Hitting Home Runs: The Secret to Creating Your Best Work

3 Reasons Why You Need to Share Your Creativity With the World: This episode is about overcoming the resistance you have when sharing your creativity with the world. I also give you the 3 benefits you'll receive upon sharing that'll boost your creative career. by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

14 min listen

Flooded Thoughts: Remaining Creative Through Adversity: This episode of the Perspective Podcast is a bit different from the previous episodes. Scotty's life was recently put on pause due to a massive flood that took over his hometown. He talks about: - evacuating his home - the effects on his neighborhood - the safety of family - and the silver linings that underly it all It's more of an update as he tries to remain in a creative routine despite the adversity surrounding him. Music by: [Blookah](soundcloud.com/blookah) by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

16 min listen

Your 2017 Creative Encouragement | Find the Light Within the Darkness: ## It’s Hard to Appreciate the Good Without the Bad Are you one of those people who is claiming 2016 to be one of the _worst years yet_? This seems to be the overwhelming perspective judging by the media. Yes, 2016 had some low points: - The presidential election - Aleppo - North Dakota Pipeline protest - Racism - Terror attacks - Celebrities passing away - Etc. I could keep going and I’m sure you have a few things on your mind that sucked ass too. However, what are some of the good things happened, specifically in your life? If you reflect long enough I guarantee you could find some high points to balance out the rollercoaster year we’ve experienced. I mentioned it in the previous episode 20 but **it’s hard to appreciate the good without the bad**. Seeing the horrible things going on in the world like the suffering people of Aleppo should make you stop and appreciate every little th by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

13 min listen

Clarity Comes From Dipping Your Toes in the Water: This episode of the Perspective Podcast is centered around breaking away from thinking and planning and dipping your toes in the water and taking action. You can’t make progress by sitting on dry land. Yet, you also can’t commit and dive into the deep end when you're not confident in the direction you pick. Scotty talks more in depth about: - **you fail by default by never trying in the first place** - _Trying anything over doing nothing_. - you having a difficult time finding clarity by getting trapped in the world of thinking and planning - **it being impossible to be perfect** , especially when you start. Music by: [Blookah](https://soundcloud.com/blookah) by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

14 min listen

What Are You Working Towards Each Day?: This episode of the Perspective Podcast is about finding what you want in life and making a plan to get there. Scotty covers: - His experiences of doubting his abilities and career - Dealing with the voices in your head - Encouraging positive self-talk - Protecting the vision with a plan - Having some enthusiasm in the work you pursue It’s important to be excited about what you’re working towards each day. There’s one thing that’s certain, by not taking action you will continue to stay caught up in the mundane day-to-day routine. Music by: [Blookah](soundcloud.com/blookah) Find me online at: [PRSPCTV\_CLLCTV Perspective-collective.com](Perspective-collective.com) by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

12 min listen

$What Are You Working Towards Each Day?: This episode of the Perspective Podcast is about finding what you want in life and making a plan to get there. Scotty covers: - His experiences of doubting his abilities and career - Dealing with the voices in your head - Encouraging positive self-talk - Protecting the vision with a plan - Having some enthusiasm in the work you pursue It’s important to be excited about what you’re working towards each day. There’s one thing that’s certain, by not taking action you will continue to stay caught up in the mundane day-to-day routine. Music by: [Blookah](soundcloud.com/blookah) Find me online at: [PRSPCTV\_CLLCTV Perspective-collective.com](Perspective-collective.com)$

5 Steps to Avoid the Comparison Trap and Enjoy the Creative Process: In this episode of the Perspective Podcast, Scotty discusses the dangers of the Comparison Trap. He also gives you 5 steps towards enjoying the creative process so you can break the spell of comparison. These steps are: 1. Find Your Sweet Spot 2. Experimentation 3. Create From an Authentic Place 4. Passion & Enthusiasm 5. Vulnerability ### Takeaways: - **Understand that you are good enough** , but these things never happen overnight for anyone - You need to **have a vision** in order to **enjoy the process and the grind of creating** - **Take your inspiration** and **evolve it into something new and refreshing** - **Plagiarism is never cool** - **Put as much excitement and passion into your work as possible** - People are attracted to those who **relentlessly pursue the things they love** and bring an energy to it - Getting transparent and sharing a vulnerable side of you that people can resonate with w by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

