The human side of running a creative business - David Sheldon-Hicks

Mindful Creative with Radim Malinic

"You choose that the pain is accepted because what you're putting in, you're getting out. You choose that it's worth your time and effort." - David Sheldon Hicks
In this introspective conversation, David Sheldon-Hicks, co-founder of Territory Studio, reflects on his 15-year journey from motion designer to creative business leader. He discusses the challenges of creative leadership, the importance of embracing uncertainty, and the delicate balance between creative ambition and human wellbeing.
David shares insights about building a global creative studio while maintaining creative excellence and supporting team mental health. Through personal anecdotes about working on major films like Dune and his experiences with therapy, David illustrates how creative leadership involves both professional and personal growth.
His candid discussion about the struggles and triumphs of running a creative business offers valuable insights for anyone in the creative industry looking to scale their impact while maintaining authenticity and purpose.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Creative leadership requires balancing confidence with constant learning and improvement
• The best creative work often comes from embracing uncertainty and not having all the answers
• Building a successful creative studio means creating conditions for others to thrive
• Mental health and emotional awareness are crucial for sustained creative success
• Creative professionals need to better recognize and assert their value in business
• Hard work in creative fields should be balanced with purpose and enjoyment
• Legacy in creative business comes from building sustainable environments for future creators
• The creative process requires managing both fear and adrenaline effectively
• Stepping back from hands-on creative work can enable greater impact through leadership
• Being human and empathetic is essential for supporting teams through challenging projects

Mindful Creative: How to understand and deal with the highs and lows of creative life, career and business

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