You know that feeling when you’re driving, stuck in traffic, and your mind drifts to the stuff you used to be good at? Like, maybe you were that kid who could sketch for hours, or you were always building something out of Legos. Then, life happened. Responsibilities piled up, work took over, and that creative spark faded into the background.
That’s exactly where my conversation with Patrick Williams kicked off. Patrick’s an award-winning artist, TEDx speaker, and author, and our chat on the Never Been Promoted podcast really got me thinking. He shared how he never let go of that creative fire, even when life threw him curveballs. His journey from drawing on a farm in Nebraska to being a full-time artist got me reflecting on how creativity doesn’t disappear—it just gets buried under the daily grind.
So, grab your coffee (or whiskey, no judgment), and let’s dive into what I learned from Patrick about staying creative and making it work, no matter where life takes you.
Creativity Isn’t a Gift, It’s a Habit
Patrick didn’t wake up one day as an award-winning artist. He taught himself to draw at ten, and by fifteen, he was painting. But here’s what hit home for me: creativity wasn’t some magical talent he stumbled upon. It was a habit—a discipline. “I filled up sketchpads and larger sketchpads as a teen, and I just stuck with it.”
It’s easy to think of creativity as something that either comes naturally or doesn’t. But Patrick’s story flips that idea on its head. He wasn’t born with a paintbrush in his hand—he worked at it, day in and day out. And for him, it wasn’t about some grand artistic vision. It was about consistency, about experimenting without fear of failure. He didn’t settle into one style or medium; he kept evolving.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Creativity is built, not born. You don’t need to be naturally gifted to be creative. It’s about putting in the time and making it a habit, like Patrick did with his morning meditations—small, creative exercises he does every day.
- Let go of perfection. One of Patrick’s favorite exercises is simple: draw two circles, make marks, repeat. It’s not about making something perfect—it’s about playing around and seeing where it takes you.
- Keep experimenting. Patrick reinvented himself time and again, moving from sketches to watercolors to portraits. The point is to keep trying new things and never get too comfortable.
Making Art (or Any Passion) Work Without Selling Out
Here’s the thing about being creative: it’s tough to turn your passion into a paycheck without feeling like you’re selling out. Patrick hit on this when he talked about navigating the art world—he didn’t want to fall into the “snobbery” of high art, but he also needed to make a living. “We’re rebranding how art is sold,” he explained, “focusing on working-class people, not high culture.”
As an entrepreneur, I get the balancing act between staying true to what you love and needing to make a living. Patrick’s approach was refreshingly simple: find a way to make your passion accessible to real people. He and his business partner are creating prints of his artwork that the average person can afford, bringing creativity into homes that wouldn’t usually think of buying “high art.” It’s about connecting with the people who share your values and making something they’ll appreciate—without losing yourself in the process.
What I Learned from His Experience:
- Know your audience. Patrick didn’t try to appeal to the elite. He’s making art for people like him—folks who grew up with little but still appreciated beauty. That’s a lesson for anyone trying to monetize their passion.
- Stay authentic. Patrick doesn’t compromise on the quality or meaning behind his work. Even as he commercializes his art, he’s staying true to the stories and history that inspire him, like his series on American founding fathers.
- There’s value in everything. Don’t underestimate the worth of your work. Patrick’s not aiming for some highbrow gallery crowd—he’s offering affordable art that still holds deep meaning.
Reflections from the Interview
One thing that stuck with me after this conversation was Patrick’s focus on consistency and exploration. Whether it’s art, entrepreneurship, or even parenting, his approach was all about showing up every day and trying new things. Creativity, in his world, isn’t some fleeting inspiration—it’s something you make room for, every single day.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Keep a journal. Patrick swears by his unlined journal, where he writes and sketches daily. It’s a simple way to capture ideas and explore them without structure.
- Make time for creativity. We all say we don’t have enough time, but Patrick’s morning meditations are proof that a little time each day can go a long way in keeping the creative juices flowing.
- Let yourself be surprised. One of Patrick’s exercises involves drawing circles and marks, just to see what happens. It’s about letting go of control and seeing where creativity leads.
- Reinvent yourself. Patrick’s career has spanned decades, and he’s never stuck to one style or medium. This reminds me to keep evolving and not get stuck in one approach.
- It’s okay to shift your audience. Patrick’s focus on the working class isn’t just a marketing move—it’s a shift that reflects his own background and values. The lesson? Stay flexible with your audience, and make sure you’re speaking to the people who really get you.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I’ve taken from my chat with Patrick, it’s this: creativity isn’t something you’re born with or something you lose. It’s something you make. You carve out space for it. You practice it. You nurture it. And whether you’re an artist, an entrepreneur, or just someone trying to stay inspired, the key is to show up, day after day, even when it’s hard.
If you’ve ever felt like you’ve lost that creative spark—like the grind of life has smothered it—take a page from Patrick’s book. Start small. Try something new. And don’t wait for creativity to magically reappear. Go find it.
CONNECT WITH PATRICK WILLIAMS:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-michael-williams/