How to Prioritize Your Creativity as an Entrepreneur

When you run a creative business (or any business for that matter) AND you’re a creative with your own projects and goals, carving out time your own creative time can be tricky.

As an artist who runs a business teaching online art courses and running mentorships, I’ve seen first hand how the lines can get REAL blurry between work and art. If I’m not intentional, my art will end up taking a backseat all too quick (which, in turn, makes me very, very sad).

Can you relate?

 Maybe you run an ecommerce business, but your passion is music and you REALLY want to get more gigs next year. Or maybe your a graphic designer who does tons of client work, but you really want to make traction on that personal project of yours. Or even develop your own body of work.

Even though it can be challenging to get time in with your passion projects, you CAN’T let your personal creative work fall to the wayside (because psst...that’s how souls die).

Here are the three best ways that I’ve found to ensure your creative work (and spirit!) thrives as much as much as your  business does.

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  1. Do the Most Creative + Personally Rewarding Thing FIRST

Your art is your gold and it should be treated as such. Believe me, I understand how biz and freelancing tasks can feel like the urgent priority. But the problem is when you’re in business for yourself there is ALWAYS, and I mean always, more to do.  If we wait until we get to the end of the list to start our own creative work we will never get there.

AND: your own creative work deserves the MOST of your fresh creative juices. If you spend it all on that client project beforehand, you won’t have much left for yourself. You can likely rely on pre-made systems and structures when it comes to your business. It doesn’t need as much of that pure inspiration as your art does.

So, if you’re on a mission to get your own time in it should be the first thing you do. Whether that means the first thing in your day, your week or your month.

2. The Power of Small Commitments 

Pencil that creative time RIGHT into your calendar. Commit to it like you would any other task. Set goals. Doable goals that you’ll show up for.

You can set out to have something completed by a certain date, or simply set a goal for the amount of time you’d like to show up for it.

I personally like to commit to a certain number of studio days each week. Once it’s in my calendar, nothing can touch that blocked out time.

If my schedule is too full for that I pencil in 30 minutes of sketching first thing in the morning. Or even 10 minutes if I feel like that’s all I can manage.

The tiniest bit is infinitely better than nothing. 

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3. Compartmentalize with Rituals 

Remember those blurry lines I was talking about? It’s important that you have a way to set apart your own creative work from your business. 

The truth is you want to bring a different kind of energy to your art than you would to your biz. Instead of deadlines and to-do’s you want to be heart-centered and inspired.

The best way to fully switch gears is with a ritual-- a change in your routine or scenery to let your brain know that you’re entering your own sacred creative container.

You could physically change locations, make yourself a cup of tea, go for a walk first, change your clothes or clean up your space. Whatever it is it should be something you do every time. 

Not only is this another way you get to make your creative time fun, but it will help you shut off the entrepreneur side of yourself just for that period of time when you want to be totally creatively immersed.

I hope these tips inspire you to close the laptop from time to time and give your creative heart the playtime it deserves. You owe it to yourself and to your art. Now go get MAKING.

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Written by Devon Walz. In addition to being a content creator for Sourced, Devon is mixed media fine artist and art educator. When she isn’t dreaming up new topics for the Sourced blog or chatting away with her co-workers, you can probably find her covered in paint and jamming out in her Santa Ana art studio. Find her on Instagram @devonwalzart and online at www.devonwalz.com







BEST Entrepreneur Podcasts for Motivation & Inspiration

Our Favorite Podcasts For Motivation and Inspiration 

 
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I don’t know about you, but I’m a SERIOUS podcast junkie. As someone who drives 30 minutes to her studio, 30 minutes to SOURCED., takes many road trips throughout the year AND spends hours on end stretching canvas, the hosts of my favorite shows are basically my friends.

But beyond just passing time, I’ve learned A TON since I started absorbing podcasts.  In fact, many of the strategies I use in my business have come straight from episodes of my favorite shows. Not to mention, often an inspiring episode is just what I need to pull me out the the “I’ll-never-make-a-sale-again” blues. 

