HOLIDAY MATINEE PRESENTS
QUICK TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR CREATIVITY
WORK HARD. CARE HARD.
CONTENTS 04
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GOOD COMPANY
06
APPROACH LIFE AS AN ART
07
TRAVEL
09
PLAY
11
REMAIN A LIFELONG STUDENT
13
IGNORE THE SKEPTICS
15
QUIT BEING DEFENSIVE
16
EMBRACE BOREDOM
17
DO EXPERIMENTS. LOTS OF THEM.
18
RECOGNIZE YOU ARE A CREATIVE
Hi, we're Holiday Matinee. We've been promoting creativity since 1999 when our founder Dave did PR for bands like Jimmy Eat World and Death Cab for Cutie out of his bedroom in San Diego. While we know there's no magic bullet to creativity and it's most definitely about putting in the time, we want to share a few tips to put yourself in the best position possible. Creativity is totally within your reach, but like anything, sometimes you need a little nudge. Inertia’s a bitch like that. Enjoy the read. There's something in here for everyone — even if it's just a solid reminder.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GOOD COMPANY Being creative is about listening, observing,
Coworking is one way to surround yourself
sharing, and remixing ideas. And just like
with a diverse group of people. It’s blown
we’re the average of the five people we
up on a worldwide scale, but you don’t
spend the most time with, we’re only as
have to be that organized or throw down
creative as the company we keep. By
hundreds of dollars a month on renting a
surrounding yourself with other inspiring,
desk. Who do you know in your life that has
positive, and creative people you’ll benefit
a really cool job or interesting side project?
big time. Notice I didn’t say people like
Strike up a conversation, take them to
you. You’ll often get more out of spending
coffee or lunch, and get them talking
time
about their passions.
with
people
of
different
ages,
backgrounds, genders, occupations, and socioeconomic status.
You’ll be surprised how much hearing the excitement in their voice will lift you up.
Being creative doesn’t mean you need to
And if you don’t have someone like that in
figure out time travel, start the next tech
your life right now, reach out to them via
unicorn, or go viral. Most of the time, being
email, LinkedIn, or social media. Show
creative is simply taking an idea one step
them your honest curiosity. Many people
further or applying something that already
would be happy to share a few minutes of
exists in a new way.
their time chatting with you (even via phone or video chat) if you’re sincere about it.
PHOTO: CLAY BANKS
BEING CREATIVE IS ABOUT LISTENING, OBSERVING, SHARING, AND REMIXING IDEAS.
PHOTO: NESA BY MAKERS
If you do cowork, be careful not to fall into the trap of getting so caught up in your own day-today. Don’t treat it like shared office space with strangers. If you do, you’ll miss out on the magic that is having other entrepreneurs, marketers, designers, engineers, and writers to collaborate with. Make at least a small part of your week about connecting with others through lunches, happy hours, or a creative activity.
APPROACH LIFE AS AN ART Stomp out any traditional notions you have
It’s time to start approaching more of the
about what art is. Sure — drawing, painting,
things you do in your life with the intention
and
of
making
music
are
all
artistic
making
art.
And
don’t
worry,
the
expressions, but they’re not the only ways
possibilities are endless. If you own a store,
to be an artist. Too often there’s that
your art could be your unique rapport with
misconception
makes
customers. If you’re a barista, that little
people sheepishly concede that they’re just
edge you give to a macchiato or the quirky
not creative. Well I call bullshit because
messages you write on customers’ cups
we’re all creative. Don’t be held back by
can be your thing. Art is about being you —
the
something that even your doppelgänger
belief
that
though
you
and
need
it
to
practice
traditional arts in order to be creative.
can’t replicate. It’s time to stop worrying about what other people think and go for it.
PHOTO: ELENA MOZHVILO
IF YOU MAKE AN EFFORT TO FIND ART IN THE SEEMINGLY MUNDANE, YOU’RE GOING TO FEEL AMAZING. If you make an effort to find art in the seemingly mundane, you’re going to feel amazing. This I promise. When we get lost in art, it makes us feel special. It’s as if we parceled up the most complex strands of our DNA to share with the world. And if you can bring purpose and meaning to the most ordinary moments, guess what? You are most definitely creative.
