We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful John Compton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with John below.
John, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Creativity has always fascinated me. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always had that ‘creative spark’ that singled me out; sometimes as gifted and other times as slightly out of step. As I got older and developed my skill as a graphic designer and musician, I tried hopelessly to leverage my ‘creativity’ to write songs and develop unique, creative ideas for my clients in the form of logos, taglines, ads and general marketing and advertising content. Often, when writing a song or designing, it felt like I had to wait for the muse to descend and the mood to strike just right to even begin working. Where was all that creativity I had been bragging about? Sometimes I would get lucky and hit a home run. The client would high five me and say something like, “I can’t wait to share this with the rest of the team! You’re a rock star!”. Other times, I would stare at a blank page and…nothing. If you’ve ever had to create something from nothing (no matter what it is) chances are, you’ve also shared these same feelings of existential dread, imposter syndrome, frustration, lack of focus and eventual capitulation and anger. Also, know that I am actively sympathizing with you. In this article, I am not going to delve into what creativity is or where it comes from, but I am going to offer three simple steps to help you break past the blank page and get you started down a path where you feel happy, pleased, confident and energized about the direction; it’s all downhill from there.
Discussion
Have a brief, 10 – 20 minute conversation with your client, benefactor, patron or if it’s just you, with yourself. Discuss in the most detail possible what they like, what they are trying to emulate, what they are trying to communicate – basic goals. This is where you define the project, then add limitations. Logos have to be simple and unique. Pop songs have to be around 2 minutes. Manage expectations and WRITE DOWN what you agree the project is, before shaking hands getting up from the table. Apply this to yourself when working on independent projects.
R&D
Never open a blank google doc, blank canvas or blank whatever your medium is, without some active review of other work within your space. Call it inspiration, call it review, call it research, call it whatever. Once you get a firm grasp on the existing work within the medium you are attempting to enter, the seeds of your project will begin to germinate. How can my work sit within the existing canon?
Procrastinate
The goal is in there and the research is in there, now it’s time to let your creative brain do its magic. Set the brain pot on the creative stove and let it simmer. I like to go for a long walk and try to relax. When sitting back down to begin the project, it’s helpful to have a routine: Coffee, music, the same time of day, etc. You need to focus and get all of those ideas out.
Ok, so there are many, many, other aspects and ways to train up your creative brain and keep that creativity flowing. In reality, your creativity never dies; it’s like a pilot light that’s always on, you just have to feed the flame to get a nice fire going. Stay away from drugs and alcohol, in the end it’s just a temporary fix that will end up hurting more than helping. When clients say they, ‘hate’ your work understand that they are crazy, be polite and go back to step #1. Do not send over 5 drafts or sketches and ask them to pick one (rookie mistake). Sit down in a room with them and write or sketch on a whiteboard. If that does not work, eject. You can’t please someone who does not know what they are looking for.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My professional journey has been primarily focused on media. I have been in the marketing department since 1999. I was a graphic designer, web designer, video & sound editor, creative director and now…(ta-da!) I am a one man shop that does a little of everything! I help small to medium sized businesses with their marketing. 1) define and develop their brand (logo, type, color, styles) and 2) provide advertising and marketing materials (website, brochure, social, web & email posts, paid ads, etc). Ok, so with 25 years of marketing experience, what am I excited about? The answer is AI. I know, it’s been done to death, but it really is the future of media. With my experience in design, photography, video, music and voice-over the next big step is an all-in-one workflow that can create genuine, unique content for small businesses without breaking the bank. Today, that is: ChatGPT (copy) + Midjourney (static image) + RunwayML (video) + Eleven Labs (Voice).
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey?
Hard headedness
I don’t know when to quit. I was also committed to going my own way, for better or worse. It’s been very difficult at times.
Independence
If I am able to do a task alone, I will. Also, for better or worse.
Autodidact
I have a need to continue learning in all areas of my life. It’s not something I actively pursue, it’s just who I am.
Three Most Important Qualities, Skills and/or Areas of Knowledge?
Find a mentor, leader, or person you admire and would like to emulate.
Find someone to give you some money for a job you like doing. A foot in the door kind of thing. Put your pride aside.
Create semi-realistic goals. You’ll be shocked how fast you’re able to move toward them.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
The Creative Act: A Way of Being
by Rick Rubin
Contact Info:
Website: https://johnwolfecompton.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwolfecompton/
Linkedin: edin.com/in/johnwolfecompton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnwcompton
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCne7y_o0ewhqpDkGw9Fovvg/videos
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/johncomptonmusic
Other: Soundcloud: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0i1tTzN8rPjZgeI0dtWTJl?si=Ld8C0LnvSfafzxALHFiVAA
