The Craft explores the cultivation of creativity across multiple disciplines and interests. If you&#39;re a writer, music producer, photographer, filmmaker, marketer, designer, illustrator, composer, or just someone who loves to learn about the creative process, this show is for you. Hosted by Carter Davis Johnson (Writer, PhD student) and Colby S. (Marketer, Music Producer). New episodes drop every other Wednesday.----- Send feedback or topic ideas to heycraftpodcast@gmail.com.Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at elizabethnewell.work or on Instagram @elizabethisadesigner.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/9/12/11/97af017e-8c96-47cd-ad2a-c362bce65393_the_craft_41_baldwin_creative_process_master_1.mp3

What can we learn from James Baldwin about the creative process? In this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby discuss Baldwin&#39;s essay “The Creative Process,&#34; exploring how art is connected to self-knowledge and truth. Additionally, they explore the tumultuous yet crucial relationship between the artist and society. -----Chapters:0:00 Introduction2:04 Overview3:33 Individual and Society7:20 Being &#34;alone&#34;11:59 Art and the Big Questions15:12 Artist&#39;s Journey20:13 The Artist and Society21:46 Takeaways-----Links:<a href="https://openspaceofdemocracy.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/baldwin-creative-process.pdf" rel="nofollow">Read The Creative Process by James Baldwin</a><a href="https://redcircle.com/shows/otc-podcast/ep/7687f85f-f3ac-4dd7-93d3-be6667bcb69a" rel="nofollow">Listen to 16 | The Artist&#39;s Journey and the Hero&#39;s Journey</a><a href="https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-artists-journey/" rel="nofollow">Read The Artist&#39;s Journey by Steven Pressfield</a>-----Support The Craft:<a href="https://carterdavisjohnson.substack.com/" rel="nofollow">Subscribe to Dwelling</a> (Weekly writing from Carter)Send feedback or ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>-----Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://www.elizabethnewell.work/" rel="nofollow">elizabethnewell.work</a> or on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner/" rel="nofollow">@elizabethisadesigner</a>.

41 | “The Creative Process” by James Baldwin

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/9/7/11/1edcb508-6256-441c-913e-497cce8057bb_the_craft_40_the_dip_mix_v2_fix.mp3

Should you stop making the EP, stop writing the novel, or stop building the YouTube channel? Or, do you need to commit to going through the Dip and reaching the summit on the other side?In this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby discuss this often fraught question. They apply two heuristic mental models that can help inform our decision to quit: Seth Godin’s book The Dip and Shreyas Doshi&#39;s LNO Framework. The resultant conversation explores key metrics and questions that can prepare us to launch, endure, and even quit a project. -----Chapters:0:00 Introduction1:43 The Dip overview10:59 Being in the Dip14:00 LNO schema 19:18 Hierarchy of values 27:58 Key metrics and questions 32:20 Case study: Songmaps 34:55 Conclusion -----Links:<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dip-Little-Book-Teaches-Stick/dp/1591841666" rel="nofollow">Read The Dip by Seth Godin</a><a href="https://www.dualoop.com/blog/shreyas-doshi-the-lno-effectiveness-framework" rel="nofollow">LNO Framework</a>-----Support The Craft:<a href="https://carterdavisjohnson.substack.com/" rel="nofollow">Subscribe to Dwelling</a> (Weekly writing from Carter)Send feedback or ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>-----Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://www.elizabethnewell.work/" rel="nofollow">elizabethnewell.work</a> or on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner/" rel="nofollow">@elizabethisadesigner</a>.

40 | When Should I Quit My Creative Project?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/8/22/12/c326d3cc-6f20-40db-9f76-4d56e86a6445_the_craft_39_product_mix.mp3

