Did you know a full third of Fortune 500 CEOs have a so-called “useless” arts degree? Ron Tite, speaker and author of Everyone’s an Artist: How Creativity Gives You the Edge in Everything You Do, says creativity, in any medium, might be the most important skill of all. Tite shares the lessons we can learn from artists of all kinds.
Comedians: They pan for silver, work for gold
It all seems very new and natural when Seinfeld takes the stage, but the whole truth is, a good comedian is following a familiar formula. “They have their ‘gold bits’—proven, don’t-mess-with-it material they do over and over again,” says Tite. Mixed in, however, is new stuff they’re just trying out. In business and comedy, doing the same thing every day/night will inevitably leave you lagging behind. Into your best practices, try out some new ones, and pick up those that work to incorporate into perfection for the main show. “Over time, your silver will become gold.”
Writers: They hate writing—but love having written
Keeping the end game in mind (being published), despite the sometimes painful process (putting pen to paper; keyboard stroke to screen), is a lesson in commitment for the rest of us.
Musicians: They make facetime count
Musicians have survived decades of upheaval by labels, producers, retailers, Ticketmaster and Spotify by selling a live experience that you can’t get from an illegal download.This can be applied to the situation of two years of curt reply-all emails in your office and the one time you grab a coffee in real life.
Fine Artists: They know inspiration is everywhere
Tite says that artists “find inspiration in the world and use it to express themselves;” bucking the misconception that artists are solely talented at their craft (drawing, painting, sculpture). The best business ideas are a direct response to a demand in market like when Uber noticed an increasing number of people frustrated at waiting for lost cabs and using the outmoded call-for-a-taxi model.
Actors: They never let themselves be typecast
“Just like a manager can have one initiative and totally nail it, an actor can have one amazing role that’s perfect for them,” says Tite. The problem is, your next assignment or role will be different, and acting the same old way isn’t going to cut it. “Actors know this is a recipe for disaster—your career ends the day you go looking for the same role.” Instead of chasing a past success, always be evolving into your future ones.
Ron Tite is the Founder and CEO of Church & State, a content marketing agency based in Toronto. He was named one of the “Top 10 Creative” Canadians by Marketing Magazine. His award-winning work as an advertising writer and creative director can be seen for campaigns for brands like Air France, Johnson & Johnson, Kraft, and Microsoft.