Blog | Willo O'Brien | Inspiring Creative Sustainability in Life & Business

Leah Duncan: Visual Ninja

Last December, at Renegade Craft Fair’s Holiday show, I ran across Leah Duncan and immediately fell in love with her work. I bought several of her journals, some for me and some for friends, and was so inspired by her talent. With such lovely designs and prints, who wouldn’t be inspired just glancing at them?! While trying to restrain myself from splurging too much, I made note that she’s definitely an artist to keep tabs on.

Since then, Leah – @leahduncanisme on Twitter – has been busily working on a new line (yay!), which includes pillows, tea towels, fabric, scarves, and prints. Her designs incorporate geometric amazingness, animals, flowers, feathers, landscapes, and more; all in an absolutely gorgeous palette. I just know we’ll see her featured in an interior design mag soon, if she hasn’t been already!

All of Leah’s work can be found on her new online shop. That is, if I don’t buy it all first. ;)

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Announcing the Winner of the Free Pass to the Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs!

I held a contest for a free pass to the Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs, happening August 5th-7th here in San Francisco, and in this video below you’re all going to find out who the lucky winner is! I even have a fun little surprise for all of you who didn’t win the pass, but still plan to attend. See? I got your back! :)

Thanks again to all who entered to win! I loved reading your entry answers and can relate with so many of the things you’re wanting to learn and challenges you’re facing. I’ve been there!

I’m developing a few courses right now (that you’ll be able to take wherever you live), so sign up on this list to learn more and be notified when they launch.

You can also subscribe to my blog posts via email, my newsletter, Twitter or Facebook (hmm, how many ways can I give you? :) to be alerted of new contests, cool conferences and creative courses!

Congrats again to the winner. I hope to see you all there next weekend!

UPDATE: After contacting the winner, I found out she can’t make it after all. Then, the second person I pulled lives in Virginia and she reported she unfortunately can’t get out here that fast.

So, THIRD TIME’S A CHARM and the new winner is…. Kai Kronfield of Nosh This – home of the ‘Bacon Crack’ and other amazingly delicious treats! Congratulations, Kai! Looking forward to seeing you at the Conference!

For all of you who were sad to learn your name wasn’t picked out of the hat (all 3 times), and you didn’t watch the whole way through my silly video above, I have a treat for you! Use discount code WILLO15 and you will get 15% off the (already low) conference registration!

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Obvious to you. Amazing to others.

Derek Sivers is a smart man. I met him at SXSW in 2009, and he’s a super nice guy. Founder of CDBaby.com, he’s published his wealth of knowledge through his website, and more recently, his new book, Anything You Want.

To promote his book, he had a series of videos created, based on chapters or snippets from the book. This one (below, and can be read here) totally hits home:

It’s taken me a few years to come to terms with the fact that the things I love to do – i.e. things that truly come naturally to me with little-to-no effort, because I love doing them – are actually skills that are highly valuable to others. Mind you, I’m not talking about everything I can do, because there are many things I can do that I don’t want to do. It’s the things that come naturally to me and I REALLY enjoy doing them… that’s the sweet spot! And when you realize that, “I can do what I love AND get paid for it?” Huzzah!

Looking at what comes naturally to me is really what brought me to start offering Consulting and Coaching services, and was the impetus for launching WilloToons Connect. I love speaking with fellow entrepreneurs about the gifts and challenges within their business, and I love inspiring and supporting other creatives and small business owners with the knowledge and perspective of all my years living off of my passion. It’s a win win!

What comes naturally to you, that may be obvious to you and amazing to others? Have you turned it into a business already?

Note: I offer consulting and coaching for those who want support as they walk through this process. It can sometimes be difficult to untangle it all ourselves. Work with me and we’ll find the clarity around how you can get closer to making your “if onlys” a reality. Contact me and let’s talk.

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Everything is Connected

Last night I had the pleasure of joining my dear friend, Emily Goligoski, at a private screening for Tiffany Shlain’s new film, Connected. Hosted by the Institute for the Future, in Palo Alto, it was a select audience of amazing women, all at the top of their game, making a difference in the world. I love meeting other movers & shakers, and felt completely honored to be amongst so many powerful and wise women.

This film, and the profound experience and knowledge of both Tiffany and her renowned late father, Leonard Shlain, provides a launch pad for conversation around what it means to be so connected, and yet in many regards, more disconnected than ever before in today’s digital age. Check out the trailer:

Being on the internet as long as I have, I’ve always known Tiffany Shlain for her pioneering the Webby Awards, but having the opportunity to discuss and share ideas with her around such a poignant topic (one that’s dear to my heart) was such a treat. I loved hearing her insights and thought process around the future of our society, in relation to the technological advances that are happening so rapidly and how we’re progressing towards interdependence, both emotionally, economically and environmentally. Have you ever met someone where you think, “YES! These are the conversations I want to have!” That’s how I felt about meeting Tiffany. What a cool woman.