TRAVEL You’re stuck in a rut and NIN’s Every Day Is
I’m not telling you something you don’t
Exactly The Same seems fitting. We’ve all
already know when I say that travel helps
been there — frustrated and letting too
our bodies and minds recharge. Immersing
much negativity interfere with our lives.
ourselves in a new place, trying new foods,
Fortunately, the solution might easier than
and
you
different backgrounds is a beautiful way to
think
and
really,
really
fun.
It’s
talking out
to
our
people
neural
from
entirely
something your parents used to drag you
work
connections
and
along for and made your home feel really
passageways. That’s why some of the most
strange to come home to. Yep, travel.
creative and interesting people make travel a priority. How else are you supposed to start
thinking
differently
unless
you
experience new cultures and places?
PHOTO: DINO REICHMUTH
Some rarely leave their comfort zone (for the outside world is scary, dangerous and unpredictable) and see none of the benefits. Others walk a middle ground, recognizing travel’s value, but letting excuses and obstacles get in their way. I know that all too well. But if the obstacle is money or time off, the best advice I can give is the same I like for savings in general.
CREATIVE AND INTERESTING PEOPLE MAKE TRAVEL A PRIORITY.
PHOTO: AGUSTÍN DIAZ
Set up a travel savings account and each
In the meantime, there is an easy fix. Take a
month automatically transfer a little more
day off and go somewhere you’ve never
than you’re comfortable with. If you run
been before. It doesn’t have to be far. Hike.
into some extra cash from rewards cards,
Go for a photo walk in a neighborhood
loose change, class action checks, or odd
you’ve never set foot. Thrift shop in a
jobs — just bank it. You can probably live
podunk town. All of this can relieve your
without it, even if that means getting extra
hungry eyes. It’s not as glamorous as
flirty with the bartenders tonight. It’ll all
backpacking Europe or exploring ancient
depend on your commitment, but you may
South American ruins, but it’ll give you
be able to reward yourself with a trip
something new to look at. Try it and let us
sooner than you think. And when that
know how it goes.
happens, it will be so worth it.
PLAY
PHOTO: SILVIU BENJAMIN TOFAN
When you were a child, being creative was
Maybe no one explicitly told you to stop
encouraged.
more
having fun, but there was still some kind of
construction
guilt induced for not being productive.
paper than you could handle, and your
Soon enough you worried about having a
work was on constant display at the gallery
steady job — a huge hit to the imagination.
crayons,
You
probably
watercolors,
and
had
— aka your classroom or home refrigerator. But at some point, it went the way of
What many people forget is that letting go
afternoon recess. Stolen away because you
and doing what’s natural is exactly what
had
we need to keep functioning at a high
to
study
things
like
history,
mathematics, and A Tale of Two Cities.
level. We don’t have to forge ahead 24/7 and risk burnout. Playtime can be that break in our routine that helps us create bold, new ideas.
PLAY ISN’T GOING TO GUARANTEE GREATNESS, BUT TOILING AWAY ALL DAY AT A DESK DOESN’T EITHER. So break out the sketchbook and canvas, but don’t forget there are lots of ways to have fun. Grab a six-pack and race friends on big wheels you can hardly pedal. Re-create scenes from your alltime favorite tv shows with photos and videos. And for extra credit, pick an age from your past and spend half a day doing exactly what you would have wanted to do at that age. When I did this for the six-year-old me, it meant pinball and going to the beach to draw in the sand. But it was incredibly freeing and honored a past version of myself that still lives within me. Play isn’t going to guarantee greatness, but toiling away all day at a desk doesn’t either. And guess what — this is going to be way more fucking fun.
PHOTO: ANALISE BENEVIDES
REMAIN A LIFELONG STUDENT Sometimes
accessible
Our minds get stale when we stop learning.
education is. We’re nearly mandated to
Science confirms we need to keep learning
finish high school and many of us go on to
to stay sharp, so maybe that’s why we feel
college. We can take affordable online
the most creative and have our best ideas
courses in just about anything and there
when we're reading a lot or learning. It's
are
similar to the idea that you are only as
tons
we
of
forget
programs
how
offering
free
workshops and lessons. A lot of people
creative
as
the
people
you
surround
can’t wait to finish and get that diploma,
yourself with. You’ll only be creative if you
but education isn’t about jumping a final
keep exposing yourself to new ideas and
hurdle — it’s a lifelong pursuit.
experiences.