Why spend $25 on a pencil sharpener when a $.99 one will get the job done? Why spend $300 on a raincoat when you could spend $25?In this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby explore the craft of beautiful products. What makes a product special or beautiful? Why are we drawn to certain products, even when they cost more money? Their conversation digs into these questions and explores the relationships we build with the products we love. Carter and Colby share some of their favorites, both physical and digital, and try to articulate how these products curate our experiences and cultivate personal values.-----Chapters:0:00 Introduction (Aesthetics, Utility, and Identity)8:32 LAMY Safari Fountain Pen12:35 Blackwing Sharpener19:00 Scrivener27:00 Colby’s Big 4 28:25 Proton 35:22 Arc and Simplicity 42:13 Taste and Expertise -----Links:<ul><li><a href="https://www.lamy.com/en/lamy-safari/" rel="nofollow">The LAMY Safari fountain pen</a></li><li><a href="https://blackwing602.com/products/blackwing-one-step-long-point-sharpener" rel="nofollow">Blackwing One-Step Long Point Sharpener</a></li><li><a href="https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview" rel="nofollow">Scrivener</a></li><li><a href="https://proton.me/" rel="nofollow">Proton</a></li><li><a href="https://www.notion.so/" rel="nofollow">Notion</a></li><li><a href="https://arc.net/" rel="nofollow">Arc</a></li><li><a href="https://copilot.money/" rel="nofollow">Copilot.money</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MgBikgcWnY" rel="nofollow">The first 20 hours | TEDx by Josh Kaufman</a></li></ul>-----Support The Craft:<a href="https://carterdavisjohnson.substack.com/" rel="nofollow">Subscribe to Dwelling</a> (Weekly writing from Carter)Send feedback or ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>-----Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://www.elizabethnewell.work/" rel="nofollow">elizabethnewell.work</a> or on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner/" rel="nofollow">@elizabethisadesigner</a>.

39 | Why Do We Love Beautiful Products?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/8/7/16/cdd7a0e7-8b13-4669-80e0-5ae26b0faa16_the_craft_will_mason_master_3.mp3

In this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby sit down with Will Mason to talk about his creative process as a songwriter. They discuss his upcoming EP, Freedom, and break down two tracks from the project. The conversation covers topics ranging from crafting lyrics to finding your voice to facing creative roadblocks. Listen to Freedom <a href="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/willmason/freedom" rel="nofollow">here</a>. -----Chapters:0:00 Introduction 3:13 Interview begins 4:50 Background as an artist8:40 Development as a singer10:42 Finding your voice 12:20 Musical development 15:34 First song and breakthrough 17:50 Songwriting process 22:26 Lyrics 32:32 Dragonflies (song breakdown) 50:41 Freedom (song breakdown)1:03:00 Conclusion-----Links:<a href="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/willmason/freedom" rel="nofollow">Listen to Will&#39;s EP Freedom (released on August 18, 2023)</a><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/7tdhj7CEpUTQYtjj2D3L39" rel="nofollow">Listen and follow Will on Spotify</a><a href="https://music.apple.com/us/artist/will-mason/1568818175" rel="nofollow">Listen and follow Will on Apple Music</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/_will_mason/" rel="nofollow">Follow Will on Instagram @_will_mason</a>-----Support The Craft:<a href="https://carterdavisjohnson.substack.com/" rel="nofollow">Subscribe to Dwelling</a> (Weekly writing from Carter)Send feedback or ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>-----Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://www.elizabethnewell.work/" rel="nofollow">elizabethnewell.work</a> or on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner/" rel="nofollow">@elizabethisadesigner</a>.

38 | Will Mason (Singer-Songwriter)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/7/18/16/c0210f3b-ed36-4c7c-b638-a000215bcba7_the_craft_episode_37__growth__master.mp3

Can you grow your audience without “selling out”? In this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby discuss creative growth, outlining its healthy and malignant forms. They begin the conversation by defining growth and then identify two specific problems: 1) sleazy growth 2) personal vulnerability. They explore principles for healthy growth and discuss ways that creatives can mitigate the fear of increased publicity. They conclude by discussing marketing models that can help direct your efforts toward creating meaningful engagement with an ideal audience. -----Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:34 Defining growth 4:23 Two problems of growth 7:37 Marketing funnel 10:41 1st principle: Put growth in its place13:47 2nd principle: Prioritize the product23:40 Metrics for growth 27:30 Growing in good faith 33:00 The vulnerability of growth37:13 Marketing models for growth-----Links:<a href="https://personalmba.com/" rel="nofollow">The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman</a><a href="https://personalmba.com/marketing/" rel="nofollow">Chapter 2 of The Personal MBA: Marketing</a>-----Support The Craft:<a href="https://carterdavisjohnson.substack.com/" rel="nofollow">Subscribe to Dwelling</a> (Weekly writing from Carter)Send feedback or ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>-----Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://www.elizabethnewell.work/" rel="nofollow">elizabethnewell.work</a> or on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner/" rel="nofollow">@elizabethisadesigner</a>.

