These 10 CreativeMornings Talks Will Be Your New Obsession
This page may contain links from our sponsors. Here’s how we make money.
Any field (even artistic ones) can occasionally lack creative drive. Everyday routines can lack the inspiration spontaneity often provides. The “talks” offered by CreativeMornings fight everyday monotony and instead provide encouragement and ideas for new projects.
CreativeMornings began in 2008 as the brainchild of Tina Roth Eisenberg. The mission: to stimulate the community with breakfast and a brief lecture, for free.
In less than a decade, CreativeMornings has grown into an international opportunity to meet and network with like-minded people. The lectures are recorded and available for view, any time and anywhere.
Here are ten eye-opening talks from CreativeMornings on creativity, design, inspiration, and free-thinking.
Related reading: 101 Ways to Boost Your Creativity
1. Love Your Work by Simon Sinek
Most of us have heard the advice, “love what you do,” be it from a friend or relative, or even something as generic as a marketing campaign. The idea that people should enjoy their work is a popular concept. And why not? Employment is changing, and the breadth of available careers is ever-evolving. For many, showing up only to collect a paycheck is no longer enough. And maybe it shouldn’t be.
Simon Sinek, widely recognized for his vision and intellect, discusses the power of serving a purpose. Having studied impactful leaders and crucial organizations, Sinek offers his audience unconventional wisdom and innovative viewpoints, both on business and leadership. In listening to him speak, it’s clear he’s had a lifelong curiosity regarding inspirational leaders and pioneers of change. He believes in worthwhile work, and he confidently illustrates just that.
2. Working in the Age of Distraction Jocelyn K. Glei
“You must say NO to opportunities, in order to say YES to your priorities.”
Removing distractions and getting real work done—it’s a goal for many creatives. Distractions kill productivity and can even kill creativity. Many of us are victims to overstimulation; information is readily available from a number of sources, especially as technology continues to develop.
Jocelyn takes us through an honest talk about the importance of time management. Brainstorming and concept development are natural aspects of creation, but it’s the execution of ideas that truly makes the difference. With her to-do list in hand and her drive for achievement at the ready, Jocelyn offers pragmatic and actionable advice to those looking to double down on their goals.
3. Thinking backwards by Seth Godin
Want to work for good clients? What are you doing about it?
Law of attraction doesn’t always yield results when it comes to business, but hard work does. Seth’s unwavering disbelief in the overnight success phenomenon is built on solid, real-life examples of companies and entrepreneurs who almost gave up just before hitting big.
Seth sends his audience on a 20-minute journey of self-discovery, taking a different approach to the “dream life,” discussing the achievement of goals, landing desired work, and winning clients. And one thing is clear—nothing comes easy. Even to the best.
4. Learn to fall. Fall to learn by Ole Tillmann
An expert of narrative and design, Ole dives deeply into storytelling and emerges with some remarkable ideas. He says, “storytelling and play have the same DNA,” claiming each of us is a storyteller at heart.
Stories train imagination, allowing us to perceive the world around us. Stories resonate and encourage relationships. The question: how we can use storytelling to increase our creative impact? Ole has the answer.
5. The Process of Minimalism by Anthony Casalena
“I believe that minimalism is a process. It’s not an aesthetic. It’s not black and white. It’s the thoughtfulness that goes into creating…”
As the founder and CEO of Squarespace, Anthony Casalena has much to say about the global theme of minimalism. As it turns out, “less is more” can be a dangerous concept if approached the wrong way.
Reflecting on his own dorm-room project turned global business, Anthony paints minimalism as process, rather than aesthetic. In his talk, you’ll learn why throwing out ideas (even good ones) can be a game-changing move.
6. Purpose is the New Bottom Line by Casey Gerald
“It’s not the what or the how, but it’s the WHY; that is at the heart of creative entrepreneurs. It’s the WHY that sparks the revolution.”
Casey asks some of the edgiest, most awkward questions imaginable. Even more, they are directed at well-educated, high-flying entrepreneurs and aspiring business leaders. He draws our attention to the heart and soul of business—purpose.
As we learn in his talk, it’s “not just [about] making a buck, but making a difference.” Being a driven entrepreneur himself, Casey makes the case for businesses not only seeking to profit, but those that hope to make a positive impact as well.
7. Feck Perfuction by James Victore
“The things that made you weird as a kid make you great today. But only if you put it in your work.”
Drawing from his childhood experiences, James talks about the other side of creativity and bringing ideas to life. He argues that being creative is hard work, and it takes a lot of effort to maintain that level of creativity. “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration,” as Edison once said.
Creativity can be disruptive. Creativity can seem abnormal. For those who prefer order, creativity can seem like a problem. In his talk, James teaches creatives to cause a revolution by “illuminat[ing]… individual gifts to achieve personal greatness.” According to James, “Revolution doesn’t exist. It’s you.”
8. Saying No by Jason Santa Maria
No. It’s an uncomfortable, little word, isn’t it? Learning to say no is one of the hardest lessons creatives must master. Though uncomfortable, “no” can be a wonderful word to learn and use, even in times of great opportunity. In this talk, we learn that the sooner creatives learn how to say no, the better. You’re the one shaping your career; if you can’t establish priorities, your projects will suffer. “Your career is not a sprint; it’s a marathon,” Jason explains. He tells why he learned to say no, and how he learned to feel good about it.
9. When The Future Begins by Magnus Lindkvist
“What are the institutions, the ideas, the technologies, the thoughts that have passed their sell-by date?”
The famous futurologist and trendspotter, Magnus Lindkvist, takes his audience on a thought-provoking journey, challenging the way we think about the future. He questions centuries-old ideas and technologies in such a compelling way, it leaves many contemplating the current reality. Curious about what the future (or futures) hold for you? Step into the world of future thinking.
10. Grab The Reigns And F*cking Do It by Jessica Hische
“That desire to learn is the only thing that you should have picked up in college.”
If you were to ask Jessica about her favorite font, she’d have a lot to say on the subject. Jessica delivers a colorful and engaging discussion regarding the art and technology behind typography. This lecture covers the creativity and effort involved in producing fonts (which are often taken for granted.) Her passionate stance on the value of type both hypnotizes and encourages her audience. She challenges designers to create, and then, keep creating.