15 min listen

3 Benefits You'll Experience Once You Retire From the People Pleasing Business: This episode of the Perspective Podcast is stepping away from feeling the need to please others and cater your work towards their preference. Scotty gives you 3 benefits you’ll experience once you retire from this business and focus on doing the work that resonates with you the most. These benefits are: 1. The pressure is off 2. You can be yourself 3. The right audience will find you Key Takeaways - You have permission to enjoy what you create. - Trying to create work that appeals to everyone means that it will resonate with no one. - Embrace your unique abilities and think, speak and create from a place that is true to yourself. - Your right message will find the right audience at the right moment. - People are attracted to people who stand for something. - Never alter your DNA as you were created to create. - You can truly please the right audience once you are c by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

11 min listen

The Pros and Cons of Being a Consistent and Committed Freak of Nature: _Have you heard of Inktober_? It’s an awesome drawing challenge created by the talented [Jake Parker](http://mrjakeparker.com/inktober) that requires consistency and commitment. Throughout the month of October, artists across the globe are challenged to create a daily drawing. _That’s 31 drawings if you aren’t sure how many days are in October_. :) After being heavily involved in the business side of Perspective-Collective for the past two months, I was eager for a drawing challenge. I’m actually surprised I’ve never jumped at a commitment like this before because I’m infamous for piling projects on my plate. The challenge has recently ended and it solidified that I’m a freakin’ pro at committing to being consistent……..at things that aren’t always best to focus on at a given moment in time. You see, consistency and commitment are great. There are huge benefits to developing these disciplines whic by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

16 min listen

7 Situations When Free Work May Be in Your Best Interest: The preface of this episode stems from some recent free work I was selected to create. I feel this could yield some value to you if you ever get stuck in the same situation. Recently, a local pizza joint, [Urban Pie](https://www.facebook.com/urbanpiecf/), opened up close to me and they put out a call to local creatives through Facebook. They asked for help in designing their massive chalkboard menu as well as their cornerstone quick bake pizza oven. By now you need to know that I’m weirdly passionate about pizza art so I figured why not inquire for more details. It came back as exposure work… If you’re like me then you’re not a fan of crowd sourcing artists and paying them in exposure. A lot of companies do this to try and position it as they are benefiting the artist when in reality; they are the ones who are winning. Before you go rolling your eyes I want you to hear me out. After consulting my mastermind g by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

18 min listen

(Pt. 1 of 3) Your Side Project Has Greater Creative Potential Than You Think: This 3 part series of starting a side project is inspired by [Lauren Hom's](https://www.instagram.com/homsweethom/) initiative of starting a side project in 2017. She has found massive success in her young career all from creating the type of work she wants to get to paid for with side projects. Her [Side Projects: Your New Secret Weapon](http://Her%20Side%20Projects:%20Your%20New%20Secret%20Weapon) blog series along with a free mini email course are a great place for you to check out if you need some additional inspiration after this podcast series. - Would you believe me if I told you I have a friend who bought a Russian spacesuit on eBay and began photographing himself as just an everyday astronaut in public? What if I told you this silly project is now becoming his full-time business pursuit? The person I’m referring to is my local friend Tim Dodd and he is the creator of the [Everyday Ast by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

13 min listen

How to Experience Creative South Like a Champ in 2017: ## **The Do’s & Don’ts of Attending Creative South (From My Perspective)** Are you feeling a bit stagnant in your work and desperate to get around like minded creatives? If so, then it’s time you attended a conference like [Creative South](https://www.creativesouth.com/). Here in a few weeks, April 6-9 to be exact, hundreds of people will invade the tiny downtown Columbus, GA area. When you arrive, there is a buzz in the atmosphere as you know you’re around the right people. Shit, the tagline is even _“Come as Friends, Leave as Family,”_ and this couldn’t be truer. In 2015, I attended Creative South for the first time it sparked a massive swing of momentum in my life. There were several reasons I purchased the ticket because I: - felt compelled to try something different. - needed to surround myself with like-minded individuals who are doing what I strive to do. - needed to get out of my comfort zone a by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

