Speaker - May 2012

“EACH OF US IS
A MASTERPIECE—
UNIQUE, ORIGINAL
AND AUTHENTIC—
NEVER A COPY OF
SOMEBODY ELSE.”
—RICHARD HIGHT

engaged as they try to figure out what I’m doing. That’s exactly the method to my madness: I do the illustration first because it captures their attention. Now they are ready to learn from what I have to say. When the painting is finished, then I make my formal presentation, closing with the thought that in all they do, they need to autograph with excellence. And then I sign my name to the canvas and I exit. Throughout the whole production, one goal is foremost in my mind: Deliver a “wow” experience.

Tailoring the product to the client is another key factor, and I do that quite literally. When organizations bring me in, I strive to leave behind a work that reflects their values or the event’s theme, or perhaps incorporating their logo. The client always retains the original artwork, and it’s always a thrill to see how it is used. They might hang it in their corporate offices as a visual to complement their mission statement; other times, it serves as the backdrop of a photo shoot at the end of the conference. And on occasion, the piece is auctioned off to raise money for a foundation or local charity. It’s a win either way.

Rut Busting

Everyone is creative to some degree, but even artists struggle with creativity. We all hit our creative wall or plateau. We don’t give ourselves permission to accept what could be. We get stuck in a rut, focusing on what is, and even what “can’t be.” There’s that incessant little voice that whispers, “You can’t do that. It can’t be done.” We pile up excuses as to why we can’t test groundbreaking methods, styles or phi-losophies. And it is at precisely this point that we become stymied.

Of course, that doesn’t just apply to the arts. The same stages in the creative process can be accessed in problem solving, innovation, and even life transitions. Some of the stages are challenging. Some can be fun; others are scary and exhausting. But the ultimate payoff is worth the effort.

I challenge anyone reading this, as I challenge my audiences, to give yourself permission to let go. Destroy your bad habits, negative energy and routines. Allow yourself to shake it up. And yes, no matter how tight-laced you are by nature, every once in a while, embrace your inner rebel.