We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarah Rowan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarah below.
Sarah, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Keeping creativity alive, I believe, is far simpler than we make it out to be. I have found all of life to be cyclical. Not only does the world experience seasons, such as spring and autumn…but so do we! And when we expect our creativity to feel like endless summer, we will only burn out with frustration as the leaves fall and cold gusts of reality chill us to the bone.
(Now for those reading this in Southern California, Singapore and countries along the equator, I know it’s harder to imagine snow and hibernating bears, but just play along with this metaphor with me. I grew up in both SoCal and Singapore and now live in Sydney, Australia, so trust me I am using my imagination as well lol.)
It all comes down to perspective. When you feel stuck in a creative rut, ask yourself “What is this teaching me?” rather than asking “Why is this happening to me?” Sometimes your physical body needs rest or a change of scenery. Spice up your life with unique meals and music genres. Have conversations with people outside of your normal circles of influence, cultural backgrounds and age demographics.
Creativity stripped of its many labels and definitions, frills and hats, I think can be summed up in one word, “curiosity”. The simplicity of this expression slows my mind and helps me take a deep breath at the very thought of its ease. I came across this viewpoint in Elizabeth Gilbert’s phenomenal read, “Big Magic” and it has revolutionised the way I see and flow in my creative journey.
Be curious. Just as life flows in cycles, so can we. Embrace the journey.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
For the past two decades, I have been growing my career as a speed painter and keynote speaker. It is fun and unique, creating works of art in 3 minutes to an hour depending on the event type. I perform at all sorts of events, from corporate to weddings, sporting, and charity functions, Creativity is contagious and I love seeing the inspiration it brings to so many lives. In addition, speaking to thousands of people about the power of creative living and authenticity has been a dream come true.
One of my goals is to raise a million for charities and currently am at the 300K AUD mark. And for every follower on my Instagram, I give $1 to SeaShepherd to help protect our oceans from illegal fishing.
At first, I painted LIVE in pubs and cafes to learn and grow in a skill I had never seen in 2004 when I first began performing. There wasn’t a book or grid for what I was doing, but I loved creating a path as I walked. There were lots of ups and downs, and it took a long time to create a living from art, but I am grateful to say that speaking and art are my full-time career.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My top three qualities that led to a successful art career are 1) Maximiser 2)Adaptability and 3) Input
1) Maximise the opportunities you have in life and remember that “big doors swing on little hinges”. I heard that when I was a teenager and it’s so damn true. Don’t wait for your “big break” or to go viral on socials…use what you have and you will be surprised how the smallest opportunity can open the door to your biggest breakthrough.
2) Be adaptable. There are so many variables that can go “wrong” in life. In my line of work with events, it looks like a disorganised event, a late flight, or a client needing sudden changes with minutes’ notice. Flexibility to adapt and let go of the ego is essential to a successful journey. Things have not gone wrong, they are merely plot twists to the story of your life.
3) Input. Be teachable. I am constantly learning and growing. I devour educational podcasts and videos to enhance what I can bring to the table. I have invested and continue to invest in my growth as a speaker by investing in myself and having a couple of speaking coaches. It doesn’t matter that I first started speaking when I was 16 and now I am 42. Being teachable is a beautiful key, and I believe that when we decide to stop learning, we start dying.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Surrounding yourself with people who have the skillsets and knowledge to support your journey is essential. I am grateful to have an incredible handful of people who have helped me grow in the knowledge of how to be a professional speaker, particularly on the business side of things. The dynamic duo in the speaker business are Michael Arnot and Marty Simpson. Michael is the principal booking agent for Encore Speakers and Marty is a professional speaker. These two team up to create an incredible virtual educational experience called MainStage Speaker Business Academy.
I have been through several different programs in the speaking world, but this one has taught me the most essential skills I was lacking in my business. Their support has meant the world to me and I cannot encourage you enough, to find the people in your world or expertise to help you develop and take your skills to the next level.
Michael and Marty have been in my world for the past year…and I have been in business for nearly 20 years. There is always room for growth and learning!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artistsarahrowan.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/artistsarahrowan
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtistSarahRowan/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artistsarahrowan/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahrowanart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/artistsarahrowan
Image Credits
Jake Holly, Melinda Hird, Kieran Moore, Brett Atkins, Lisa Hayes,