PHOTO: SOUNDTRAP
YOU’LL ONLY BE CREATIVE IF YOU KEEP EXPOSING YOURSELF TO NEW IDEAS AND EXPERIENCES. It doesn’t really matter how you do it. It could be a traditional classroom or online course, but it could also be learning off YouTube vids and finding fellow hobbyists or an online meetup group. Find someone that
knows
something
you
don’t
and
exchange your expertise. One of the most important things is to not let your career completely dictate what you learn. While it’s
great
certification
to
justify
you
paid
that for
a
class led
to
or a
promotion or raise — if something excites you, just go for it because you’ll never know where it can lead. It could mean a career change, meeting interesting new people that challenge your thinking, or an odyssey around the world. Remember that investing in you is never a waste of time or money. But if you are one of those people that needs to justify how you spend every minute of your day, learning is probably the only thing you can do to make sure you stay relevant and have the latest skills in this changing world.
PHOTO: STEM.T4L
IGNORE THE SKEPTICS
PHOTO: DOLLAR GILL
New ideas are always resisted, even if
And it’s hard to deal with that. Because
they’re great. You know that. Maybe the
maybe you just had the epiphany of a
idea seems too far-fetched and ambitious,
lifetime and no one gives a damn. It’s
or perhaps it’s so simple that everyone who
ignored, criticized, called stupid, and pretty
didn’t think of it is hoping it’ll fail. Sadly,
soon you’re believing the words coming
there are people out there that don’t want
out of everyone’s mouths instead of how
an idea to take off unless it’s theirs. Such
you really feel. So make like Hugh MacLeod
are humans, until they know better.
and ignore everybody. If you need to vent and shout “Fuck him/her”, do it (in your
LEARNING FROM PEOPLE CONSTRUCTIVELY TEARING YOU DOWN IS ESSENTIAL.
own privacy). But know that when I say ignore everyone, know that I really just mean
ignore
unconstructive
feedback.
Criticism without an explanation drives me mental,
but
constructively
learning tearing
from you
people down
is
essential. Learn to recognize the difference and channel any rage you have into energy toward your projects.
Just think how ridiculous a lot of things we
Don’t be afraid to pursue something just
have today were at conception. Weren’t the
because someone else thinks it’s silly. I’ve
first trips into outer space ridiculed by
always liked the Wayne Coyne (Flaming
doubters? Wouldn’t social media seem
Lips) approach where he admits he makes
ludicrous to explain to someone 35 years
something he likes and believes there are
ago? Progressive change doesn’t come
other people out there that will too.
from people fearing being shot down. They
Everyone doesn’t have to. It might take you
just find a way to make it happen. Your
nine different ideas and a whole lot of
struggles
as
emotional energy before something sticks,
insurmountable, unless you’re figuring out
but trust that you’ll get there and it’s worth
time travel, in which case I REALLY want to
it.
probably
aren’t
nearly
meet you.
PHOTO: NASA
QUIT BEING DEFENSIVE One thing I’ve struggled with is being
In creative work, you might be better off
overly defensive of my work and ideas. It’s
committing a cardinal sin of team sports —
human nature, but it is a behavior I can
a whole lot of offense and limited defense.
keep in check for my own benefit. Passion
Because unlike the playing field there
and confidence are great, but not when
aren’t that many enemies — and you just
they
might be the biggest one. You are better
become
an
obstacle
to
your
improvement.
off producing more than letting hubris interfere
because
you’ll
always
be
When we believe in an idea so hard or have
accomplishing more than your loudest
invested so much in a project, any criticism
critics.
comes across as blasphemy. How dare someone trash me? What have they ever
That’s not to say you should ignore all
accomplished? They have no idea what
criticism. Like I mentioned in a previously,
they’re talking about! I know that’s been
constructive
my reaction plenty of times, even if I kept
something
the words to myself. But the problem from
receive.
a creative standpoint, besides not taking
suggestions. Or a sign that someone had
on a growth mindset, is that being angry
enough belief in your abilities to offer their
and defensive uses up your creative energy
opinion.
and
spent
you’ll know when to consider a change and
defending your work and trying to knock
when something is bullshit that defeats
down others takes away from time spent
the
bettering yourself or being more prolific. At
accomplish.
resources.
All
that
time
criticism you
But
is
should
take
necessary be
those
and
grateful
to
criticisms
as
If you’re honest with yourself,
purpose
of
what
you’re
trying
to
the very least, it’s taxing because you’ll need to calm down and refocus..
