darren r hill

the creative minimalist

  • How Lowering Your Standards Can Improve Your Creative Work

    Lowering creative standards at the beginning of a project can improve creativity. High expectations can hinder initial progress, as perfectionism prevents the full expression of ideas. By embracing imperfect first drafts, we create art for editing, ultimately improving quality through consistent creative practice and completion rather than avoidance.

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  • The Difference Between Inspiration and Momentum

    Inspiration is unpredictable, so we need a way to find and even prod the muse. Momentum keeps you creating when inspiration disappears

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  • Advice I’d Ignore: Why Not All Creative Wisdom Is Created Equal

    Not all creative advice works for everyone. Learn how to filter guidance, avoid common pitfalls, and build confidence by recognising when to follow advice—and when to trust your own creative instincts.

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  • Why songs, and other creative projects, stay unfinished

    Why do most unfinished songs or art fail early in their creation? Most art fails early because decisions aren’t made. Too many options stall progress Decision fatigue can significantly hinder creativity. Each choice we make requires mental energy, and as that reserve diminishes, so does our ability to think creatively or approach problems with fresh…

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  • Waiting to feel ready just keeps you stuck

    Waiting to feel ready to create just keeps you stuck. If you start, you’ll realise you were ready to learn, to grow and create.

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  • What I believed about creativity that turned out to be wrong

    Some creative beliefs only make sense in hindsight. I believed in perfection; I needed faith in the imperfect. I believed my creations needed to be perfect. I was wrong. Learning that has enabled me to create, and enjoy creating.

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  • When creative plans don’t work

    When creative plans don’t work

    When creative plans don't work text with a picture of me

    Once upon a time, I had a creative plan, to create new music while finishing an old music project. That fairy tale came to an unhappy end. In this week’s vlog, I take a look at lessons learnt from a failed creative plan.

    Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
    namaste
    d
    xox

    If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.

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  • A Creative Rule of Life

    A Creative Rule of Life

    A Creative Rule of Life text with an image of me superimposed in front of a monk's cell

    Despite an inner craving to avoid rules and regulations, I have been contemplating how to bring a little order to my creative life. In this week’s vlog, I wonder if a creative rule of life might be the answer.

    Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
    namaste
    d
    xox

    If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.

    Sign up for my (ir)regular newsletter to keep up to date with my creative adventures, including special offers, and join me on Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Pinterest

  • Dealing with creative fails

    Dealing with creative fails

    Dealing with creative fails text with an image of me in front of a dystopian landscape

    The gloomy weather amplifies all the negatives; missed deadlines, slipped habits etc. How am I dealing with these creative and life failures? In this week’s vlog, I give a little thanks to get a little sunshine.

    Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
    namaste
    d
    xox

    If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.

    Sign up for my (ir)regular newsletter to keep up to date with my creative adventures, including special offers, and join me on Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Pinterest

  • Imbolc and creativity

    Imbolc and creativity

    Imbolc and creativity text, an image of me and dark clouds

    Into February and despite the weather not quite being springlike I have been inspired by the festival of Imbolc for a creative nudge. FAWM and festivals combine in this week’s vlog, and also a little poetry.

    Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
    namaste
    d
    xox

    If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.

    Sign up for my (ir)regular newsletter to keep up to date with my creative adventures, including special offers, and join me on Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Pinterest

  • How to Create it all!

    How to Create it all!

    How to create it all text with an image of me

    I want to create it all! I have far too much clamouring for my attention, from social media to hundreds of unfinished creative projects. How can I create what I want and need to create? This week’s vlog explores how I am attempting to create all the create!

    Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
    namaste
    d
    xox

    If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.

    Sign up for my (ir)regular newsletter to keep up to date with my creative adventures, including special offers, and join me on Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Pinterest

  • 3 Steps to Creative Heaven?

    3 Steps to Creative Heaven?

    3 steps to creative heaven? text with an image of me walking

    3 steps that are helping me reach my creative goals. This vlog looks at what works in my planning, to-dos and habit tracking. After just a few weeks of the year, I am already noticing what does and doesn’t work.

    Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
    namaste
    d
    xox

    If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.

    Sign up for my (ir)regular newsletter to keep up to date with my creative adventures, including special offers, and join me on Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Pinterest