Timeless advice for creators
The life of a creator can feel lonely. But you are part of a long history and thriving community of creators—writers, musicians, filmmakers, artists. In these articles, I share examples, principles, and frameworks to help you become a better creator. Sign up to get these sent to your email each week.
Give Credit, Don't Take It
Always seek to give credit, but never to take it.
Charlie Puth is has written mega pop hits, with multiple billion-streamers. He's worked with superstars of the music industry, and is known as a musician’s musician. He’s a self-proclaimed music nerd. He can sing, he can play, he has perfect pitch. He can write. He can perform.
He’s got every reason to toot his own horn, tout his own skills.
In fact, it was these skills that led Studio.com to create a popular online class on pop production featuring Puth.
But in the course, where Puth is supposed to be the main attraction, the Master, he instead repeatedly gives credit away to others. He names all of the great musicians and producers who taught him.
How to Identify Potential Mentors, for Music Professionals
There are few resources in your career more valuable than a trusted mentor. In this post I will share with you:
- What is a mentor, who needs one, and why?
- Two short quizzes (one question each) that will give you my personalized recommendations for where to look for your next potential mentor, based on your career stage and situation.
Two Mistakes to Avoid when You Get Advice from a Mentor
What should you do when you actually get through to a potential mentor, and get advice? How can you turn one-time advice into long-term mentorship?
In this short video (about 3 min.), I talk about the two big mistakes people make when they get advice from a potential mentor, and what to do instead.