37 | Can You Grow Your Audience Without Selling Out?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/7/9/19/0804202b-4e73-4a76-86c2-b0512ff6f9bf_the_craft_36_substack_master.mp3

Should you create a Substack publication? And why did Carter start one? In this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby discuss “<a href="https://carterdavisjohnson.substack.com" rel="nofollow">Dwelling: Exploring the non-identical in life and art</a>,” Carter’s new publication. They explore the origins of the project and the future of publishing in general. In addition to discussing Dwelling, their conversation expands to the power of newsletters as creative mediums. They end the conversation by sketching how (and why) to launch your own Substack publication.  -----Chapters:0:00 Introduction1:30 Why start a Substack? 5:07 What is the non-identical? 9:10 Seven Lamps of Prose12:31 New creative economy on Substack 15:09 Writing process16:45 Carter&#39;s inspirations on Substack19:42 Tactics22:33 Newsletters and the O.R.B. marketing model  32:16 The challenge of growth 33:52 How do you start a Substack?  38:37 Should you start a Substack? -----Links:<a href="https://carterdavisjohnson.substack.com/" rel="nofollow">Subscribe to Carter’s Substack Dwelling at carterdavisjohnson.substack.com</a><a href="https://bloodmeridian.substack.com/" rel="nofollow">The Night Does Not End by Aaron Gwyn</a><a href="https://thecontender.substack.com/" rel="nofollow">The Contender by David Coggins</a><a href="https://wmbrown.substack.com/" rel="nofollow">The WM Brown Weekly</a><a href="https://lostobject.substack.com/?utm_campaign=reader2&utm_medium=reader2&utm_source=%2Fsearch%2Flost%2520object" rel="nofollow">The Lost Object by Joe Neary </a><a href="https://overthefield.substack.com" rel="nofollow">Over the Field by Hadden Turner</a>-----Support The Craft:<a href="https://carterdavisjohnson.substack.com/" rel="nofollow">Subscribe to Dwelling</a> (Carter&#39;s Newsletter)Send feedback or ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>-----Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://www.elizabethnewell.work/" rel="nofollow">elizabethnewell.work</a> or on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner/" rel="nofollow">@elizabethisadesigner</a>.

36 | Introducing Dwelling: Launching a Substack, the Future of Publishing, and the Power of Newsletters

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/6/9/15/3b2e2b77-f3e5-454b-ace8-69f934041531_the_craft_35_on_strategy_mix.mp3

“You need a strategy.” We hear this mantra from all disciplines, but what does it mean? In this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby work to define strategy and understand how strategic thinking manifests in creative pursuits. The discussion explores the difficulty of diagnosing the root problem and imposing proximate objectives. They conclude by noting how artistic taste is crucial in developing good strategy. Chapters:0:00 Introduction to Rumelt&#39;s Good Strategy Bad Strategy6:30 Strategy and values10:45 Honest evaluation and the creative process15:16 Contrasting strategy in business and creative pursuits  22:38 What’s missing in creative practices27:48 Imposed coordinated action 29:45 Developing proximate objectives35:04 Diagnosing the “true” problem38:07 Artistic taste as a tool for diagnosis  Links: Richard Rumelt&#39;s <a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Good_Strategy_Bad_Strategy.html?id=0FWPDQAAQBAJ" rel="nofollow">Good Strategy Bad Strategy: The Difference and Why It Matters</a>Send feedback or topic ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>.··Cover art was designed by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://elizabethnewelldesign.com/" rel="nofollow">elizabethnewelldesign.com</a> or on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner/" rel="nofollow">@elizabethisadesigner</a>.