It was also fun to see my friend Carlton Evans, of the Disposable Film Festival, has been working on this film, for it just so happens that our mutual friend, Rebecca Bortman’s band, My First Earthquake, has contributed their rockin’ beats to my WilloToons Connect video series. Small world!

For a little taste on how fierce and articulate Tiffany is on this subject, as well as a little more insight into what her documentary, Connected, is all about, watch her interview on Revolution, by Brian Solis.

For me, personally, being invited to see this screening couldn’t been a more perfect fit (Thanks, Em!). There were so many brilliant points made, I left energized and already looking forward to seeing it again. I also look forward to crossing paths again with some of the amazing women I met last night! Here’s to connecting more with your Self, your loved ones and the world around you.

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Behind-The-Scenes with Helen Jane!

I hope you loved the WilloToons Connect episode featuring Helen Jane as much as I loved spending time with her. Great news – there’s more! I just uploaded some behind-the-scenes photos from the video shoot on the WilloToons Facebook page. Become a fan, if you haven’t already, and check them out!

WilloToons Connect Creative Questionnaire
And that’s not all! For even more juicy behind-the-scenes action, I had Helen Jane answer a few fun questions for us:

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An artist and a secretary.
I loved to create and I longed to wear high heels just like the secretaries on television.

What is one artistic avenue you’ve never explored, but would like to?
Spoken word poetry.

Coffee or tea?
Both!
Half caf. Black.

What meaningful advice do you have for aspiring creative entrepreneurs?
You can charge a premium for excellence at your craft. Practice your craft until you master it.

What would you do with 1 miiiiillliiooooon dollars?
Invent something.
Throw a giant party.
Invent something else.
Tuck it in the college fund.
Give some to a person who could use it.

How do you practice self care on a daily basis?
Write morning pages.
Floss (I keep it near my monitor to remember).
Walk the dog every day for at least 30 minutes.

What is one piece of technology you can’t live without?
Speakers!

What has been your biggest obstacle in living your dream?
Financial stress. Not knowing more about money.

In the past year, what accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
Launching HJEntertains, keynoting the EVO conference, keeping my two daughters alive and my sexy manfriend happy.

What’s your one tip for successfully running a small business?
Schedule time in your calendar to follow up on your expenses and income every single day. Really know what’s coming in and going out.

What does ‘Creative Sustainability in Life and Business’ mean to you?
Putting good practices into place to create for the long haul.

How do you know Willo?
I met her at SXSW in 2006. I handed her a juice box filled with wine. The. End.

Given the choice between relaxation and adventure, which vacation would you choose?
Relaxation. Totally. Regular life is too adventurous on its own!

What goals do you have for your business in the next 6 months?
Try more creative endeavors without the constant worry of income.

What has been your favorite moment so far today?
I was given a fancy (!) digital (!) camera (!) today for my birthday from a VERY generous client. Unwrapping the bubble wrap made me unreasonably happy.

Name one thing that owning your own business has given you the opportunity to work on.
Writing.
This year I tried some freelance writing jobs and found them truly enjoyable. I wouldn’t have had that opportunity previously.

Do you have any rituals that help you get in the flow?
I write my lists on copy paper clipped to a clipboard. I can’t get started unless I have my list right next to me, the right pen and have made my bed.

Do you remember your first experience with the internet?
Yes. I signed up for a Phish listserv. Also pot recipes. Come on, it was 1994.

What’s your next big adventure?
I’ve actually just taken a day job with Federated Media. I’m joining a corporate gig to get a chance to be at the forefront of online storytelling. Corporate creative sustainability!

What’s a question you wish I would have asked?
What’s your favorite unsolicited advice to give?
My favorite unsolicited advice to give is that if you don’t know what you want, you can’t have it. Spend some time figuring out what you want and you’ll be surprised at the speed your unconscious helps to bring those things to you.

Ah, that Helen Jane… so adorable & wise! Love her. Congratulations on the new gig, HJ & most of all: Happy birthday, to an amazing woman!

If you liked these answers, you’ll love our WilloToons Connect conversation. And, if you just want a little taste, scoot over & watch the trailer for the episode!

Are there any questions you’d like to ask Helen Jane? Which behind-the-scenes photo is your favorite? Let me know with a comment… or even answer one of those questions for yourself! I’d love to hear from you.

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I’m Speaking at WordCamp in SF!

Want to learn more about WordPress? Want to meet other people who use WordPress? Then come join me at WordCamp in San Francisco!

I’m speaking on Sunday, August 14th — the day dedicated to content creators — and I’ll be talking all about how I’ve used WordPress for my business over the years, how I’ve set it up to launch my new WilloToons Connect video series and some key tips & tricks for making the most out of your WordPress site.

This year, the program has been split into three-days, with focus on new-users and WordPress installations beginning on Friday, developers and designers on Saturday, and content creators on Sunday. Tickets start at only $25 per day. Register now & I’ll see you there!

