"Life has a deadline. It fuels my creativity. Now I've realised that and that stress is like, could be stress that is debilitating or it could be stress that is energising and it's the fire that gets you going." - GeGemma O'Brien

In this episode, internationally renowned designer and artist Gemma O'Brien shares her journey from law student to celebrated typographer and muralist. Gemma discusses the evolution of her creative process, the impact of travel on her work, and how she navigates the challenges of a fast-paced creative career. She opens up about burnout, the importance of patience, and her unique concept of being an "ultra artist." Gemma also reveals her plans to study neuroaesthetics, demonstrating her commitment to continuous growth and exploration in her field.

Takeaways

• Embrace creative evolution: Gemma's journey shows the importance of allowing your creative style and process to evolve over time.
• Balance chaos and structure: Finding a balance between chaotic creativity and structured processes can lead to sustainable success.
• Redefine stress and deadlines: View stress and deadlines as potential sources of energy and motivation rather than obstacles.
• Continuous learning: Pursue new areas of knowledge, even if they seem unrelated, to fuel creativity and personal growth.
• Adapt to different phases: Recognize that different stages of your career may require different approaches to work and life balance.
• Create personal motivational tools: Develop concepts like Gemma's "ultra artist" to push yourself during challenging times.
• Embrace both external validation and intrinsic motivation: While recognition is important, focus on personal growth and satisfaction in your work.
• Be open to unexpected paths: Gemma's shift from law to design and her future plans in neuroaesthetics highlight the value of following your interests, even if they lead to unexpected places.

Mindful Creative: How to understand and deal with the highs and lows of creative life, career and business

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