PHOTO: NSEY BENAJAH
EMBRACE BOREDOM You’re in line for groceries and wouldn’t
Our minds are amazing things. While the
you know it, apparently you needed some
number of things we can feed them to
food at the precise moment as everyone
process is impressive, what’s really cool is
else. You reach impulsively for your phone
what happens when we let them be. Give
because it’s pure Pavlov and with social
your mind a break from consumption and
media, notifications, and apps galore, your
it doesn’t just sit idly; it gets wildly creative.
phone
It’s really no secret, but giving yourself a
is
the
big
ticket
to
instant
gratification. There’s no reason to be bored
breather
is
essential
for
finding
your
nowadays…or is there?
creative genius. Think of it this way. If you were locked in a room with art supplies
It may take some willpower, and while we
and
know that’s a finite resource, I’m thinking
happen? You’d draw, paint, write or come
you’re willing to trade up to something
up with something totally unique. It might
better, like an incredible new idea or a
not be the best thing ever, but you’d be
solution
been
creating nonetheless. It’s why so many
bothering you. Well then good citizen, in
people report their best ideas coming to
this age of distraction, opt-in to boredom —
them in the shower, on airplanes, or long
at least now and then.
car rides. But you don’t need to limit
to
something
that’s
nothing
else
to
do,
what
would
yourself to these infrequent moments. I know you don’t shower nearly enough anyways.
PHOTO: RUBEN RAMIREZ
The next time you find yourself not knowing what to do, embrace it. Take in your surroundings. Think your thoughts instead of reading someone else’s. I think you’ll find it wasn’t so much ennui, but an opportunity. Give your brain some quality time to process all the input you’ve given it and it will reward you by showing that it’s a lot cooler than you ever gave it credit for.
DO EXPERIMENTS, LOTS OF THEM
PHOTO: LOUIS REED
Mornings larks and night owls make for a
Do you prefer a quiet studio space or a co-
fun debate on creativity. Which is better?
working
What category do the most creative people
activity? Would it be beneficial for you to
fall under? Of course there’s no right
get some midday exercise, or will several
answer, but most people have an idea of
ten minute walks around the block suffice?
when their brains function best. However,
Maybe a great conversation over lunch is
there are many variables besides time of
the inspiration you need.
day when it comes to creative work.
collective
that’s
buzzing
with
RECOGNIZE YOU ARE A CREATIVE
PHOTO: ROMAN KRAFT
Creative
people
differently.
It’s not easy. There are so many distractions
They’re often described as quirky or weird,
and endless opportunities to consume
and while that can hold true, it’s not
music, tv, or socialize, but I know that when
completely universal. There are a lot of
a
creative
aren’t
consumption first, they are rejecting who
comfortable labeling themselves, but it’s
they are. If you recognize yourself as a
pretty easy to tell by how someone uses
creative, start acknowledging that time for
their idle time. Does the slightest twinge of
these pursuits is a basic need for you just
boredom send you fleeing to your phone in
like food, shelter, and sex — even if it’s a
search
instant
little bit lower on Mr. Maslow’s hierarchy.
that
Time for creating is something you might
happens to us all. But can it also spark your
need for your mental health, so don’t
imagination?
ignore it.
people
of
gratification?
are
out
wired
there
entertainment Sure, And
that
and
sometimes if
that
feeling
is
something you enjoy, but you’re not doing it as often as you’d like, recognize that and make it a priority.
creative
person
consistently
puts
For me, it’s a simple litmus test. If I allow
If you have to block out a time for yourself
myself an hour a day to create, how does it
to work on what you love, do it. If you pour
make me feel? Regardless of whether
100% of your focus into it, it may take
anyone sees what I’m making or whether
much less time than you thought. And
anyone likes it, it brings me joy. So I know
even if it does take forever, it’s still worth it.
it’s time well spent.
Forget about other obligations or what would be a more “productive” use of time.
Not everyone in your life will understand
Often, doing what you love is the most
this. Some of my friends think it’s really
productive
strange I’d rather spend a Friday night with
gotta work on projects for no other reason
a notebook or a Sunday wandering down
than that they make you smile. It just
streets I’ve never been before. But give
might be a crucial part of your happiness.
thing
ever.
Sometimes
you
yourself permission to do you. Don’t be influenced by what most people think you should be doing. Make time for yourself because no one else can do that for you. Giving
yourself
an
opportunity
to
be
creative is the only way you ever will be.
GIVING YOURSELF AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE CREATIVE IS THE ONLY WAY YOU EVER WILL BE.
PHOTO: PAUL GILMORE