35 | What is Your Creative Strategy?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/6/10/13/bf02ef2b-cdf9-44ad-a178-de278dd54051_the_craft_episode_34__tyler_j__mix_v2.mp3

In this episode of The Craft, Colby and Carter sit down with Tyler Johnson. Tyler is a filmmaker and creator from Roanoke, Virginia who is currently working out of Nashville, Tennesee. He is the co-founder of KING ZEHN Entertainment. Focusing primarily on real-time comedy sketches, King Zehn has established a large presence in the realm of short-form, creative content. They currently have over 174 million views on YouTube and 900k followers on TikTok. Their conversation explores Tyler’s creative process and revision strategy. They also discuss the business aspects of King Zehn, exploring the differences between platforms and monetization avenues. Chapters:0:00 - Introduction 3:00 - Generating new ideas5:20 - Dealing with creative constraints 7:44 - Finding his craft8:49 - Framing and shot design 10:10 - Editing process and revision 12:00 - Developing a YouTube presence14:13 - Understanding audiences across platforms 18:00 - Developing King Zehn into a viable business 20:56 - Exploring the future of King Zehn25:19 - Appreciating creative influences 26:27 - Explaining the usual workday30:38 - Thinking through algorithms 34:14 - Considering the “subscriber” model 35:13 - Developing products 36:40 - Sustaining as a creative41:17 - Working through creative burnout 43:15 - Knowing how to get started 45:44 - Supporting their work  King Zehn <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@KINGZEHN" rel="nofollow">Youtube</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kingzehn/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@kingzehn" rel="nofollow">TikTok</a> Send feedback or topic ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>.··Cover art was designed by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://elizabethnewelldesign.com/" rel="nofollow">elizabethnewelldesign.com</a> or on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner/" rel="nofollow">@elizabethisadesigner</a>.

34 | Tyler Johnson (Cofounder of KING ZEHN)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/5/18/10/3d1df64f-6992-44d1-ba9a-8c46dbbafd56_the_craft_33__susan__mixed.mp3

In this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby sit down with multimedia artist Susan Hensel to talk about her 50-year career as an artist. The conversation begins with Susan explaining her creative process in starting new projects but quickly moves to a diverse range of topics. Susan discusses the nuanced physics of color, the embodied experience of art, and the way that beauty provides rest. She then tells the story of her important trip to the Minnesota State Fair, an event that would catalyze her work in digital embroidery. Then, the discussion turns to the subject of sharing work; Susan shares her story of professional growth and how to approach rejection in a healthy way. The conversation concludes with a discussion about working through creative roadblocks. Timestamps:[00:00-3:05] Intro[3:05-6:30] Starting new projects [6:30-7:24] The physics of color in fabric [7:24-8:37] Work with antique pipe molds[8:37-9:25] Current subject matter: wayfinding [9:25-13:47 ] Art maintaining the possibility for multiple experiences [13:47-16:45] Beauty as a place of rest[16:45-24:55] Minnesota State Fair and a start in digital embroidery [24:55-29:00] Settling on embroidery as primary medium [29:00-29:50] Bringing in the organic [29:50-40:35] Sharing work and artistic growth[40:35-42:55] Rejection [42:55-46:00] Overcoming creative roadblocks Links mentioned:<a href="http://susanhenselprojects.com" rel="nofollow">susanhenselprojects.com</a><a href="https://instagram.com/susan_hensel_multimedia_artist" rel="nofollow">Follow Susan on Instagram @susan_hensel_multimedia_artist</a><a href="http://artsy.net" rel="nofollow">Artsy.net</a><a href="https://news.artnet.com/" rel="nofollow">Artnet News</a>Send feedback or topic ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>.··Cover art was designed by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://elizabethnewelldesign.com/" rel="nofollow">elizabethnewelldesign.com</a> or on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner/" rel="nofollow">@elizabethisadesigner</a>.

33 | Susan Hensel (Mixed Media Artist)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/5/7/18/06885ebe-1824-4a9c-80c0-13ee8a46a874_the_craft_episode_32_mix.mp3

In this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby discuss Hartmut Rosa’s Resonance: A Sociology of our Relationship to the World. The discussion begins by establishing Rosa’s concepts of alienation and acceleration. As modernity compresses more into less time, we begin to approach the world as silent, mute to our experience. The alternative to alienation is resonance, which Rosa explains along sociological and philosophical lines. After exploring the theory, their discussion pivots to how these concepts are manifested in the creative life. They also explore how considerations of resonance might help develop a more holistic approach to artistic pursuits.  <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Alienation-Acceleration-Late-Modern-Temporality-Summertalk/dp/8787564149" rel="nofollow">Alienation and Acceleration: Towards a Critical Theory of Late-Modern Temporality </a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Resonance-Sociology-Our-Relationship-World/dp/1509519912/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3KGXPGD26PUQM&keywords=Resonance%3A+A+Sociology+of+Our+Relationship+to+the+World&qid=1683481694&sprefix=resonance+a+sociology+of+our+relationship+to+the+world+%2Caps%2C245&sr=8-1" rel="nofollow">Resonance: A Sociology of Our Relationship to the World</a> Send feedback or topic ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>.··Cover art was designed by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://elizabethnewelldesign.com/" rel="nofollow">elizabethnewelldesign.com</a> or on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner/" rel="nofollow">@elizabethisadesigner</a>.