21 min listen

3 Ways to Stay Inspired to Create Your Personal Work: ## Stay Inspired & Pursue Why You Got Into Art in the First Place This week is a very special episode as I’m doing my first interview on the show with my good friend [Eric Friedensohn](http://www.efdotstudio.com/) also know as [Efdot](https://www.instagram.com/efdot/). He knows how to stay inspired to create for his personal side projects. Eric is a talented hand lettering artist and designer based out of Brooklyn, New York. He’s [worked with the likes of Pat Flynn](http://www.efdotstudio.com/serve-first) and taught [lettering workshops for Vayner Media](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q2I5aAsM_s). He’s work at We Work and is the creator of the Optimist Project. He’s big into skateboarding and traveling and it’s an honor to have him as the first guest on this show. ## Why Do You Feel Uninspired to Create in the First Place? ### The Resistance [Steven Pressfield - War of Art](http://amzn.to/2keJn6w) The re by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

27 min listen

(Pt. 1 of 3) Laying the Foundation for Your Personal Brand: Your Story Will Attract People to Your Cause: This week on the Perspective Podcast Scotty talks about the importance of laying a foundation to building a brand and growing an audience. This is the first of a three part series starting with understanding the valuable asset your story is. The main points he covers are: - Building a successful platform with an audience **starts with knowing who you are, what your gift is and why you’re doing it.** - Along with time, your story is one of your **most powerful and valuable assets.** - When you share your story, **you let others who may be in your shoes realize they are not alone with their struggles and fears**. - _Knowing who you are changes what you do._ - One of the _best ways_ I feel to reveal your story to yourself **is through writing**. - **People will care if you tell a compelling story that frames the delivery towards benefiting them.** Music by: [Blookah](file:// by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

11 min listen

(Pt. 2 of 3) Laying the Foundation for Your Personal Brand: Find Your Sweet Spot & Enjoy the Work You’re Best At: This episode of the Perspective Podcast is about finding your sweet spot. It’s the 2nd part of a 3 part series of Laying the Foundation to Your Personal Brand. The sweet spot can be defined several ways: - The intersection of your greatest strength and passion - The intersection of your greatest knowledge / skill with a strong passion point - Being equally good at what you love to do - Your vocation, life’s work or calling Locating your sweet spot helps you place a ladder against the right wall. Instead of climbing up a wall leading down the wrong path, focus on an area of greatest strength and passion. When finding your sweet spot, create two overlapping circles and create a Venn Diagram. Label the left side Strengths and the right side Passions. Finding your greatest strength: 1. Write down what you’re best at 2. Consult a trusted resource 3. Take a S by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

17 min listen

Dealing With Creative Funks & Feeling Invisible: ## You Are Not Alone & You Are Not Invisible Do you ever get in creative funks where you lack the drive to create while feeling invisible to the world? There are those sinister inner voices that try to convince you that your work doesn’t matter and that you can’t make a difference. I’m pretty sure everyone goes through these phases whether they admit it or not. This episode is me admitting this to you in hopes you don’t feel alone in the times you feel invisible as a creative or life in general. There is light at the end of the tunnel as I’m learning that this is _part of the struggle_ of pursuing something that’s important to you. In due time, it will be important to others as well. It’s okay to feel this way at times, _it’s natural_. However, you are capable of pulling yourself out of this creative funk and pushing forward to the next phase on your creative path. I say this because I’m pushing through one by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

