Brian Mays on Creativity

UPDATE: At the time of this recording, the show was called The Your Voice Podcast. Since this recording, Kay has has rebranded to Life and Mission. Brian Mays is a dad, husband, graphic designer, artist and teacher. In this interview, he shares his experience as a graphic designer and teacher of creativity. [00:01:31] As a graphic designer for a church, Brian says, "We offer a handshake to the world and we make sure that handshake's as good as it can be." [00:37:30] Being a creative professional as a discipline: "When you're living it eight hours a day five days a week, there are times where the ideas just don't come and you've still got to perform, and that's not fun." [00:40:39] I asked Brian if creativity is something people are born with, or of it's learned.[00:40:58] Creativity in different areas of life, and Brian's biggest frustration. What's a good critiquing process? [00:43:03] "I've seen tears in classrooms from from when people get critiqued and it's very, very difficult for - especially younger ones that are just getting their first exposure to this in some kind of creative teaching in school. They may have never had their ideas critiqued before." [00:48:43] The creative process isn't exactly what people imagine it to be, especially when you're creating advertising. Brian shares how that can pose a problem.[00:49:38] Do limitations make people more creative?[00:52:04] Brian reveals his plan for some upcoming projects. How to nurture and grow creativity [00:58:37] Here's what Brian tells someone who wants to grow and develop their creative side: Keep making stuff. Do it because you enjoy it. Tell people about it. Get constructive feedback to help you improve your skills. You'll need to develop a really thick skin: "You don't want to not care what you have but let it not penetrate into your soul." Take risks.[01:00:30] What's next? More portraits (he's good, y'all).[01:01:05] Advice to young creatives - you don't have to do everything that comes your way. Links BrianMays.com Send me your questions Support the show Mission Writers is a library of resources to help missionaries and nonprofits raise funds through storytelling. I've been re-organizing the content in response to some of your comments and suggestions, and I'll have some great resources for you soon. Sign up for my emails so you'll know when it's ready!