32 | Resonance: A Sociology of Our Relationship to the World  (Book Review)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/4/29/16/953d12ee-f4f0-4fc9-b40e-4ad372d4fcee_the_craft_31_cole_isaac_interview_mix_v3.mp3

In this special episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby sit down with Cole Isaac, a conscious creative from Kelowna, BC. Their conversation covers a wide range of topics. Cole breaks down his songwriting process and discusses what it takes to find and cultivate an authentic artistic voice, a process that involves letting go of the opinions of others. Then, the conversation turns from creative processes to creative roadblocks; they ask Cole how he overcomes writer&#39;s block and other challenges in his craft. The interview concludes by foreshadowing &#34;what&#39;s next&#34; for Cole Isaac. Connect with Cole:<a href="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/callemjj/to-the-sky-feat-cole-isaac--kemvr" rel="nofollow">Pre-save &#34;To The Sky&#34; featuring Cole Isaac</a><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5qX2nYfKv4N8r6yC01OXSf?si=VapsGjQxSHuTsAsvLc_DHQ" rel="nofollow">Follow and listen to Cole Isaac on Spotify</a><a href="https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/cole-isaac/1472430456" rel="nofollow">Follow and listen to Cole Isaac on Apple Music</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/c0leisaac/" rel="nofollow">Follow Cole on Instagram</a><a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OBhOweSwxqw" rel="nofollow">Watch Cole Isaac’s music video</a>Send feedback or topic ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>.··Cover art was designed by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://elizabethnewelldesign.com/" rel="nofollow">elizabethnewelldesign.com</a> or on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner/" rel="nofollow">@elizabethisadesigner</a>.

31 | Cole Isaac (Artist & Songwriter)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/4/12/12/c1ef2120-58a5-43e9-a907-4cfe54934e08_ted_the_craft_episode_30_mix_ready_for_resound.mp3

In this episode of The Craft, Colby leads a book review of Angela Duckworth&#39;s Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. The conversation specifically explores how the book&#39;s central concepts apply to creative endeavors. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Grit-Passion-Perseverance-Angela-Duckworth/dp/1501111108" rel="nofollow">Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance</a>Send feedback or topic ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>.··Cover art was designed by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://elizabethnewelldesign.com/" rel="nofollow">elizabethnewelldesign.com</a> or on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner/" rel="nofollow">@elizabethisadesigner</a>.

30 | Developing Creative Grit (Book Review)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/4/5/11/6ec8dfe3-267d-4eee-9e50-f171b949fc98_edited_the_craft_episode_29_mixed.mp3

In this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby discuss a specific creative practice. During his recent solo road trip to California, Carter adopted (with Colby’s prompting) Hemingway’s maxim “one true sentence” as a way to document his journey. He attempted to articulate an essence from each day in a single sentence, forgoing note-taking for a practice of small, dense creative acts. They discuss the process of generating new ideas, choosing which ideas to pursue, and developing small creative practices into larger, more refined work.  Sentences: Day 1: I wonder if Jesse James ever watched that big Missouri sky and wondered what it would look like rolled up like a scroll. Day 2: Above the gentle sweep of the train tracks, a red church was bivouacked against a cliff of smooth red stone - like some ancient relief carved by the hand of a Spanish sculptor. Day 3: Sand turns into snow as I reel toward the rough sockets of skull rock.Day 4: A gust of Pacific wind, tinged with salt, hits my face as I watch the breakers from Hawk Tower, the same perch where Jeffers watched the sun set with his glass of red wine and cigarette. Day 5: The redwoods’ brawny trunks and dark green boughs, soaked in cold rain, remind me of my frailty. Day 6: Steinbeck’s shadow stretches long past California, but one can never quite fix where it ends. Day 7: The shade of a cloud passes over a green hill near San Luis, darkening the purple impressions of sage and lavender. Day 8: Tempered blue steel in the predawn light, the snow-covered faces of Coloradan mountains stare into my tired eyes with terrible silence. Send feedback or topic ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>.··Cover art was designed by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://elizabethnewelldesign.com/" rel="nofollow">elizabethnewelldesign.com</a> or on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner/" rel="nofollow">@elizabethisadesigner</a>.

