Show notes
What if the most creative thing you ever did had nothing to do with a paintbrush? Creativity isn't reserved for the artists with the fancy titles — it's a way of moving through the world, and it might be the most powerful form of self-trust you have. I sat down with Wichita-based multidisciplinary artist Jill Nicole Luten to talk about what happens when you stop performing creativity and start practicing it honestly. We covered everything from how she stumbled into photography through a food blog, to why play is non-negotiable for a creative life, to the one-word-a-month self-portrait practice that changed how she sees herself.HIGHLIGHTSJill shares how she didn't recognize her own creativity until her late twenties — and why that's more common than we thinkThe food blog that accidentally launched a photography career (and what her mom's unused camera had to do with it)Why other people's belief in you can unlock what you can't yet see in yourselfHow motherhood and therapy led Jill to claim the identity of "artist" for the first timeThe difference between seeing your own creativity and noticing creativity in the world around you — and why both matterCreativity isn't just for visual artists: Jill's definition — "something didn't exist, and now it does" — changes everythingWhy play is scientifically backed to improve self-confidence, intuition, and problem-solving — and why our culture makes it a battle to prioritizeThe pressure vs. play distinction: you can create under both, but only one fills you upHow Jill gives herself big, bold projects (like a solo art show or a year of self-portraits) to force herself to share her workThe one-word-a-month self-portrait practice — and how non-photographers can adapt itThe biggest creative advice for anyone stepping into a second act: go after it loosely, boldly, and with low expectationsCHAPTERS1:03 — Creativity as Self-Trust1:54 — Meet Jill Nicole Luten2:57 — Early Signs of Creativity4:39 — Food Blog to Photography6:46 — Others Reflect Your Gifts9:39 — Motherhood, Therapy, and Core Self11:26 — Seeing Creativity Everywhere14:50 — Redefining What Counts16:48 — Why Play Fuels Creativity19:01 — Play as an Adult and Mom20:14 — Books That Spark Play21:34 — Pressure vs. Play24:05 — Making Creativity Sustainable26:39 — Trust Yourself and Share29:36 — Going Big to Be Seen30:16 — Year of Self-Portraits30:54 — One Word a Month Method32:30 — Non-Photographer Options35:16 — Small Creative Practice37:04 — Where to Find JillRESOURCES MENTIONEDBig Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert — https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/big-magic/Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness by Ingrid Fetell Lee — https://aestheticsofjoy.com/the-book/The War of Art by Steven Pressfield — https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/Jill Nicole Luten on Instagram: @sincerelyjill and @jillnicolelutonJill Nicole Luten's website: jillnicoleluton.comWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.