They say to write what you know.

Well, I know about energy, passion, and brainstorming.

I also am one of the few people that recognized what they loved to do at an early age, with my first published literary masterpiece* printed in the 4^th grade.

*By masterpiece, I mean a compilation of my schoolwork that my teacher loved so much that she found a printer to sponsor a beautiful rendition of my compiled essays.

However, there is a double-edged sword in having a profession where you love what you do every single day. Read more…

Creative minds are always going a mile a minute, stumbling over good ideas in the pressure to race to the finish line. Intensity of deadlines, a boss’s looming glare, and awards trophy season on the horizon can all contribute to the surmounting stress that comes with a creative title in the workplace.

Everyone has a ‘final straw’ moment: mine was when I rushed to check my bombarded e-mail, spilled coffee on my desk, and nearly drenched a pile of papers that had been eagerly anticipating some highlighter and red pen action all week. Poor papers – they weren’t getting action that day, either.

Strong organizational skills take time, practice, and unfortunately do not come easily for many right-brainers. Even though they tend to need it the most, with certain traits (supposedly) linked to Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). 

Everyone tackles daily tasks in their own unique way; however, there may be some tactics to help channel your creativity and organize your workflow.  Read more…

Multitask, schmultitask.

Our attention is completely and utterly divided these days.

thanks ikea, for awesome pic

If you are married or in a relationship, face it.

Some days you spend more time with your laptop/phone/twitter whale/TV remote/ [insert other technological device] then you do with your significant other.

We read while we eat, we write while we listen to music, and we even talk while we drive (unfortunately). In fact, right at this very moment while I am writing this, I am also paying my bills online and chatting away online.

A.D.D.? Maybe. Isn’t there another word for it, though? Hmm…What was it…?

It actually used to be a “plus” on resumés and proudly announced in interviews along with its other buzz word pals, “team player” and “fast learner.” A glorious, responsible-sounding four-syllable word. Read more…

You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.
~Mark Twain

The competition is fierce out there, no matter what your industry.

From designing an illustrious billboard or scripting a masterpiece of a press release, to innovatively cutting [the right] corners so you stay “in the black” this quarter… one thing remains certain: creativity is a must-have these days, not a luxury.

Creativity block?

Ever leave a brainstorming meeting in the morning, only to have your mind flooded with great ideas later that day, when you are cruising with the windows down and music blasting? It’s just as inevitable as thinking of the perfect ‘comeback’ to a bully an hour after he leaves. Sometimes, it’s unavoidable. But other times, you may be able to tinker with fate by psyching yourself out long enough to plan a preemptive “creativity block” attack.
Read more…

Ever heard the phrase, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know?”

Yeah…hate to break it to you, but so has everybody else.

Unfortunately, many networking events host a gloomy, completely predictable cast of characters:

The Swiper – Much time can be spent dodging the ever-stealthy business card thief, the person who won’t speak two words to you but manages to leave with your business card with your email address, ready to spam you into oblivion. Read more…