The importance of telling your own story - Matt McCue

Mindful Creative with Radim Malinic

"To tell a compelling story, you need a character facing real conflict. Be willing to explore the uncomfortable parts - that's where the depth and resonance come from."
Matt McCue, editor-in-chief of The Creative Factor, shares his journey as a storyteller and the importance of storytelling in the creative industry. He talks about his background growing up in Iowa and his move to New York City to pursue a career in journalism. Matt emphasizes the need for creatives to tell their own stories and highlights the three key elements of a good story: a compelling character, conflict, and a conclusion. He also discusses the challenges he faced in his career and the importance of pushing oneself out of their comfort zone. In this conversation, Matt McCue and Radim discuss the importance of perseverance, endurance, and taking risks in the creative field. They explore the concept of mindful creativity and the challenges faced by creative professionals. They also delve into the connection between long-distance running and storytelling, highlighting the qualities of resilience and work ethic that are essential for success in both fields. The conversation touches on the power of storytelling to shape culture and the need for creative professionals to be entrepreneurial thinkers. Matt shares insights from his work at Adobe and the future direction of Creative Factor.
Takeaways

• Storytelling is central to the creative industry and can help creatives market themselves and their work.
• A good story needs a compelling character, conflict, and a conclusion.
• Challenges and failures can provide valuable lessons and opportunities for growth.
• Telling your own story and sharing your experiences can help build connections and resonate with others.
• Stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing discomfort can lead to personal and professional growth. Perseverance and endurance are key qualities for success in the creative field.
• Taking risks is necessary for originality and creativity.
• Mindful creativity involves being present and fully engaged in the creative process.
• Long-distance running and storytelling share qualities such as resilience and work ethic.
• Creative professionals should strive to make a positive impact on their communities and shape culture.
• Creativity and entrepreneurship go hand in hand, and creative professionals should have an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Telling compelling life stories with a creative theme can resonate with readers and inspire them.
• Short-form creative exercises can help warm up creativity and get into the right mindset.
• No risk, no story - taking risks is essential for personal and professional growth.
• Building a successful business is crucial for sustaining creative work.

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

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