We caught up with the brilliant and insightful James Carter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
James, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic has deep roots in my family’s values. We believe firmly in the importance of nurturing a passion and love for what we do. This belief is the cornerstone of our drive and dedication. My homeschooling experience, a choice my parents made, was instrumental in shaping this ethic. Being homeschooled meant that I was constantly surrounded by my family, who exemplify an unwavering commitment to their endeavors. This environment taught me a vital lesson: achieving one’s goals requires personal effort and dedication.
From a young age, I learned to value the process of working hard to attain my aspirations. I was brought up with the conviction that perseverance and effort lead to success. Like many, I’ve faced challenges in maintaining motivation, particularly during times when things seemed to be falling apart. However, the unwavering support of my family has been my anchor. Through each hurdle, their encouragement has not only helped me to overcome difficulties but also to emerge with stronger ethics and a heightened motivation to achieve my goals.
This journey has taught me that work ethic is not just about the effort one puts in but also about resilience and the ability to draw strength from one’s support system. It’s about believing in oneself and persisting, even when the path is tough. That’s the ethos I carry in my life and work.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As an artist, author, and entrepreneur, my journey has been about weaving creativity into every facet of my life and work. At the heart of my endeavors is Creative Flair, a platform I founded to foster and support the artistic community. Creative Flair isn’t just a business; it’s a manifestation of my belief in the transformative power of art.
What sets Creative Flair apart is its dual purpose. Firstly, it’s a resource for artists, offering practical advice, inspiration, and a space for sharing experiences. Secondly, it’s a platform that recognizes and compensates artists for their insights, particularly through our blog, where artists can express their thoughts and earn for their contributions.
The most exciting aspect for me is seeing the tangible impact we’ve made in the artistic community. We’ve created a space where artists feel valued and supported, not just in their creative endeavors but also in their journey to make a sustainable living from their art.
In terms of what’s new, I’m thrilled about the expansion of our video content and artist interviews. We’re delving deep into the art world, gaining insights from up-and-coming artists to industry leaders from diverse backgrounds. Recently, we’ve embarked on creating feature videos around art fairs and galleries, sharing these vibrant, artistic experiences with a global audience.
Additionally, we’re expanding our online presence. Our Instagram page, also named Creative Flair, is becoming a hub for artists to connect, collaborate, and draw inspiration from each other. It’s a visual diary of our journey, showcasing diverse artworks and sharing stories from artists around the globe.
For me, Creative Flair is more than just a brand; it’s a personal commitment to the art community. It embodies my belief in the power of creativity and the importance of supporting and uplifting each other in our artistic journeys.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve identified three key qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have been instrumental in my success: creativity, resilience, and having a supportive network while understanding the fundamentals of my work. These elements are not just crucial for me as an artist and entrepreneur but are universally applicable across various fields and endeavors.
Creativity: At the core of my work is creativity, not just in the artistic sense but also in problem-solving and innovation. It’s about seeing possibilities where others might see obstacles. For those starting out, I recommend immersing yourself in diverse experiences and perspectives. Read widely, travel, engage with different art forms, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Creativity thrives on variety and open-mindedness.
Resilience: The path to success is rarely straightforward. Resilience has been key in navigating the ups and downs. It’s about persistence and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. My advice to newcomers is to cultivate a growth mindset. View challenges as opportunities to learn rather than as failures. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your vision and don’t be too harsh on yourself.
Support Network and Understanding Fundamentals: Having a robust support network and a grasp of the fundamentals in your field is crucial. While it’s important to have people who believe in and support your vision, it’s equally important to understand the basics of what you’re doing. This doesn’t mean you have to be an expert in every aspect, but having a foundational understanding allows for better decision-making and more effective collaboration. For those starting out, build relationships with mentors, peers, and industry professionals. Attend workshops, join communities, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. This network, combined with a solid understanding of your work’s fundamentals, will provide a strong foundation for your journey.
For those early in their journey, focus on developing these areas. Be patient and recognize that growth and proficiency take time. Surround yourself with people who encourage and challenge you, and commit to continuous learning and self-improvement. Remember, each step forward, no matter the size, is valuable progress on your path. Stay dedicated to your vision, embrace learning opportunities, and enjoy the journey.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
One of my greatest challenges currently is trying to convince the universe to add a few extra hours to the day! I’m balancing my university studies in Fine Art and History of Art at Goldsmiths University, running Creative Flair, and working as a gymnastics coach three days a week. As you can imagine, my diary is less of a schedule and more of a strategic jigsaw puzzle.
Structured Scheduling: I’ve mastered the art of meticulous time-tabling — if only I could master the art of time travel! My schedule meticulously divides time for studies, Creative Flair, and coaching, ensuring each gets its due focus.
Prioritisation: I’ve become quite the juggler, metaphorically speaking. Assessing tasks based on urgency and importance helps me throw the right balls in the air at the right time.
Effective Delegation: Recognising I’m not an octopus, with limitless arms to manage everything, I’m on boarding trusted and enthusiastic people to Creative Flair. This allows me to keep a grip on my studies and coaching commitments.
Self-Care and Mindfulness: Juggling so many roles can take its toll, both mentally and physically. I place a high priority on self-care, which for me, includes anything from a brisk walk to a well-deserved kip. It’s about keeping the mind and body in tiptop shape.
Continuous Reflection and Adjustment: Regularly, I take a step back (not too far back, mind you, or I’ll stumble over a gymnastics mat) to assess my schedule and make adjustments. It’s all about staying nimble and ready to pivot.
Utilising University Resources: I tap into the resources at Goldsmiths, seeking guidance from professors and engaging with peers. It’s like having an extra set of tools in my toolkit.
Integrating Skills Across Roles: Coaching gymnastics has sharpened skills like leadership and patience, incredibly handy when you’re trying to explain the difference between Monet and Manet to someone!
This balancing act is akin to a high-wire routine – thrilling, a bit nerve-wracking, but ultimately rewarding. Sure, there may not be enough hours in the day (still working on that), but with a bit of humour, a lot of coffee, and an unwavering commitment to my goals, it’s a journey I relish.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.creativeflair.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativeflair_org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeFlair.org/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-carter-207171209/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CreativeFlair__
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxopSIhjpk1HLGvqNJZ9T2A