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Featured: Ideas are like Rabbits

There’s a new website, called Ideas are like Rabbits, all about ideas & creativity – my favorite! Check out the full interview on their site where I answer three questions:

Describe what creativity means to you.
What influences your work?
What challenges do you face in your work, and how do you overcome them?

In the last question I talk a lot about my inspiration behind launching the WilloToons Connect video series.

There’s a bunch of awesome creatives featured so far, and very cool to see how each of them answer the same three questions. Thanks for having me, guys!

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Jammin’ on WilloToons Connect

I am so pleased to have my friend, and Bay Area musician, anamude featured on my WilloToons Connect conversation with Mati Rose McDonough!

Anamude’s folk/pop music sets the tone right at the beginning of the episode, and her sweet strums take us through the transitions. This song, “A Dim-Lit Road,” can be found for purchase on CD Baby, along with the entire Urban Comfort album, for only $10.

Also, My First Earthquake makes another appearance on WilloToons Connect, with their upbeat song “Masada” closing the Mati Rose episode. It can be found on their 2010 4-track EP, Crush, which is available as a free download. Sweet!

Last, but definitely not least, is the great song you hear in the 1-minute trailer for the Mati Rose episode (if you haven’t seen the trailer yet, go watch it… it’s great!). My friend, Steven Holmes, has not only been the WilloToons Connect editor on my first two episodes, but he’s a rockin’ musician, too! Go watch Steve’s music video, Dreamer, where he plays all of the instruments! Amazing. I’m so grateful to have that guy on my team.

Thanks for lending your incredible talent, friends. I love having your creative work as a part of this inspiring series, and it wouldn’t be as awesome without the fabulous collaboration of all of us together! <3

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feistyelle is eco-fierce!

In 2007 I launched the WilloToons apparel line, and over the next few years sold at events around the country, or what I like to call ‘the craft show circuit.’ :)

During this time I met so many amazing artists, designers & crafters, and Leslie Yang was one of them. Leslie launched her line, feistyelle, in 2005, and it’s been so fun to watch it evolve.

Her line includes beautifully designed, lasercut earrings, hair clips, necklaces, brooches, and home decor — all made out of sustainable materials such as bamboo ply and merino wool felt. Well designed & eco-friendly? She calls it eco chic, but that’s what I call eco-fierce!

And she is… Leslie has her line in stores across the country and coming out with new designs all the time. I just bought a pair of earrings from her new line actually and they’re so hot! I also bought her Jade Feather Earrings, and wore them for the first time last night and got so many compliments. It’s so neat that you can wear them up or down (see her additional photos on that page to see what I mean)… it’s like owning two pairs of earrings in one!

Leslie is inspiring, both as a rockin’ business woman, but also for her sincere commitment to producing products that are kind to our health and our earth. I’m honored to call her a friend, and a client, but possibly the best part is having the opportunity to share her story to everyone who compliments me on my fabulous feistyelle earrings!

Connect with feistyelle on her blog, Facebook and Twitter. Oh, and for any of you catching this post over the weekend, she’s having a huge awesome sale on Pure Citizen that ends Sunday night!

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Win a Ticket to the Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs!

The Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs is now just a few weeks away… I am so excited! If you missed it, I’ll be contributing to five different talks and soaking up as much knowledge as I can from all the other talented folks there, too!

It’s going to be so jam packed full of awesome, which is why I’m thrilled to report I have some GREAT news for those of you who have been wanting to go, but have yet to purchase your ticket: I am giving away a free 3-day pass to the conference (a $265 value)!!

YES! Free entrance to the entire conference — which don’t forget includes all the super fun parties and networking/mingling that will go down during the evenings — what a treat!

To enter, simply answer this question in the comments below:

“I want to attend CCE to learn more about __________.”

To inform your decision, you can review the full schedule here, or see the specific topics I’m contributing to, but whatever you do, just remember to come back here and leave a comment.

Through my new video series, WilloToons Connect, and my talks at CCE, my goal is to help creatives thrive in life and business. So, I want to hear what you want to learn more about. You may face challenges being a creative professional full-time, and are looking for guidance to overcome them. You may have a new great idea that you want feedback on or to share with a wider audience. Maybe you are just beginning to build a business based on your creativity and are looking for resources to get you started? Whatever your reason, I want to hear where you are at in your business, and why you would love to join us.

That said, keep in mind, the winner will be selected at random, and not based upon the most clever answer… so no pressure! Just tell it like it is & know that your comment is your entry. And of course, be sure to leave an email address, so I can contact you if you win.

That’s it! The winner will be chosen on Wednesday, July 27th. Just in time for those of you who need the 2 weeks to book your plane ticket. ;) Looking forward to seeing you there!

UPDATE: Watch this video to find out who the lucky winner is… AND I even have a hot discount code for the rest of you!! Thank you for all of your awesome entries, and hope to see you there!

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