but we seldom enjoy making deals. This episode takes a page literally from a great resource for faith-centered artists written by DeVon Franklin, who is a Hollywood executive, speaker and author of the book âThe Hollywood Commandments.â Franklin is the producer behind the hit movies âMiracles...

Emotional Labor: Why It Matters to Every Artist (Part 1)

A work of art is 100% work.

That’s the phrase that came to mind as I read a Instagram post from my fellow creative friend Theresa Palma, a designer, artist and founder of the lifestyle brand “Styld by Grace”. She openly and transparently shared how the work of the artist often appears to the public as flawless and perfect because we usually only present the finished product.

She then shared how her creative process is never a flawless process, and nearly every artist I know would agree with h...

Keeping It Together: Balancing Music, Marriage and Ministry with Kennya Miller

The stresses of living in the worlds of music and ministry have damaged many a relationship – to the point that we are rarely surprised when artists give up and their families break up.  Is it possible to successfully balance a career on the road with the responsibilities of being a faithful spouse and dedicated parent? Our featured artist believes the answer is yes – and sheâs proven it through the toughest of circumstances.

 

Kennya Miller is a professional vocalist, educator, wife and mo...

Balancing Music, Marriage and Ministry with Kennya Miller

 

The stresses of living in the worlds of music and ministry have damaged many a relationship – to the point that we are rarely surprised when artists give up and their families break up.  Is it possible to successfully balance a career on the road with the responsibilities of being a faithful spouse and dedicated parent? Our featured artist believes the answer is yes – and she’s proven it through the toughest of circumstances.

 

Kennya Miller is a professional vocalist, educator, wife and m...

Keeping It Together: Balancing Music, Marriage and Ministry with Kennya Miller

The stresses of living in the worlds of music and ministry have damaged many a relationship – to the point that we are rarely surprised when artists give up and their families break up.  Is it possible to successfully balance a career on the road with the responsibilities of being a faithful spouse and dedicated parent? Our featured artist believes the answer is yes – and she’s proven it through the toughest of circumstances.

Kennya Miller is a professional vocalist, educator, wife and mothe...

Keeping It Together: Talking Music, Marriage and Ministry with Kennya Miller

The stresses of living in the worlds of music and ministry have damaged many a relationship – to the point that we are rarely surprised when artists give up and their families break up.  Is it possible to successfully balance a busy music career with the responsibilities of being a faithful spouse and dedicated parent? Our featured artist believes the answer is yes – and she’s proven it through the toughest of circumstances.

Kennya Miller is a professional vocalist, educator, wife and mother...

5 ways to develop your creative relationships

That spark.

That moment when another person connects with you in a special way.

Sounds like the beginning of a romantic scene from a movie, right?

Not necessarily.

It can also describe the moment when you find someone that helps you become a better artist.

And like romantic relationships, they can be just as hard to find, and harder to keep.

It’s a natural creative trait to seek out people who bring out the best in us. You likely have done your best to surround yourself with positive people. ...