04Creative Targets - Stefan Sagmeister

05/20/16 • 57 min

Why does the monkey hate when you make create something new? This episode will dig into it.

First, I talk about creativity and how the monkey loves to hate it, meddling with your creative process and throwing up blocks. Then I am joined by this week’s guest, the rock-star of graphic design, Stefan Sagmeister.

I’ve known Stefan for about fifteen years and every time we chat I come up away excited, impressed and inspired. He first became famous for a poster he designed in which he carved all the type into his chest with a razor blade. That shocking experiment was typical of an artist who breaks boundaries left and right. His work for clients like Levis, the Guggenheim, Red Bull, Jay Z, the Olympics, the Rolling Stones, have won every design award and two Grammies. He has published several gorgeous and mind-bending books (and his sketchbooks are included in my book, An Illustrated Life), and he is a legend to designers everywhere. Every seven years, Stefan closes his studio for a year to recharge his batteries. Most recently, he used his sabbatical to explore the science of happiness. which led to the most visited design exhibit ever. He has just finished directing his first motion picture, The Happy Film. We talk about the process of making it, the obstacles inherent in trying something so brand new, the important of honesty and self-exploration in making good work, the power of communication to improve lives, and so many topics that matter to us both. The conversation was quite a long one but I have decided to share it all in one episode because I think Stefan is one of the most important creative minds of our time and every minute spent with him is never wasted.

What’s your experience with your monkey? How has it affected you, and how have you overcome it? Record your Monkey Tale at dannygregory.com/monkey.

The Shut Your Monkey podcast is brought to you by Sketchbook Skool, online art klasses that teach you how to be creative—no matter what the monkey says. See what it’s like to take a klass at Sketchbookskool.com. Use the promo code MONKEY and save 20% off your first kourse. Take that, monkey...

Why does the monkey hate when you make create something new? This episode will dig into it.

What’s your experience with your monkey? How has it affected you, and how have you overcome it? Record your Monkey Tale at dannygregory.com/monkey.

Previous Episode

03Origins: Dr. Robyn Cooper

Why do most of us have an inner critic, a negative inner voice that keeps us from being creative and trying new things?

In this week’s podcast, Shut Your Monkey author and host Danny Gregory talks with psychologist Dr. Robyn Cooper to uncover Whthe psychological sources of our negative inner voices, shedding light on their origins and exposing them as historical, but not necessarily honest. Dr. Cooper also shares a simple set of questions that will help you make positive and lasting change.

Monkey Tale: Monkeys are excellent mimics—just ask Rosie, who wanted to be an artist, but whose monkey echoes the voices of her parents telling her she wasn’t good enough and to get a “real” job. Hear how she used a watercolor brush as a weapon against her monkey.

What’s your experience with your monkey? How has it affected you, and how have you overcome it? Record your Monkey Tale at dannygregory.com/monkey.

This podcast is brought to you by Sketchbook Skool, online art klasses that inspire you how to be creative—no matter what your monkey tries to tell you. See what it’s like to take a klass, and use the promo code MONKEY to save 20 percent off your first kourse. Take that, monkey...

Next Episode

05Ghosts - Patti Digh

In this week’s podcast, Shut Your Monkey author and host Danny Gregory talks with Patti Digh, the bestselling author, teacher and storyteller. They'll discuss trauma and how the harsh voices of our childhood can continue to play tired old tapes in our heads — long past their expiration date.

Monkey of the Week: the Fake. It’s that voice that says: "You are a fraud and an imposter. Everyone knows you can’t do this. They’re all laughing behind your naive back." What can we say in response?

Monkey Tale: A few careless critiques can derail one's young career. Steve tells us how he was sabotaged by his first boss and how he has fought back after years of hiding his talent.

What’s your experience with your monkey? How has it affected you, and how have you overcome it? Record your Monkey Tale at dannygregory.com/monkey.