Mat Tait

Mat Tait
  • Illustrator
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  • Author

Well, one of the most important things about these stories being told and retold is that it keeps them alive. They provide a cultural throughline that supports and grounds us. These stories aren't just myths and legends; they're living stories of a living culture. As long as they're told, we're reminded of that.

Rennie Pearson

Rennie Pearson
  • Musician

Part of being a creative person is that you're quite sensitive to the world, which can come with a bit of fragility. You feel a lot, which is great for art but can be a double-edged sword. Imposter syndrome definitely hits me from time to time.

Conway Jeune

Conway Juene
  • Musician

So I got a call from Fat Freddies Drop, essentially about the gig and, I think after that call I was in the studio, maybe 3 days later and have a catch up with the guys and see what's up and, I think in the space of like 15 minutes, it was like, 'there's your lead, there's your amp, get up the pedals there and this is what we're working on get into it'.

Ali Brown

Ali Brown
  • Weaver
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  • Author

Yes, the first thing I would say was have another income, to pay the rent and pay the food. But also, to try different things, you may think that you're going to go down the creative path and one thing. And the actual fact, the actual way that you end up is doing something different.

Ari Edgecombe

Ari Edgecombe
  • Painter
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  • Sculptor
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  • Film Maker

I would ask, I would invite them, I would encourage them to listen to the good things that people have to say to them about them, to be alongside people who sincerely care about them, who allow them space to move and breathe in the world, and they don't have to set themselves in stone. And you know what, I would like to look at them and say, you'll be okay, you'll be okay.

Gerard Sexton

Gerard Sexton
  • Digital
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  • Designer
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  • Photographer

That art is truth. Bollocks. Art is a journey into ourselves. Yes, it’s our truth, but no one else’s truth (unless, of course, there is a way that this translates into the visible output). It is about dispelling demons, curbing the ego and just doing, ... It’s about finding the peace, dispelling the mind talk and dealing with others with love.

Kelly Spencer

Kelly Spencer
  • Illustrator
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  • Painter
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  • Muralist
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  • Street Artist

I think it helps to not be a true perfectionist. To finish something and then set it free. It’s ok if you never want to look at it again. And it’s also ok if nobody else likes it or understands it.

Blythe Smith

Blythe Smith
  • Painter

Failure; cracks, and mistakes are what make art interesting. As an artist, I never give up but rather try to respect and value failure, not only to learn about mistakes but also to see what’s in them and maybe turn them into successes. Some of my best works have first gone terribly wrong.

Kim

Kim
  • Crocheter
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  • Painter

Being in the state of flow. It is that moment when you become so lost in the process that time disappears. You reach a state of flow which makes me feel connected to the universe and everything in it.

Satyadarshin

Satyadarshin
  • Illustrator
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  • Painter
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  • Designer

Absolutely create whatever it is that interests you first and foremost, and do it for your own satisfaction. If you can square that with making money, you’re a winner.

Florence & Belle

Florence and Belle
  • Illustrator
  • +
  • Painter

I’ve always loved humour in art and I think a lot of my work has a quirky humour to it. I’m not sure I discovered an identity. I just painted what I love and used colours I love. Apart from wanting to be Bjork… I’ve always just been me and If people like it… then that’s great.

Kamal Ortiz

Kamal Ortiz
  • DJ
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  • Musician
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  • Exhibition Producer

Sometimes being a creative soul can feel like a burden like we are disadvantaged in a structured corporate world. The most rewarding aspect is birthing something beautiful and gifting it to the world, making it more beautiful.

Rachel Radford

Rachel Radford
  • Designer
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  • Painter

By all means, if you can make money from your art without compromising your creative practice then go for it. However for a lot of creatives that puts a lot of unfair pressure on your art. You don’t have to be a poor suffering artist.

Cole Henley

Cole Henley
  • Illustrator
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  • Painter

It’s a fine balance between never stopping to explore and not worrying about things being perfect. I think also as life throws more pressure at me – especially around my health – creativity has given me an outlet and a distraction.

Peter Partington

Peter Partington
  • Painter

Perseverance is the result of remaining alive to the world around us. There’s always a better painting awaiting us. They won’t always be a success.

Metageist

Metageist
  • Digital Artist
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  • Illustrator
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  • Sculptor

If you don’t find and share your unique voice you’re more of an artworker and not an artist. Put brush to canvas, or pen to tablet and see what comes out. Everyone has their own story to tell. It doesn’t have to be technically amazing, it just has to be honest.

Matt Palmer

Matt Palmer
  • Photographer

Creativity is a way to make sense of our world and to view things from different angles. It builds greater understanding and unveils new possibilities. I think that’s an exciting way to be.

Jo Joof

Jo Joof
  • Illustrator
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  • Painter

Never compare your work to others and learn to take compliments.

Susan Skelton

Susan Skelton
  • Painter

It can be tough and so disheartening, especially when rejected, but try and get feedback where ever possible… and turn that feedback into learnings that work for you.. Remember not all feedback is right.

Fleassy Malay

Fleassy Malay
  • Illustrator
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  • Spoken Word
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  • Poet

I think you are always using your voice and your style and there is such pressure in the industry to KNOW what is you. That pressure can be so restrictive and keep us in little boxes. Follow what interests you today. Don’t be afraid of it looking different to what it was yesterday. We are always changing and our art must be allowed to do so too.

Rich McCoy

Rich McCoy
  • Painter
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  • Sculptor
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  • Printmaker
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  • Film Maker
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  • ...

My advice to young creatives would be to wholeheartedly pursue their passion, consistently show up, and put in the work at every available opportunity. Believe in your ability to make it work for you, but also have a side gig as a backup plan in case things don’t go as planned or in case your creative pursuits become overwhelmingly successful and you need something to keep you grounded.