19 min listen

Be Kind & Don't Be a Dick: This episode of the Perspective Podcast is about overcoming the divide that the latest Presidential Election has caused. The election of Trump has seemingly compelled people to lash out and treat people like shit due to their differences. On the other hand, the losing party has lashed out and acted childish as well. It's truly one side against the other and has made the US a breeding ground for teaching and raising the youth up in hate. I believe it's our human duty to get over our differences and look past the barriers of culture, race, religion, opinions, etc. We have to start playing our roles of putting something positive back into the world to show people there is hope for the human race. I don't care if we don't see eye to eye or if I agreement with everything you stand for, but at the end of the day you and I are human and I can accept you. Be kind and don't be a dick. We have enough of them already. by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

8 min listen

Location Doesn’t Matter: 2 Ways to Create Successfully Wherever You Live: This episode of the Perspective Podcast is about thriving creatively wherever you live. You don’t need to live in a big city in order to go online and: 1. Find like-minded individuals in communities. 2. Share your creativity with the world. Scotty discusses how: - Communities are out there but you have to be proactive and seek them out. - **Communities allow you to grow, get feedback, collaborate and build a tribe.** - Through **consistently sharing quality work** , you put yourself one scroll or swipe away from getting discovered. - With the click of a button, you can **share your creativity with the world**. - **By stringing together years of consistent work** , you’re giving yourself a huge advantage to get noticed. [Seanwes community](http://seanwes.com) [Seanwes podcast](https://seanwes.com/podcast/) Music by: [Blookah](https://soundcloud.com/blookah) by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

11 min listen

Finding Motivation & Time Outside Your Day Job to Create: ## **Your Dream is Possible When Quit Making Excuses and Start Taking Action** _How awesome would it be to have the motivation and time to pursue your creativity outside your day job_? **Excuses will always be readily available**. _Do you want to go to the grave knowing you never took a shot at trying_? I think I know the answer so here are 4 ways to find the motivation and time necessary to pursue your creativity outside your day. **1. Less Talking and More Action** - Getting started in something is the hardest part of anything. - That’s the thing, motivation _is not_ a source of energy— **it comes from the act of doing**. - Motivation will **find you** when you **commit and begin your work**. It steadily flows when the rubber meets the road. - struggling with setting up a blog and podcast What helps me take action: - Setting a deadline - Creates urgency - Holds you accountable **2. Trim the Fat** by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

20 min listen

Stop Reacting & Get More Done With This Underrated Productivity Tip: ## My Nightly Ritual to Stop Reacting and Eat More Frogs Taking a shot in the dark and guessing you’re someone who likes to get shit done. I know for me, I get my jollies when I’m getting things crossed off my to-do list. First things first, I’m definitely not claiming to be a productivity guru—I’m just a dude who’s trying to be **more productive than busy**. I strictly want to share with you what’s been working for me as a creative … and of course what isn’t working. What wasn’t working for me was winging it each day. Whenever I go with the flow with no plan: - I feel like I’m reacting all day to things around me - I barely make any progress in a million direction - I make excuses for why I never have the time - I go to bed feeling like I got nothing done Eventually, I stumbled across one little change that I began implementing before I went to bed at night: **I started planning out the o by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

14 min listen

How to Create Opportunities & Attract Results: This episode of the Perspective Podcast is about creating opportunities and attracting the results you want. In order to make things happen in your creative career I suggest you: 1. Be Proactive 2. Invest Effort 3. Persevere Opportunities and results don’t happen to those who sit back and wait. Getting lucky is a direct result from following these 3 rules as opportunities find those who are prepared and putting in the work. How badly do you want it? Music by: Blookah [https://soundcloud.com/blookah](https://soundcloud.com/blookah) by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

12 min listen

Hitting Home Runs: The Secret to Creating Your Best Work: This episode of the Perspective Podcast is about figuring out the secret to hitting home runs. This is an analogy for creating your best work and it’s done by putting out lots of work and swinging for the fences. Scotty discusses: - The performance of your work **doesn’t define you**. - It takes a lot of **bad** **and mediocre** **work** to stumble across your best. - Swinging for the fences and **pouring everything you have** into your work. - Not focusing on perfection— **higher volume** and **practice** leads to quality. - Find ways to progress each time and experiment in the process. - Staying in the game when you face adversity. “[Art & Fear](http://amzn.to/2b60bZ6)” - A book on figuring out what your art is really about. Music by: [Blookah](https://soundcloud.com/blookah) by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

