Create Art Podcast

Description: Failure isn't a dead end—it's raw data. In Episode 2 of The Sustainable Shift , we unpack why creators freeze up when things don't go according to plan and how to reframe missteps as essential feedback rather than a verdict on your worth. Plus, we check in on listener submissions for the "One Project" challenge . In this episode: Why the fear of failure is the number one cause of unfi...

I'm moving the Rough Sketch show to once a month because life (clients, interviews, and general chaos) is loud, and I'm using that extra space to go back to poetry — the thing that actually hooked me on art. I'm Timothy Kimo Brien, your resident instigator, and this episode is me dusting off 12 steno pads, putting pen to paper, and reading a rough sketch called "Going Back" that leans on jazz, nos...

As October arrives, nature enters a deliberate cycle of rest and preparation—yet human creators often respond with end-of-year panic and frantic hustle. In the premiere episode of The Sustainable Shift , Timothy makes the case for The Slow Season . Discover why stepping back from relentless output isn't quitting, but rather essential infrastructure for long-term, sustainable creativity. Plus, an u...

In the final episode of Create Anyway: You’re Allowed to Make Art , we explore a powerful question that many artists avoid: What if what you’ve done is already enough? Throughout this series, we’ve talked about fear, identity, time, responsibility, and creative pressure. But at the center of all of it is a deeper tension — the belief that we are always behind, always lacking, always needing more b...

We live in a world that screams for more—more output, more hustle, and more noise. But the most enduring work isn't born from the noise; it’s born from the quiet. In this special trailer episode, Timothy introduces the upcoming season of the Create Art Podcast : The Sustainable Shift . Starting this October, we are moving away from the "more-is-better" mindset. Instead, we’re focusing on Sustainab...

Why is it so hard to create after a long day? In this episode of Create Anyway , we explore the real reason so many artists struggle to stay consistent—and it’s not laziness. If you’ve ever felt too exhausted to create, battled burnout, or questioned your discipline, this episode will help you understand the relationship between energy, creativity, and rest. Learn how to build a sustainable creati...

Let’s dive right into the juicy stuff! We’re tackling the terrifying blank page today and why giving yourself a big ol’ pass to make a mess is actually the secret sauce to kickstarting any creative project. You know that feeling when you’re just waiting for the stars to align and the perfect idea to drop into your lap? Yeah, we’re saying “bye-bye” to that nonsense! Instead, we’re embracing the cha...

Creating art without an audience might sound like a wild concept, but that’s exactly what we’re diving into today! We explore the big question: If no one ever saw your work, would you still make it? Spoiler alert: You totally should! In a world that’s all about likes, shares, and followers, it’s easy to lose sight of the joy of simply creating for the love of it. We chat about why embracing this p...

Ever feel like you have no idea what you're doing? You're in good company. In this episode, host Timothy Kimo Brien sits down with equine veterinarian, stand-up comedian, and author Matt Evans. They chat about why being a "city slicker" in horse country breeds massive imposter syndrome, how stand-up comedy serves as a high-stakes release valve, and why the messy work of trying new things is what a...

Many adults think they can’t make art because, honestly, who has the time? Between juggling work, family, and a mountain of responsibilities, creativity can feel like a whimsical dream. But let me hit you with some truth: artists don’t magically find time for their craft; they carve it out like a pumpkin on Halloween! In this episode, we’re diving into how to cultivate a life that welcomes creativ...

Something strange happens when adults decide to pursue art, and trust me, it’s a wild ride! We dive headfirst into the world of creativity, only to find ourselves tangled up in the pressure of picking the “right” path or medium, like we’re supposed to have it all figured out from day one. But let’s get real for a second: changing your mind doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it means you’re evolving! In t...

Creating art can feel like stepping into the spotlight with no script—scary, right? This episode dives right into that fear of flopping in front of an audience, especially when you're sharing your work for the first time. We chat about how putting your creations out there can be a wild ride of vulnerability, but guess what? It’s also a golden ticket to growth! Every artist you admire has faced the...

