7 Habits of Highly Effective Creators

“If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful at all.”  - Michelangelo

We all want to succeed creatively. Most of us want to be good - if not great - at our craft, profession, or project, no matter what it is. Sometimes it’s easy to lose focus, get lazy or discouraged, and want to give up. We compare ourselves to other amazing creators and think, “I’ll never be as good as them, so why bother.”

But instead of getting down, we need inspiration and guidance; a list of creative rules and standards to live by. 

In my studio/office I have all kinds of inspirational quotes and reminders tacked to my walls. They keep my eye on the ball. I’m also constantly inspired by countless creative friends and role models - artists, musicians, business owners, teachers, and parents - who possess outstanding qualities that really light a fire under my butt whenever I’m near them. I simply watch how they live and create. 

So here’s a little something you might want to tack on your wall - it’s helping me…

These are what I consider the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Creators:

1. They are passionate about what they do. You’ve gotta love what you’re creating. Love is the fuel that keeps you writing that novel, illustrating that book, or building that business. If the world suddenly blew up and Dolly Parton was the last person on earth, you can bet she’d be singing “9 to 5″ to a bunch of rocks and a pile of rubble.

2. They are disciplined. They have incredible work ethic. Steven King and Ray Bradbury sit in that chair every day, no matter what, and bang out those pages. Illustrator Bob Staake seems to pump out a picture book every week. I hate these people, they make me cry. But I respect the heck out of them and I notice that most Great Creators possess that same work ethic, so I leave it on my list.

3. They strive to master and improve their craft. It’s easy to fall into a rut, but all the great creators master the fundamentals of their craft, whether it’s Larry Bird shooting 500 freethrows at basketball practice, or George Carlin re-telling a botched joke in front of a live audience just so he could nail it perfectly for an HBO special (I saw him do this - I was there).

4. They don’t care what other people think. They create because they have to - their soul is on fire with their creative passion, and they just make stuff, critics be damned. Yes, they want to share it with others. Yes, they want people to enjoy what they’ve created. Of course. But they care more about executing their vision properly than whether or not people like them. 

5. They insist on getting paid handsomely for their talent (but they would still create anyway). Professional Creators who have paid their dues, educated themselves, and produce quality work expect (and request) healthy fees. They respect their own talent, know its worth, and charge accordingly. Why does A-Rod get the millions? Because he makes millions more for the Yankees every time he knocks another homerun out of the stadium.  True, it is sad that some creative professions, like teaching, or being a stay-at-home mom, or being a poet, don’t offer similar paychecks, but as a general rule, if you offer a quality creative service or product, and have for years, you should be gettin’ paid appropriately based on what your market allows. Money is an exchange of energy and value.  

6. They welcome criticism from their peers and learn from them. Look, your mom is going to love everything you make, okay? But think of somebody who does the same thing you do who is just as talented if not more so. Somebody who doesn’t mince words. Creators who want to improve seek reactions and constructive criticism from people they respect. When George Lucas makes a Star Wars movie, do you know who he calls for feedback? Spielberg. Copolla. Ron Howard. (I’m sure they told him to lose Jar Jar, but re-read #4 - Lucas didn’t care what anyone thought of Jar Jar. He liked him and the rest is history.)

7. They take risks. Creative people take risks. They not only sacrifice income to live their passion, they take crazy creative chances that they know might make them look stupid. Michael Jordan tried to be a baseball player. Billy Joel stopped writing pop songs and made a classical music album. Stallone turned down $100,000 when he was dirt broke because he insisted on playing Rocky, even though his wife left him and he had to sell his dog! He believed so much in his Rocky screenplay that he risked everything. Now that’s inspiring.

What do you think? Would you add other habits?

I welcome your comments…