If you’re in a biz rut yourself, or just need some fire under your booty this week, here are our favorite podcasts for getting MOTIVATED here at SOURCED.

How I Built This 

A favorite among many in the office, this show gives you a behind the scenes look at just how some of the world’s best-known companies got started from the ground up. 

Fav Episodes:


The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes 

This is another great one if you love inspiring stories and will definitely leave you fired up. A lifestyle entrepreneur himself, Lewis interviews guests with a wide variety of specialities-- everything from relationships to business and self-help to fitness. 

My favorite inspiring interviews are #572 with Rachel Platten on never giving up on your dreams and #697 with Rachel Hollis-- great if you need a nudge to keep moving forward and own your truth.

HBR Idea cast

Put on by the Harvard Business Review, this one is quite educational. Highly recommended for learning about niche topics and finding answers to your specific questions about running a successful business. 

Get your feet wet with - #676 “The Right Way to Get your First 1,000 Customers” with Thales Teixeira, associate professor at Harvard Business School, believes many startups fail precisely because they try to emulate successful disruptive businesses. He says by focusing too early on technology and scale, entrepreneurs lose out on the learning that comes from serving initial customers with an imperfect product. He shares how Airbnb, Uber, Etsy, and Netflix approached their first 1,000 customers very differently, helping to explain why they have millions of customers today.

Kwik Brain with Jim Kwik

Hosted by brain and memory trainer Jim Kwik, this podcast will teach you all about how to turn your noggin into a super machine. If habits, biohacking, health, and productivity are your thing, you’ll dig this one.


Each episode is short and sweet (we’re talking 8-15 mins) and leave you with something to consider and put into action in your own life. Our picks: #130: “A Fail-Safe Tip to Creating a Habit with Ryan Levesque” and #124: “How to Fight Mental Fatigue with Dr. Oz”

Creative Pep Talk 

A personal favorite contributed by yours truly, this show is both hilarious and super informative. If you’re a creative of any kind, you’ll dig Andy’s tips for getting your work out there, branding, keeping your work fresh, identifying your gifts and tons more. 

Start with episode 170 "4 Creative Career Lessons that Changed My Life" and work your way through the 5-part Creative Career Path series that goes until #176. You'll gain a WHOLE new approach to piecing together your creative career. Saying this series changed my life is NOT an understatement.

 
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The Pitch

Listen in to this one to hear real entrepreneurs pitch to real investors for real money. A bit like an intensified Shark Tank, following the processes presented in this show is a great way to learn about the whole pitching game. Bonus listening points if you’re into tech!


Goal Digger Podcast with Jenna Kutcher

Jenna offers actionable advice and valuable tips in diverse topics. From inspirational stories, to business hacks and social media strategy, this show will def leave you with a fresh buzz to make improvements in your biz. 

Something that really inspired us was Episode #271 “Why You Need A Blog”, Jenna shared how her entire business started simply by launching a free WordPress blog over eight years ago.

Why Blog

Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield

Another personal favorite of mine, I turn to Amy with ALL my online biz qualms. While she covers a wide variety of topics in online business, I love her content around building your email listening, running ads and up-leveling your social media. If you’re a coach or teach online courses, you’ll *extra* benefit from these episodes.


I love her step by step process on building a promotional calendar in episode 183 and her pillars of content creation in #196. I also recommend listening to her interview with Tyler J. McCall (# 219) all about Instagram stories and building your email list.

Amy Porterfield

She Did It Her Way

Hosted by Amanda Boleyn, this is another great show for covering all aspects of running a business. Amanda brings more of a life coach approach to her topics and will leave you super pumped to level-up. 


MUST LISTEN: Episode #337 “Do These 3 Things Before You Quit Your Job”

 
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So there you have it. Chip away one episode at a time and you’re guaranteed to leave your daily commute or gym sesh bursting with new ideas.

 Now throw on a show, grab a latte and get moving!

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Written by Devon Walz. In addition to being a content creator for Sourced, Devon is mixed media fine artist and art educator. When she isn’t dreaming up new topics for the Sourced blog or chatting away with her co-workers, you can probably find her covered in paint and jamming out in her Santa Ana art studio. Find her on Instagram @devonwalzart and online at www.devonwalz.com.

