Creativity

Understanding the Self-Publishing Landscape Self-publishing has grown rapidly in recent years. It offers writers more control over their work and the chance to reach readers directly. Unlike traditional publishing, self-publishing lets you decide everything—from cover design to pricing. However, this freedom comes with responsibility. You must manage editing, formatting, marketing, and distribution yourself or with hired help. Many writers struggle because they underestimate

Creative projects have seen a major shift with the rise of AI tools. I've used Suno for my music and Claude for the game I created. It's here, and it's important to understand where and when these tools are beneficial. Even tools like Canva and ChatGPT make it easier for people without artistic backgrounds to create visually appealing work. Yet, despite their power, AI cannot fully replace the human element. Recently, while helping a client with a children's book, I experi

Designing the Burnt Out Millennial (mix) Album Cover One of my most recent projects was creating the cover for the Burnt Out Millennial (mix) album. I wrote all the lyrics and published all the songs. The goal was to capture the mood of a generation quickly. I chose greyscale to represent the tension and loss of hope. The iconic throw-back visual of a burned CD evokes nostalgia. It reminds us of how the CDs we burned were a mix of styles and genres. The typography had to be c

The Idea Behind Burnt Out Millennial (mix) The idea for this album came from my own experiences and the stories I heard from friends. Millennials face unique challenges: economic uncertainty, shifting social expectations, and a world that feels both connected and isolating. I wanted to create something honest, raw, and relatable. Burnt Out Millennial (mix) is not just music; it’s a narrative. It moves through different emotions and styles, reflecting the many voices and moods

Starting a new year often feels like preparing for a big game. You don’t just show up and expect to win; you train, plan, and take it step by step. The same approach applies to personal and creative goals. Breaking down a large ambition into manageable parts makes success achievable and less overwhelming. In this post, I’ll share how I’m using this strategy to write lyrics and publish a CD in 2026, and how you can apply similar steps to your own goals. Why Planning Matters at