29 | We Tried Hemingway’s Creative Practice (Write One True Sentence Daily)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/3/19/23/f8519a6d-e5d0-4f00-8136-0f11a1f29445_pisode_28__the_creative_act_book-crafting__mix.mp3

On this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby read a chapter from Rick Rubin&#39;s new book called <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Act-Way-Being/dp/0593652886/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+creative+act+a+way+of+being&sr=8-1" rel="nofollow">The Creative Act: A Way of Being</a> and react to it.Send feedback or topic ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>.··Cover art was designed by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://elizabethnewelldesign.com/" rel="nofollow">elizabethnewelldesign.com</a> or on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner/" rel="nofollow">@elizabethisadesigner</a>.

28 | The Creative Act by Rick Rubin, Crafting Art, How to Know When Art is Done

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/3/7/2/11deaa79-d770-4ee5-9eed-215628b85104_the_craft_episode_27_art_and_ai_mixed.mp3

In this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby discuss how new innovations in artificial intelligence intersect with the creative world. They explore the theoretical underpinnings of the claim that AI can &#34;create art,&#34; a topic that elicits Carter&#39;s phenomenological objection! Moving toward the practical, they discuss how creatives can leverage the incredible generative power of such tools. Along the way, Colby asks ChatGPT a series of questions about the nature of art and its own creative possibilities. Send feedback or topic ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>.··Cover art was designed by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://elizabethnewelldesign.com/" rel="nofollow">elizabethnewelldesign.com</a> or on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner/" rel="nofollow">@elizabethisadesigner</a>.

27 | Is AI Art Real Art? We Asked ChatGPT

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/2/28/17/77ec80ea-b9e6-4038-a3df-7a8488a54495_the_craft_trailer_mix.mp3

The Craft explores the cultivation of creativity across multiple disciplines and interests. If you&#39;re a writer, music producer, photographer, filmmaker, marketer, designer, illustrator, composer, or just someone who loves to learn about the creative process, this show is for you.Hosted by Carter Davis Johnson (Writer, PhD student) and Colby S. (Marketer, Music Producer).New episodes drop every other Wednesday.Send feedback or topic ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>.··Our cover art was designed by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at<a href="https://elizabethnewelldesign.com/" rel="nofollow"> elizabethnewelldesign.com</a> or on Instagram<a href="https://instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner" rel="nofollow"> @elizabethisadesigner</a>.

Introducing The Craft

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/2/19/12/1ae377cb-59b0-4447-aff3-66642bef1d0b_the_craft_episode_26_mix.mp3

In this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby discuss one of their favorite creative books, Austin Kleon&#39;s Steal Like an Artist. They explore the book&#39;s central concept: the importance and freedom of creating within an artistic tradition and community (i.e. stealing!). As Picasso said and Kleon notes, &#34;Art is theft.&#34; They discuss multiple topics within the book such as exploring your craft&#39;s genealogy, acknowledging the lifestyle of a project, and developing a habit of patient work. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Steal-Like-Artist-Things-Creative/dp/0761169253" rel="nofollow">Steal Like an Artist </a><a href="https://austinkleon.com/" rel="nofollow">Austinkleon.com </a><a href="https://austinkleon.substack.com/" rel="nofollow">Austin Kleon&#39;s Newsletter</a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Act-Way-Being/dp/0593652886/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3ECZTBLCMHLQ1&keywords=the+creative+act+by+rick+rubin&qid=1676811437&s=books&sprefix=the+creative+act+by+rick+rubin%2Cstripbooks%2C79&sr=1-1" rel="nofollow">The Creative Act by Rick Rubin</a> Send feedback or topic ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>.··Cover art was designed by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://elizabethnewelldesign.com/" rel="nofollow">elizabethnewelldesign.com</a> or on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner/" rel="nofollow">@elizabethisadesigner</a>.