10 min listen

11 Life Lessons Learned From Loving Pizza: ## Notify the Universe and Show the Work You Want to Get I can remember way back during the bowl cut and JNCO days as a kid and how lit Friday nights were. I’d lounge on the couch watching TGIF and have a whole frozen pizza to myself. Ya, those were the good days. It sparked my obsession with pizza because I grew up picky with a small desire to try other foods. Don’t get me wrong, a frozen pizza is still a delight, but I’ve graduated to delivery and I’m not talking Digiorno. I’ve been doing little pizza doodles forever yet I never really started sharing them till the past few years. I’m learning to embrace this little quirk of mine because: 1. it reminds me that I don’t always have to take myself so seriously 2. it reminds me to have fun and constantly experiment While the context behind this seems random, I assure you there is a point to this all. I recently came across this sweet [Dominoes Pizza box design](https://i by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

20 min listen

Your Creative Life is One Big Experiment—Are You Getting Uncomfortable?: 0 by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

12 min listen

Consistency, Craftsmanship, and Community with Bob Ewing: ## Start With a Commitment to Consistency This week I have one of my good friends and role models on the show, Bob Ewing. Bob and I go back a couple years and he’s been someone in the creative community that really shines as an example of one who shows consistency, craftsmanship and is all about building relationships. Currently, he is an Art Director for [Element Three](https://elementthree.com/), Co-Founder of [Inch x Inch](https://inchxinch.org/), a talented letterer and illustrator, kick-ass dad and husband and you can catch him speaking at [Creative South](https://www.creativesouth.com/) here in a few weeks. Bob is the man and I think you’re going to soak up a lot of gold that he has to offer in pushing your creativity to that next level. You can find Bob online at: [Bob-Ewing.com](http://bob-ewing.com/) and on Instagram: [BobEwing\_](https://www.instagram.com/bobewing_/) ## Learning to Draw Again by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

32 min listen

$Consistency, Craftsmanship, and Community with Bob Ewing: ## Start With a Commitment to Consistency This week I have one of my good friends and role models on the show, Bob Ewing. Bob and I go back a couple years and he’s been someone in the creative community that really shines as an example of one who shows consistency, craftsmanship and is all about building relationships. Currently, he is an Art Director for [Element Three](https://elementthree.com/), Co-Founder of [Inch x Inch](https://inchxinch.org/), a talented letterer and illustrator, kick-ass dad and husband and you can catch him speaking at [Creative South](https://www.creativesouth.com/) here in a few weeks. Bob is the man and I think you’re going to soak up a lot of gold that he has to offer in pushing your creativity to that next level. You can find Bob online at: [Bob-Ewing.com](http://bob-ewing.com/) and on Instagram: [BobEwing\_](https://www.instagram.com/bobewing_/) ## Learning to Draw Again$

You’re Human & It’s Okay to Not Feel Okay: ## The Beauty of Being a Human Being 4 years ago, my girlfriend (which is my wife now :) ) and I got into a mini argument late one night. It was nothing really, but when I was alone getting my mind off it, I started feeling weird. First, my throat felt like it was swelling shut. Next, I had the overwhelming feeling of having a pallet of bricks on my chest. My heart felt like it was about to explode and the room began to go black all around me. Safe to say I was freaking out and Emily had to run me to the emergency room. Turns out I was having a massive panic attack. Looking back on it now it seems a bit silly but I thought I was dying. The stress and pressure I had put myself under for years finally caught up with me. For months I kept this to myself as I thought I was going crazy. I felt I would be considered weak and any reputation I had built for myself would crumble. Sadly, many of us bottle up these demons a by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