Our picks for the best FLEAS!

SOURCED. flea picks

What's your favorite flea? It's a tough call but The Roadium has a special place in my heart.

When is it? Open 363 days a year! 15 acres of open air market so wear your walking shoes. Monday - Friday, 6am to 3pm and Saturday & Sunday from 6:30am until 3pm.

Where is it? It's located in Torrance at 2500 W. Redondo Beach Blvd, just 5 miles from Manhattan Beach. Easily accessible from both the 405 and 110 freeways. 

What do you like most about it? Going on the weekdays and getting ramen afterwards.

Insider tip: Because it is open everyday - these are the real vendors with the goods! 

Greatest score: Textiles, vintage clothing, furniture pieces - you name it, they got it!

SOURCED. flea market picks

What's your favorite flea? Treasure Island Flea

When is it? Last weekend of every month

Where is it?  Treasure Island

What do you like most about it? A mix of food trucks, treasures, and live entertainment!

Insider tip: Block out your entire day for this one and be prepared for the breathtaking views of the SF skyline as you browse. 

Greatest score: Vintage California Flag

SOURCED flea market picks

What's your favorite flea? Long Beach Flea (of course! :) I live two minutes away from this gem)

When is it? 3rd Sunday of every month

Where is it? Long Beach Veteran's Stadium

What do you like most about it? It has all the good stuff of the Rose Bowl, none of the crap, and half the price!

Insider tip: Get to know the vendors. If they see you are actually passionate about an item they have, they'll be willing to work with you on the price.

Greatest score: Bridal wear and accessories

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What's your favorite flea? Waterlooplein Market

When is it? Everyday except Sunday, from 9am-6pm

Where is it? Amsterdam, Netherlands

What do you like most about it? The variety: from leather handbags for 25 Euros to Vintage 1800's china. A must stop when abroad!

Insider tip: If you don't look like a tourist, they are willing to bargain with you. ;) So don't wear a camera around your neck or be wearing your floral hawaiian shirt.

Greatest score: 1800's Blue and White Floral Holland China serving plates for 5 Euros

SOURCED. flea picks

What's your favorite flea? Palm Springs Vintage Market

When is it? First Sunday of the month (currently closed for the season but starting again in October)

Where is it? Downtown Palm Springs between North Indian Canyon and North Calle Encilia

What do you like most about it? A lot of vintage, retro, and Mid Century! 

Insider tip: Palm Springs has some of the most incredible estate sales - so make a weekend out of it! Hit up some early estate sale on Saturday, then hit the Vintage market on Sunday and spend the rest of the day by the pool with tropical drink in hand!

Greatest score: tons of milk glass, brassware, and my all time favorite - 8mm film camera!

SOURCED. Monday Inspirations

I came around Maude White in CREATIV Magazine (through my favorite online FREE magazine subscriptions) and went down a massive internet rabbit hole trying to FIND OUT AS MUCH AS I COULD ABOUT THESE AMAZING PAPER CARVINGS...yes, I said paper carving. 

Who wants go join me at The Ecology Center next month for Kathy Hattori & Kristin Morrison's Natural Dyes Workshop series? I think I have to make these curtains and change out the ikea ones I bought last month! haha

Do you get the the Tablet. newsletter? You should if you like getting distracted by some of the worlds best kept travel destinations and boutique luxury hotel reviews. Just found my next dream spot at The Graham & Co.  in New York. Totally makes sense to go to New York and then drive 2.5 hours to go here right? Yeah, I thought so too. 

My new "not so local but would still totally be ok with paying shipping" Etsy find. 

Laguna locals, did you see Travelzoo's Tabu Grill Dinner special? I still haven't been - is this deal the way to go or what?

Happy Monday! - keeping #sourcinginspiration 

Teaser Video

With months of pushing record, we've been hard at work getting some videos together that capture the spirit, vibe, and hopefully answer some answers as to what we're doing! Stay tune, we're almost there but until that time...we got some teasers for you!