52 | The Theory of Creativity

The Craft: Exploring the Creative Process

#Arts #Carter Johnson and Colby Schemm #Carter Johnson #Colby Schemm

48:45

FREE TICKETS?! Yes, really. In this episode of Tickets to Travel: The Business of Travel Experiences , we’re joined by the ultimate guest list insider, Lance Dashoff, founder of Loudie — the app that’s quietly revolutionizing how fans score free concert, comedy, and festival tickets across the U.S. From his early days at WME curating VIP access, to launching a platform that fills empty seats and fuels unforgettable nights out, Lance spills the tea on: Why 30–40% of tickets go unsold How promoters are secretly using free ticketing to boost bar sales and fan buzz The economics behind live events and why not all sold-out shows are actually sold out How Loudie helps fans and venues win — without the scammy vibes Why travel pros and concierges should start recommending this app yesterday Whether you’re in LA, NYC, or stuck in traffic on the way to Philly — this is the episode you can’t afford to miss (literally). Download Loudie, follow us @tix2travelpod on TikTok, IG, and YouTube, and grab your next night out before someone else does. Because every ticket is a ticket to travel — and sometimes the best ones are free. www.tttpod.com…

about a year ago 39:18

MP3•Episode home

Do legitimate common denominators exists across creative disciplines? If so, can we clearly identify these parallels and unify our thoughts about the creative process?

In this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby wrestle with these questions. They begin to sketch (tentatively) a unifying “theory of creativity.” Such theory might help us, they hope, navigate a broad swath of tools and techniques that vie for our attention.

----

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

2:22 Theory of Creativity

9:48 Theoretical layers

14:08 Marketing example

21:32 More trees and metaphors

28:40 Intermediary tiers

36:26 Conclusion

----

Support The Craft:

Subscribe to Dwelling - https://carterdavisjohnson.substack.com

Send feedback or ideas - heycraftpodcast@gmail.com

----

Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at elizabethnewell.work or on Instagram @elizabethisadesigner.

54 episodes

52 | The Theory of Creativity

The Craft: Exploring the Creative Process

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Do legitimate common denominators exists across creative disciplines? If so, can we clearly identify these parallels and unify our thoughts about the creative process?

----

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

2:22 Theory of Creativity

9:48 Theoretical layers

14:08 Marketing example

21:32 More trees and metaphors

28:40 Intermediary tiers

36:26 Conclusion

----

Support The Craft:

Subscribe to Dwelling - https://carterdavisjohnson.substack.com

Send feedback or ideas - heycraftpodcast@gmail.com

----

Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at elizabethnewell.work or on Instagram @elizabethisadesigner.

54 episodes

#Arts #Carter Johnson and Colby Schemm #Carter Johnson #Colby Schemm

All episodes

The Craft: Exploring the Creative Process

1
Cal Newport's Digital Minimalism (Book Review) 33:02

1 year ago33:02

33:02

[Rebroadcast of Ep. 14] In this episode, Carter asks Colby about what he learned from reading Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport. Be sure to check out Newport's latest book, Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout.

The Craft: Exploring the Creative Process

1
52 | The Theory of Creativity 39:18

1 year ago39:18

39:18

Do legitimate common denominators exists across creative disciplines? If so, can we clearly identify these parallels and unify our thoughts about the creative process? In this episode of The Craft , Carter and Colby wrestle with these questions. They begin to sketch (tentatively) a unifying “theory of creativity.” Such theory might help us, they hope, navigate a broad swath of tools and techniques that vie for our attention. ---- Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:22 Theory of Creativity 9:48 Theoretical layers 14:08 Marketing example 21:32 More trees and metaphors 28:40 Intermediary tiers 36:26 Conclusion ---- Support The Craft: Subscribe to Dwelling - https://carterdavisjohnson.substack.com Send feedback or ideas - heycraftpodcast@gmail.com ---- Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at elizabethnewell.work or on Instagram @elizabethisadesigner .…

