I needed to read this today. I feel like I'm all over the place lately and all I hear in my head is you can only do one thing well. Prioritize. "What's that ONE thing..." It's like I'm supposed to rearrange my creative pursuits around a McKinsey strategy.
I think the journey of a creative generalist is a journey that honors everything we are meant to feel, be and experience in this one crazy life. Pick a lane is so counter to how we live! Life is richer because of all the textures, flaws and hobbies, interests and loves we accumulate and shed along the way. Why should that be any different for how we work and create?
Not to mention - how much more expansive is our work and thinking when we take detours and double-dip? DaVinci, Einstein, Picasso!
The moment someone from the outside looking in at our lives tells us the right way - that's so much more about them than it is about us too.
I like this idea. I should find an equivalent to creative generalist in French (I live in France). I generally just say I work in tech or marketing, depending on who is in front of me. Easier than explaining something like « I used to be a wedding blogger and a homesteader and now I am starting a diy music career and blogging about all of it » 😅
I needed to read this today. I feel like I'm all over the place lately and all I hear in my head is you can only do one thing well. Prioritize. "What's that ONE thing..." It's like I'm supposed to rearrange my creative pursuits around a McKinsey strategy.
I think the journey of a creative generalist is a journey that honors everything we are meant to feel, be and experience in this one crazy life. Pick a lane is so counter to how we live! Life is richer because of all the textures, flaws and hobbies, interests and loves we accumulate and shed along the way. Why should that be any different for how we work and create?
Not to mention - how much more expansive is our work and thinking when we take detours and double-dip? DaVinci, Einstein, Picasso!
The moment someone from the outside looking in at our lives tells us the right way - that's so much more about them than it is about us too.
I’m happy that you found it helpful, and yes to all of that. Embrace the serendipity of free creative exploration.
I like this idea. I should find an equivalent to creative generalist in French (I live in France). I generally just say I work in tech or marketing, depending on who is in front of me. Easier than explaining something like « I used to be a wedding blogger and a homesteader and now I am starting a diy music career and blogging about all of it » 😅
un esprit passionné perhaps?
i’ll try it on my in laws and see how it goes haha
I think this post will free up so many heads! Thank you!
You’re welcome.
This was music (and art and poetry) to my ears. Yes yes yes!
I’m happy you enjoyed it. Thanks Renee.
Ha! I was reading this and was going to tag @daveconrey and the next thing I know he's being quoted it in! Well done!
Thanks, Jen. This is my article.
I feel seen.
Today I bought the first part of my super suit — bright green Chuck Taylors that roughly match the colors of my Substack brand.
Thanks for the encouragement.
That's a start. Thanks for reading, Dave.