INTERVIEW ON THE PRICE OF BUSINESS SHOW, MEDIA PARTNER OF THIS SITE.

Recently Kevin Price, Host of the nationally syndicated Price of Business Show, interviewed Benjamin “BENCASSO” Barnes.

The Benjamin “BENCASSO” Barnes Commentaries

Get Over Yourself, Get Out There, Just Post It” emphasizes that creativity is a journey filled with missteps and learning. As an artist or creator, it’s natural to feel embarrassed by early works, but these pieces are key to growth and development. Instead of hiding or discarding them, embrace them as evidence of progress. Reframe your perspective by seeing these works as learning experiences. Remember, everyone starts somewhere; even the best creators had humble beginnings. Use your past works for inspiration, practice self-compassion, and give yourself credit for the progress you’ve made. Ultimately, just get out there and share your journey with the world.

Get Over Yourself, Get Out There, Just Post It

Creativity is a journey, not a destination. It’s full of twists, turns, and plenty of cringe-worthy moments. As an artist, writer, musician, or content creator, you might often find yourself looking back at your early works and feeling a mix of embarrassment and nostalgia. The temptation to hide or even delete your initial attempts can be strong, but here’s why you should resist it and just post it.

Embrace the Cringe

Your early works are part of your creative journey, the stepping stones that led you to where you are today. Sure, they’re flawed, maybe even painfully so, but without them, you wouldn’t have developed the skills, style, and confidence you have now. Instead of shying away from these early creations, embrace them. Look at them as tangible evidence of your growth and evolution. Every piece, no matter how rough, contributed to your development as a creator.

Reframe Your Perspective

It’s easy to zero in on the mistakes and imperfections in your early works, but what if you looked at them differently? What lessons did they teach you? What did you learn about your craft, your interests, and your creative process? By reframing your perspective, you can find value in those initial missteps. They were your classroom, and they provided essential learning experiences that shaped the work you’re proud of today.

Remember That Everyone Starts Somewhere

Even the greatest artists, writers, musicians, and content creators had humble beginnings. No one creates their best work right out of the gate. Keeping this in mind can help you maintain a sense of perspective. Your early works are part of the universal journey of creativity, a rite of passage that every successful creator has traversed. They remind you that growth takes time and that mastery is a marathon, not a sprint.

Find Inspiration in Your Past

When you’re feeling creatively stuck or uninspired, your early works can be a surprising source of inspiration. Look back at the themes, ideas, and concepts you explored. What captured your imagination? Are there elements you can revisit or reimagine? By mining your own history, you can uncover fresh perspectives and reignite your creative spark.

Practice Self-Compassion

It’s easy to be your harshest critic, especially when reviewing your old work. But creativity thrives in a compassionate environment. Allow yourself the grace to make mistakes, to experiment, and to create work that doesn’t meet your current standards. Practice selfcompassion and remind yourself that growth is a continuous process. Celebrate your progress, no matter how incremental, and give yourself credit for the courage to keep going.

Ultimately, the key is to embrace your journey, warts and all. Your early works are not something to be hidden away or dismissed—they’re a testament to your persistence and passion. So get over yourself, get out there, and just post it. The world needs to see where you’ve been to appreciate where you’re going.

 

Meet Benjamin Barnes, also known as Bencasso: an artist, educator, musician, and mental health advocate. With accolades such as the 2023 grant from the San Francisco Arts Commission, Barnes is a prominent figure in the arts community. He’s contributed as a panelist for the California Arts Council and consulted for the US Department of Education. Under Bencasso LLC, he runs various ventures including a web gallery, music label, publishing company, and a Halloween-themed merchandise store. As the founder of Culture Scholar, a nonprofit dedicated to arts and education, Barnes’s impact extends far beyond his impressive artistic portfolio.

Twitter/X: @benjamindbarnes

 

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW IN ITS ENTIRETY HERE:

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