The Craft: Exploring the Creative Process

1
51 | How John Steinbeck Reinvented His Craft 26:05

1 year ago26:05

26:05

Why did John Steinbeck almost give up writing novels? In this episode of The Craft , Carter and Colby inaugurate a new series, Creative Case Studies. Their first installment is a story about American writer John Steinbeck. Specifically, Carter recounts Steinbeck’s creative collapse after writing The Grapes of Wrath. In the midst of personal and professional tumult, Steinbeck attempted to reinvent his craft and develop a new way of thinking. Carter and Colby discuss this creative transformation, considering how we might learn from Steinbeck’s crisis. ---- Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:55 Steinbeck bio 4:11 Crisis and reinvention 14:28 Takeaways ---- Support The Craft: Subscribe to Dwelling - https://carterdavisjohnson.substack.com Send feedback or ideas - heycraftpodcast@gmail.com ---- Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at elizabethnewell.work or on Instagram @elizabethisadesigner .…

The Craft: Exploring the Creative Process

1
50 | Tracking Creative Growth 40:45

1 year ago40:45

40:45

Is my work improving? This is a crucial — yet difficult — question to answer. In this episode of The Craft , Carter and Colby discuss how to track creative growth, the difference between lead and lag metrics, and an interesting phenomenon they've seen unfold in many artistic careers. ---- Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:15 Lead and lag metrics 11:38 Evaluating growth 23:19 Refinement or reinvention 31:11 Tracking growth 33:27 Comparing work 38:38 Conclusion ---- Support The Craft: Subscribe to Dwelling (Weekly writing from Carter) Send feedback or ideas to heycraftpodcast@gmail.com ---- Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at elizabethnewell.work or on Instagram @elizabethisadesigner .…

The Craft: Exploring the Creative Process

1
49 | 11 Protocols for Revising Creative Work 41:10

1 year ago41:10

41:10

You have probably heard the phrase “writing is revision,” but how do you actually revise? What does good revision — practically speaking — look like? In this episode of The Craft , Carter and Colby discus the central protocols that drive their revision processes. The conversation includes both paradigmatic approaches and practical tactics. ---- Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:59 Protocol 1: Separate creation and revision 2:28 Protocol 2: Accept the iterative process 6:24 Protocol 3: What is the work actually doing? 9:20 Protocol 4: Find root problems 11:40 Protocol 5: Movement 13:29 Protocol 6: The Car Test 16:22 Protocol 7: Transitions 20:44 Protocol 8: Necessity 27:01 Protocol 9: References 29:35 Protocol 10: Work Destructively 33:32 Protocol 11: Collaborate 39:35 Conclusion --- Support The Craft: Subscribe to Dwelling (Weekly writing from Carter) Send feedback or ideas to heycraftpodcast@gmail.com Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at elizabethnewell.work or on Instagram @elizabethisadesigner .…

The Craft: Exploring the Creative Process

1
48 | Creative Review of 2023 39:46

1 year ago39:46

39:46

In this episode of The Craft , Carter and Colby do a year-end review for 2023. They survey the year’s successes, shortcomings, and lessons, reflecting on moments of inspiration and the second year of the podcast. ---- Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:19 What went well? 7:16 What went poorly? 13:51 What did you learn? 24:26 What inspired you? 30:10 Favorites 37:02 Year Two ---- Support The Craft: Subscribe to Dwelling (Weekly writing from Carter) Send feedback or ideas to heycraftpodcast@gmail.com Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at elizabethnewell.work or on Instagram @elizabethisadesigner .…

The Craft: Exploring the Creative Process

1
47 | Exploring Category Design 41:51

1 year ago41:51

41:51

Do I need to create a category of one? In this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby explore the role of category design in creative pursuits. Their conversation addresses a root problem: How do you avoid being “just another voice” in your craft? In addressing this challenge, they wrestle with multiple potential solutions and the consequent tensions. Do categories wrongly fetishize novelty? Are categories equally pertinent in business and creative endeavors? Their conversation is a general introduction to the subject of category, which will — no doubt — reemerge in later episodes. ---- Chapters: 0:00 Introduction and creative exigence 6:10 Should novelty be our goal? 12:22 Alternative ways to individualize 15:40 Category size and limit 18:58 Innovation and functionality 24:48 Shifting definitions of category 28:00 The law of division 31:00 What to prioritize? 35:59 Concluding distinctions ---- Links: The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing Category Pirates Dada and the Pre-Raphaelites (Carter's Substack) ---- Support The Craft: Subscribe to Dwelling (Weekly writing from Carter) Send feedback or ideas to heycraftpodcast@gmail.com ---- Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at elizabethnewell.work or on Instagram @elizabethisadesigner .…