26 | Steal Like an Artist Book Review, Wisdom from Rick Rubin

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/1/20/0/8452bca4-4a3d-4029-85e4-c48b22b60c20__craft_episode_25_did_we_misname_the_pod_mixed.mp3

In this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby theorize the distinction between a craft and art. They discuss how we use these terms in conversation, exploring how the connotations (and denotations) might demarcate similar and different activities. They arrive at a tentative definition of the craft: the pursuit of artfulness in work; or, an artistic approach to work. These initial definitions continue to develop, leading to a characterization of craft as a manner-of-doing or process. Thereby, art is the fulfillment of an act of craft. They also discuss the communal aspect of art, responding to a definition from Leo Tolstoy. The latter portion of the conversation shifts, using Bill Gurley’s lecture (linked below) to explore the development of one’s craft through the pursuit of knowledge. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmYekD6-PZ8" rel="nofollow">Runnin&#39; Down a Dream: How to Succeed and Thrive in a Career You Love - Gurley</a><a href="https://archive.org/details/poetrylanguageth00heid" rel="nofollow">Poetry, Language, Thought – Heidegger </a><a href="https://ourworldindata.org/literacy" rel="nofollow">Historical Literacy Rates</a> Send feedback or topic ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>.··Cover art was designed by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://elizabethnewelldesign.com/" rel="nofollow">elizabethnewelldesign.com</a> or on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner/" rel="nofollow">@elizabethisadesigner</a>.

25 | Did We Misname the Pod? What’s the Difference Between Craft and Art?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/1/20/0/79da5831-2154-40f6-8d13-ef93ac7db10c_craft_episode_26_building_a_second_brain_mixed.mp3

In this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby discuss building a second brain. They begin the conversation by describing what is a “second brain” and its place within the broader realm of knowledge management. They emphasize the importance of saving and organizing information, making your work searchable in the future. Additionally, they discuss Forte’s P.A.R.A. method of digital organization and how it can be a powerful tool. Carter and Colby also discuss the various knowledge management tools they already use, exploring how their second brains might be dispersed rather than consolidated. <a href="https://fortelabs.com/" rel="nofollow">Forte Labs</a><a href="https://www.buildingasecondbrain.com/" rel="nofollow">Building a Second Brain</a><a href="https://www.buildingasecondbrain.com/podcast" rel="nofollow">Building a Second Brain Podcast </a><a href="https://www.notion.so/" rel="nofollow">Notion</a> Send feedback or topic ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>.··Cover art was designed by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://elizabethnewelldesign.com/" rel="nofollow">elizabethnewelldesign.com</a> or on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner/" rel="nofollow">@elizabethisadesigner</a>.

24 | Building a Second Brain

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/1/7/14/f8727eca-58f6-45bf-b705-7009cc03b723_the_craft_episode_23_master.mp3

In this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby discuss the role of practice - specifically creative drills - in the pursuit of excellence. They begin by discussing the potential dangers of overemphasizing immediate action and/or publishing. The conversation complicates when considering build-in-public and behind-the-scenes projects. As the issue clarifies, they specifically address the fear of creative stagnation (paradoxically) through continual production, ie. making the same mistakes again and again. Additionally, Colby discusses the importance of cultivating both isolated (drill) and integrated (project) skills. This conversation moves toward practical techniques for practice, including imitating creative influences and expanding specific areas of knowledge. Finally, they end the discussion by emphasizing that not all practice is equal. Creatives need to cultivate practice habits that stretch their limits. Send feedback or topic ideas to <a href="mailto:heycraftpodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">heycraftpodcast@gmail.com</a>.··Cover art was designed by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at <a href="https://elizabethnewelldesign.com/" rel="nofollow">elizabethnewelldesign.com</a> or on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethisadesigner/" rel="nofollow">@elizabethisadesigner</a>.

23 | Practice is Everything: Drills, Projects, and the Pressure to Publish

The Craft explores the cultivation of creativity across multiple disciplines and interests. If you're a writer, music producer, photographer, filmmaker, marketer, designer, illustrator, composer, or just someone who loves to learn about the creative process, this show is for you.

Hosted by Carter Davis Johnson (Writer, PhD student) and Colby S. (Marketer, Music Producer).

New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

-----

Send feedback or topic ideas to heycraftpodcast@gmail.com.

Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at elizabethnewell.work or on Instagram @elizabethisadesigner.