Get ready for a wild ride as we dive into a conversation with David Deane Haskell, a talented writer and drummer who's all about exploring the messy, beautiful process of creativity! We kick things off by chatting about his journey from penning speculative fiction to navigating the intricate waters of memoir and recovery writing. David's work is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to make sen...

Why does making time for creativity sometimes feel selfish? In Episode 9 of Create Anyway: You’re Allowed to Make Art , we explore a feeling many adult creatives struggle with but rarely discuss openly: the guilt of choosing yourself. When you have a full life — a career, family responsibilities, and daily obligations — carving out time for art can feel uncomfortable. You may wonder whether spendi...

Today, we’re diving into the inspiring world of creative resilience with our guest, Daniel Curtis. With a stellar track record of orchestrating massive charity campaigns and collaborating with big names like Sir Paul McCartney and Will Ferrell, Daniel's journey offers a treasure trove of insights for any artist. We're chatting about how to tackle that pesky imposter syndrome and the importance of...

Let’s dive right into it—creativity doesn’t have to mean blowing up your life! We’re busting the myth that to take your art seriously, you need to ditch your day job and set fire to your comfort zone. Instead, we’re chatting about how to weave your artistic passions into the fabric of your everyday responsibilities—bills, relationships, and all that adulting stuff that can feel like a creativity k...

We're diving into the juicy topic of fear today, specifically that pesky fear that creeps in when we think about creating later in life. You know, it's not just about failing; it's that gnawing sensation of feeling like it's too late to matter or make an impact. We chat about how this fear can feel like a ton of bricks when you've got a career and responsibilities weighing you down, but guess what...

One of the biggest creative buzzkills is the idea that your art has to start paying rent right away. Seriously, who decided that every hobby needs to be a side hustle? In this chat, we dive into the concept that you don't have to monetize your creativity just yet—let's keep the pressure cooker off and focus on what really matters: enjoying the process! We’ll explore how the pressure to sell can su...

Ever feel like you're nailing everything in life—career, family, and that sweet 9-to-5 grind—yet your passion for art feels like a clumsy dance move at a wedding? Well, grab your metaphorical paintbrush because we’re diving into the curious conundrum of being good at everything except what you love! This episode is all about why your creative pursuits often come with a side of awkwardness and how...

Art doesn’t have to take a backseat when life gets busy; in fact, it might just be the secret ingredient to making our responsibilities more bearable! This episode dives into the juicy idea that art and responsibility can totally coexist without you feeling like you’re sacrificing your sanity. We’re chatting about how creativity doesn’t have a designated time limit, and yes, you can still be an ar...

Let's dive right into it! Today, we're unraveling the myth of what a "real artist" looks like. Spoiler alert: they don’t exist! We chat about how that pesky image keeps so many of us from picking up a paintbrush or writing that next big hit. It’s all about recognizing that the artist stereotype is more smoke and mirrors than reality, and that it’s okay to not fit that mold. Trust me, you don’t nee...

Who told you that you weren't an artist? This episode dives deep into that pesky little question and explores how those offhand comments can stick to us like gum on a shoe. We unravel the mystery of why so many of us have let someone else dictate our creativity, and trust me, it's time to take that word "artist" back! We'll chat about the wild journey of reclaiming your artistic identity, includin...

Create Anyway: You’re Allowed to Make Art is a limited podcast series for people who did the responsible thing—built careers, supported families, stayed busy—and still feel a quiet pull toward creativity. This series is for: Adults who want to make art but feel “too late” or “too busy” People who were told they’re not artists—or can’t make a living creating Professionals and parents craving meanin...

We're diving headfirst into the art of creating, and let me tell you, it’s all about giving yourself a big ol' permission slip to make art—yes, you heard that right! No more of that “be realistic” nonsense; it’s time to shake off the chains of responsibility and embrace your inner creative beast. This series, aptly named "Create Anyway," is for all you busy bees and responsible adults who might th...

We're diving deep into the world of creativity and transformation, reflecting on a year filled with unexpected changes rather than just a highlight reel of accomplishments. This episode isn’t just about the art I created; it’s about how I evolved while creating it. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t chasing mastery; I was all about following my curiosity, and boy, did I get my hands dirty with acrylics, musi...