19 Comments
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Dan Kamionkowski's avatar

I love the straightforward, practical and actionable way you've laid out your approach. Very useful essay!

The Creative Life's avatar

Dan, I really appreciate it, man. I've been thinking a lot about short-form communication and trying to learn as much as I can about newsletters. It's also been really fun, even if quite a trying process, trying to set up both the Substack workstation and this little solopreneur business around it. What it's really helped me with personally is just seeing all these seven different types of note forms daily in one place and having a space to think about all the different types of ways that one can communicate and promote a creative life. I think the reality is that, for a lot of older artists and creatives, we sometimes forget how much knowledge we have accrued through our history, and not just the knowledge, actually, but how we can utilise our history itself. For instance, in your case, without knowing the full scope of your history, one of the fascinations I have is just simply: what is the history of becoming such a great player? There is so much knowledge, education, searching, fascination with music, long hours, a whole kaleidoscope of experiences, thoughts, and learnings. And my challenge to myself and to other artists at the moment in this very challenging environment is: how can we stop just looking outwards but actually look inwards and utilise all the tools and history and the world that's already there? And beyond that, how can we do it without it taking over our whole lives so that we can carry on with trying to become the best artists or creators we can be? My whole journey is trying to discover a way where these things aren't mutually exclusive, where it doesn't have to be either/or, and it's been a long, trying journey trying to figure that out. I do feel amazing summer headwear, and that is essentially what I'm trying to put a class with this little hub that I've created. Wishing you all the best, man. Hope you're having a great week. Jim

Anne Heaton's avatar

You’re amazing

The Creative Life's avatar

Humbled, thankful Anne!

Jesse Turnbow's avatar

Well said, Jim. I would like you to know that I apologize for my recent long diatribe regarding my frustration with social media. I get into it and forget the reader (you) has a life themself and only so much time in a day to do too much hand holding:)

Thank you.

It's a wonderful day at sea, sir!

The Creative Life's avatar

Hey Jesse, absolutely nothing to apologise for. I really enjoy hearing exactly what people are saying, feeling, and going through — unfiltered. All this stuff with social media is an absolute head-do a lot of the time, and it's only natural that we sometimes need to vent.

Honestly, I sway this way and that, but I always try to recalibrate myself. For better or worse, the world has changed — at least for artists and people trying to put stuff out — and I think we have to reconcile that the digital world is now our primary means of communication when we're trying to get something out there.

While resisting it too — and expressing whatever it is we feel about it…which I think is super healthy too. Thanks for your energy and for popping in again, Jim.

Don Arbuckle's avatar

This is excellent! Gotta start following your words of wisdom!!

The Creative Life's avatar

I tell you, Don, it was really helpful for me to write it out as well because it's so easy to forget the different dimensions of how you can express your path. When I was writing it, I really remembered that there is a lot of history and knowledge, and maybe even one or two bits of wisdom that I can call upon from my deep past and that I can better share. I think for a lot of us artists, we always consider the past to be the past and not something living, but I think that all of it is within us and it's part of our journey to express it and to tell people about it. I really appreciate your feedback. I'm quite tired. I'm working here late in the evening on Monday night as I prepare to release the substack workstation on Saturday…man every project becomes its own universe, right? Hope you're doing good, pal. Thanks for dropping in and supporting as ever, Jim.

Paul Hallman's avatar

I’m going to have to get the Steinbeck book. One of the Amazon reviews said it’s as good as East of Eden itself. That’s high praise. Thanks for making me aware of this!

The Creative Life's avatar

Oh Paul, that's so cool that you noted that. I tell you it's an absolute gem, and it's such a privilege to walk with a writer, especially the calibre of Steinbeck, step by step on the journey of creating something truly great. The other thing is I think that his lessons and his journey and his process apply to all the art. I'm sure you'll get some really great stuff from multiple dimensions. Take care and have a great week, man.

David Concannon's avatar

All good points. Thank you!

The Creative Life's avatar

I really appreciate the feedback, David! To be honest, I need to better listen to a lot of this myself, because it's so easy to simply forget each of these different modes of expression.

For instance, I am working all the time on my album and its release Chromatic Zero, but suddenly I have been taken over by other things and I am not talking about it at all. Similarly, with The Pain Points, it's so easy to shy away from actually saying what is difficult, and yet I think it is exactly these things that build a bridge over to other people.

Another thing that I don't really do enough on Substack is to actually talk about the history and all the things that I've lived through. I know that other artists as well have all types of amazing things that have shaped them and made them become who they are.

I'm wishing you great luck and adventures in all things writing and beyond. Thank you for taking a moment to feed back. It means a lot. Take care, Jim.

David Concannon's avatar

Jim,

I think I am covering all the bases you say you’re missing. For some reason, writing in these topics just seems to flow out of me. Happily, people are responding in a positive way. But, if I may, just keep doing what you are doing. It’s more fulfilling.

Genevieve Immachi's avatar

Love you too!

It's as if you gave words to what I've been practicing here but wasn't aware of.

Thank you!

The Creative Life's avatar

What a beautiful thing to write Genevieve, so very grateful. Following along — please keep in touch! Jim

Anna Maria Joakimsdottir-Hutri's avatar

🐭we already have all of us reading us.

PS the Idiot also sends their regards✨🤪❤️

Marek Demcak's avatar

It's my first month on Sunstack and I am amazed what are the possibilities here. You take on notes is fantastic. Thanks a lot. It seems that my substack profile will become my public diary. Thanks again man 💪😉

Therapy Truck's avatar

What a guide! Not only explicit examples, but also your own takeaways make this a truly useful way to approach Notes. I love that you named it a 'cadence'. Off to grab the Steinbeck book on craft. I appreciate the recommendation, and all the work you put into this. Thanks so much for sharing a way to market while making room for the art❣️