13 min listen

You’re Doing the Best You Can - You Got This: ## The Powerful Combination of Imagination & Resourcefulness It’s easy to get caught up in thinking you don’t have the best tools, resources and skills at your disposal. It’s even easier to let these “obstacles” hold you back from pursuing or sticking with something that’s important to you. When in reality, it’s rare that someone has the skills or resources right out of the gate. I know I didn’t. At the end of the day, it’s about **doing something instead of nothing and realizing you’re doing the best you can.** That’s all you _can_ and _should_ expect from yourself. When you stick with it and look back on the progress you made, you'll realize that **imagination and resourcefulness are a powerful combination**. This episode is a daily reminder not only to you but to myself when I get caught up in letting that inner critic convince me that I’m not doing enough. ## Figuring Things Out One of the most challenging t by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

14 min listen

(Pt. 2 of 3) Side Projects Attract Work You Want to Get Paid to Create: ## Paying the Price to Get Paid How many times have you saw someone’s work and thought to yourself, “Man, I wish I could get paid to do something like that.” Did it cross your mind how could anyone know to hire you if you’re not exploring the type of work you want to be known for and better yet, get paid to do? This is your queue for starting a side project in 2017. Side projects as [Lauren Hom](https://www.instagram.com/homsweethom/) likes to call them are [your secret weapon](https://homsweethom.leadpages.co/secret-weapon-side-project/) for getting paid for the type of work you want to create. Let’s hit on it a little more on how side projects will help you attract the kind of work you want to get paid for by telling you a bit about good friend Ben Hagarty, aka [BenRealVSWorld](http://www.benrealvsworld.com/). ## The Long Road to Getting Paid By Your Dream Job My friend Ben Hagarty has be by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

14 min listen

3 Must Listen to Podcasts to Elevate Your Creative Brand: In this episode of the Perspective Podcast, Scotty discusses his current top 3 podcasts that will help you elevate your creative brand. Audio is one of the best formats for learning something new every day on the go. You can consume them while your working, showering, doing yard work or even just relaxing. If you don't have time for books then podcasts are for you. The 3 top podcast Scotty recommends are: 1. [The Creative Pep Talk Podcast](http://www.andy-j-miller.com/cpt/) with Andy J. Miller This podcast is for creatives who are pursuing a career in freelance while making great art for a living. However, it's more than that in my opinion and I believe it focuses on creative personal / professional development. his quirky sense of humor and laid-back approach really elevates his honest advice on building your creative career. He has this magical way of blending metaphors and storytelling to paint a vivid pictur by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

15 min listen

Don't Overthink It and Start Doing the Work with Lincoln Design Co.: ## Lincoln Design Co. This week on the show I'm stoked to bring you [Lincoln Design Co.](http://www.lincolndesignco.com/) I’ve been following these dudes work religiously since I discovered them on Instagram about a year and a half ago. I was lucky enough to meet up with them at Crop Conference and get them on the show with their crazy schedule. Lincoln Design Co is a Brand Design & Creative Agency who works with the likes of Nike, Element Skateboards, Harley, Ninja Turtles, Transformers, Disney, Nerf, Hot Wheels, Tony Hawk, Nickelodeon, yadda yadda I could keep on going but you get the point. These dudes are the shit and I feel very honored to get to share a bit of their story and background with you today. In this episode, Dan Janssen and company talk about: - building Lincoln Design Co. from the previous Soup Graphics. - organizing a killer on-site / remote team of illustrators and designe by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

58 min listen

Battle Creative Block: Collect Your Ideas & Build a Gold Reserve: ## Battle Creative Block and Spend More Creating Creative block is the worst, especially when you forget that great idea you had when driving on the highway. How awesome would it be if you never had a shortage of ideas to draw from so you can spend more time creating? (that’s a drawing pun) I can safely say that I rarely deal with creative block because I collect practically every idea that comes my way. Someone on my newsletter recently asked me how I went about this and I felt my reply could make a helpful episode in case you struggle with a lack of ideas. Having a gold reserve of ideas has helped me battle creative block with: - episode artwork - client work - personal work I’m going to give you 4 ways to collect and build up your idea gold reserve so you can spend more time creating. This will help you easily come back to that idea you had when waiting in line at Chik-Fil-A. ## **1. A Pocket S by Side Hustler's Perspective with Coach Scotty Russell

14 min listen