The Craft: Exploring the Creative Process

1
46 | Writing a PhD Dissertation, and How to Manage Big Creative Projects 34:54

2 years ago34:54

34:54

How do you write a dissertation? We’re not sure, but Carter is about to find out. In this episode of The Craft , Carter and Colby discuss Carter’s recent benchmark in his doctoral program. He shares some advice he received during his last exam and thoughts about embarking on his largest project to date. ---- Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:42 Setting parameters for daily work 12:07 Just typing 16:29 Identifying themes 21:24 Trusting your voice 26:19 Stepping away 30:06 Leaving a little in the tank 32:22 Conclusion ---- Links: Steven Pressfield Greg Mckeown, Effortless Paul Jarvis, Company of One Cal Newport ---- Support The Craft: Subscribe to Dwelling (Weekly writing from Carter) Send feedback or ideas to heycraftpodcast@gmail.com Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at elizabethnewell.work or on Instagram @elizabethisadesigner .…

The Craft: Exploring the Creative Process

1
45 | 6 Quotes on the Creative Process from Annie Dillard 43:24

2 years ago43:24

43:24

Are you looking for sage creative advice from a master writer? Look no further. In this episode of The Craft , Carter and Colby discuss a number of quotes on the creative process from Annie Dillard. Their conversation, following Dillard, cuts across the Craft’s four creative first principles: create, revise, share, and sustain. ---- Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:05 #1 Live a life 7:13 #2 Cut ruthlessly 18:08 #3 Spend it now 29:23 #4 Return to the concrete 36:38 #5 Write as if you were dying 38:22 #6 Embrace the idiosyncratic 42:18 Conclusion ---- Links: “Write as if you were dying.” Read Annie Dillard’s greatest writing advice Why an English Degree? (Dwelling) Annie Dillard’s Books ---- Support The Craft: Subscribe to Dwelling (Weekly writing from Carter) Send feedback or ideas to heycraftpodcast@gmail.com ---- Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at elizabethnewell.work or on Instagram @elizabethisadesigner .…

The Craft: Exploring the Creative Process

1
44 | Keep Showing Up: Overcoming 3 Creative Roadblocks 41:00

2 years ago41:00

41:00

I feel uninspired. What now? In this episode of The Craft , Carter and Colby discuss different types of creative roadblocks. They explore the phenomenon of “stuckness” in regard to artistic identity, specific projects, and skill development. They also share a list of actions/ideas that can help reinvigorate and reinspire. ----- Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:03 Pressfield and showing up 5:32 What now? 10:09 Types of creative roadblocks 12:29 Identity 17:37 Shoutout: Negative Space 20:23 Projects 27:49 Skills 34:42 Conclusion 35:05 Bonus: Freewrite Reaction ---- Links: Steven Pressfield’s books Negative Space #007: Falling back in love with Photography Freewrite: Distraction-free writing tools Mythic.computer ---- Support The Craft: Subscribe to Dwelling (Weekly writing from Carter) Send feedback or ideas to heycraftpodcast@gmail.com ---- Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at elizabethnewell.work or on Instagram @elizabethisadesigner .…

The Craft: Exploring the Creative Process

1
43 | Reflections on a Conversation With Warwick Saint 39:10

2 years ago39:10

39:10

In this episode of The Craft , Carter and Colby elaborate on their recent conversation with painter, photographer, and mixed-media artist Warwick Saint. They share their favorite moments and lessons from the interview ----- Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 4:33 Cardboard boxes and creativity 7:39 The artistic edge 10:03 Reinvention and renewal 18:50 Point of view 31:58 Categories and juxtaposition 34:42 Routine and telos 37:30 Conclusion ----- Links: Listen to the full interview with Warwick Saint Colgate Lasagna Learn more about Saint's work ----- Support The Craft: Subscribe to Dwelling (Weekly writing from Carter) Send feedback or ideas to heycraftpodcast@gmail.com ----- Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at elizabethnewell.work or on Instagram @elizabethisadesigner .…

