56: Todd Henry – How to Develop Your Voice as an Artist & Entrepreneur

If you try to create for everybody, you will reach no one. As an artist, your style, your point of view, your lens is what people come to you for. It’s your voice, it’s what you have to say. And you have to harness that voice. You have to cultivate it. You have to figure out what it should say. That’s what I’m talking about today with Todd Henry, the founder of Accidental Creative. Todd is the author of three books, The Accidental Creative, Die Empty, and his new book Louder Than Words, which is coming out next week. On today’s episode, we are talking about all aspects of creativity: the necessity of unnecessary creating, the interdependence of an artist and audience, and how artists push limits. His company helps creative people build brilliant ideas, and he is an expert in imagination, inspiration, and vision. I can’t wait for you to hear him talk about owning and developing your creativity. Thanks for listening to this week’s episode. Let’s go. We always sacrifice effectiveness on the altar of efficiency. Some things we learn in this podcast: How he founded the Accidental Creative [4:05] Applying what he learned working with artists to working in the business world [5:15] The difference between pursuing creative careers in your twenties vs. your thirties [7:25] Why fear is normal [9:40] On falling into purpose paralysis [10:55] Why you need to include your stakeholders in the calculations when taking risks [12:30] On separating your work and your worth [13:55] Why you have to continue pushing into dark places every day [16:15] The importance of breaking out of your comfort zone and stretching yourself [17:30] What is unnecessary creating [18:35] How to balance your creative portfolio [22:30] Why you should emulate and experiment when you’re in creative crisis [25:30] Moving past the point of emulation [30:30] How to identify your crisis mode [33:50] The importance of creating common ground with your audience [40:00] Why he doesn’t like the phrase ‘find your voice’ [43:20] The three elements of an effective, resonant voice [45:30] Why you can’t create for everybody [51:30] Meeting your audience where they are and leading them where you want to go [52:15] Why following up success means abandoning the things that made you successful [54:45] How success and developing your voice happens in layers [56:50] On drawing battle lines when it comes to your artistic principles [1:00:00] Why you need a sense of what you’re trying to build [1:02:35] How art is about spending yourself on behalf of something you care deeply about [1:05:10] Inspiration is seeking out the people that inspire and intimidate you and learn from them [1:08:05] Links mentioned: Listen to Todd's podcast, Accidental Creative Check out the work of the photographers Todd mentioned, Jon Bob and Michael Wilson Learn more about Todd's new book, Louder Than Words, out August 11th And check out his other books, Die Empty and The Accidental Creative Music Credit: Bring It Back by Kayoh Connect with Todd Instagram | Twitter | Website