Disclaimer: This article is not sponsored by MasterClass
Every creative needs inspiration to come up with ideas, test different approaches, and keep learning. One of the most captivating sources of inspiration is the MasterClass platform.
MasterClass is an online education platform that hosts tutorials and lectures pre-recorded by experts in various fields. Examples include President Bill Clinton on inclusive leadership and Samuel L. Jackson on acting.
I want to share some insights to help anyone working in an advertising agency or in the creative industry hone their craft and boost career confidence.
These insights come from more than twenty courses in fields such as arts and entertainment, business, wellness, and more. To make them easier to follow, I have divided the insights into five sections.
On the importance of keeping an open mind
On the importance of keeping an open mind
To begin with, filmmaker James Cameron stresses the value of curiosity. In his words, the importance of staying curious cannot be overstated.
“Live life and observe. Before you can radiate, you need to absorb,” Cameron explains. In other words, the best ideas grow from what you have seen or felt first-hand. As a result, observing life helps you appreciate life more deeply.
Similarly, in their MasterClass on advertising, Jeff Goodby and Rich Silverstein quote industry legend David Ogilvy. They advise creatives to write for only two hours instead of ten. “The rest of the time, you should find things to write about.”
At this point, you may wonder: you can make the time, but how do you find inspiration? Humorist David Sedaris offers one approach: “say yes to weird experiences.”
In addition, music producer Timbaland reminds us that finding inspiration is not a one-off exercise. Instead, you should always stay tuned in. He instructs you to study the greats, whatever that means in your craft. However, he also adds that you must “evolve your influences.”
On the importance of practice
We all know the saying “practice makes perfect.” In fact, honing your craft patiently is especially important for junior talents. At the same time, even seasoned veterans cannot rest on their laurels.
Once you begin, negotiator Chris Voss suggests that it takes 40–60 repetitions before the skill feels natural.
Of course, that number might sound exhausting and tedious. However, there is an upside to the drills. According to Voss, “feeling awkward is a sign that you’re learning.”
In a similar vein, musician St. Vincent talks about what she calls generative songwriting. Put simply, the principle applies to any craft: “the more you do it, the more you’re able to make.”
On the other hand, going it alone may not take you as far as you want to go. Therefore, it is a good idea to ask someone for guidance. This should be someone with appropriate experience. Yet, as journalist Elaine Welteroth reminds us, “mentors don’t have to be your senior.”
On the importance of personal skills
Giving feedback is one of the key responsibilities of a mentor (or any colleague, for that matter). We all have our own ways of giving and receiving feedback, and this can lead to misunderstandings or even conflict.
Psychotherapist Esther Perel suggests asking for feedback on your feedback. Has my advice helped you to do things differently? Was it actionable?
Sometimes things get heated in the workplace. Voss says appropriate labeling can help disarm a conflict. This means naming the other person’s emotions by saying, “You’re upset?” Labeling negatives might cancel them, and labeling positives reinforces them.
But do remember to distinguish what’s relevant to a professional negotiation. As Sedaris says, “truth is different from feelings.”
On the importance of owning your idea
You might think it’s just a job – and that is fine.
But as former White House Communications Director George Stephanopoulos says, “those who work to interpret and communicate do get personally invested in things that aren’t directly personal.” This is something he learned while covering 9/11 for ABC News.
And when you do find something personal, don’t stop believing in your idea or signature style.
“Everyone has their own bounce. Hold on to yours,” Timbaland says. He uses the song Pong as an example. He wrote the R&B classic nine years before Ginuwine got a record deal. “If you get frustrated, it’s good because it shows your love is real.”
On the importance of self-care
Whatever your craft is, remember that your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself as well. Welteroth suggests creating a self-care strategy, including actual calendar bookings for something that gives you energy – and committing to the routine.
Bonus tip: mix & match what you’ve learned
A screenwriter teaches you screenwriting. A career coach teaches you to design your professional growth path.
But oftentimes, the most interesting ideas materialize when you apply learnings from one discipline to another. A writer can draw inspiration from a designer, just like a musical artist can learn from a cinematographer. The variety of topics and instructors on MasterClass is a testament to that. Remember to keep an open mind.
I hope you found this article inspirational! Are you looking for more inspiration from pop culture? Read what The Empire Strikes Back teaches about work in a creative agency.
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