The Craft: Exploring the Creative Process

1
42 | Warwick Saint (Painter, Photographer, & Mixed Media Artist) 1:08:26

2 years ago1:08:26

1:08:26

In this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby sit down with Warwick Saint. He is a prolific and award-winning artist who has photographed some of the most iconic actors/actresses, athletes, musicians, and brands, such as Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Zendaya, Miley Cyrus, Lebron James, John Legend, DJ Khaled, Beyoncé, Daniel Craig, Jamie Foxx, Nike, Puma, and many others. However, in 2018, Saint began a new chapter of his career. He started transforming his photography through painting, producing entirely new works of mixed-media art. In this interview, Carter and Colby talk with Saint about his creative evolution, focusing on the deep veins of continuity between mediums and processes. Saint also shares about his current routine, philosophy of art, and approach to overcoming creative fatigue. ----- Chapters: 0:00 Trailer 0:38 Introduction 4:23 Saint’s new chapter 10:16 Comparing mediums 15:33 Painting as tactile presence 18:47 Layers and creative process 23:40 Capturing emotion 27:45 Revision process 33:06 Routine and embodied creativity 41:46 Approaching a career in art 47:10 Navigating commissioned work 52:16 Creative fatigue and bravery 1:00:22 Recent inspiration and receptivity 1:05:37 Conclusion ----- Links: See Saint's work at WarwickSaint.com Follow Saint on Instagram @warwicksaint ----- Support The Craft: Subscribe to Dwelling (Weekly writing from Carter) Send feedback or ideas to heycraftpodcast@gmail.com ----- Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at elizabethnewell.work or on Instagram @elizabethisadesigner .…

The Craft: Exploring the Creative Process

1
41 | “The Creative Process” by James Baldwin 27:36

2 years ago27:36

27:36

What can we learn from James Baldwin about the creative process? In this episode of The Craft, Carter and Colby discuss Baldwin's essay “The Creative Process," exploring how art is connected to self-knowledge and truth. Additionally, they explore the tumultuous yet crucial relationship between the artist and society. ----- Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:04 Overview 3:33 Individual and Society 7:20 Being "alone" 11:59 Art and the Big Questions 15:12 Artist's Journey 20:13 The Artist and Society 21:46 Takeaways ----- Links: Read The Creative Process by James Baldwin Listen to 16 | The Artist's Journey and the Hero's Journey Read The Artist's Journey by Steven Pressfield ----- Support The Craft: Subscribe to Dwelling (Weekly writing from Carter) Send feedback or ideas to heycraftpodcast@gmail.com ----- Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at elizabethnewell.work or on Instagram @elizabethisadesigner .…

The Craft: Exploring the Creative Process

1
40 | When Should I Quit My Creative Project? 39:26

2 years ago39:26

39:26

Should you stop making the EP, stop writing the novel, or stop building the YouTube channel? Or, do you need to commit to going through the Dip and reaching the summit on the other side? In this episode of The Craft , Carter and Colby discuss this often fraught question. They apply two heuristic mental models that can help inform our decision to quit: Seth Godin’s book The Dip and Shreyas Doshi's LNO Framework. The resultant conversation explores key metrics and questions that can prepare us to launch, endure, and even quit a project. ----- Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:43 The Dip overview 10:59 Being in the Dip 14:00 LNO schema 19:18 Hierarchy of values 27:58 Key metrics and questions 32:20 Case study: Songmaps 34:55 Conclusion ----- Links: Read The Dip by Seth Godin LNO Framework ----- Support The Craft: Subscribe to Dwelling (Weekly writing from Carter) Send feedback or ideas to heycraftpodcast@gmail.com ----- Cover art by Elizabeth Newell. Learn more about her work at elizabethnewell.work or on Instagram @elizabethisadesigner .…

The Craft: Exploring the Creative Process

1
39 | Why Do We Love Beautiful Products? 54:57

2 years ago54:57