Creative Pep Talk from Andy Warhol

Sometimes the hardest part of any creative work is starting — or starting again. Whether you're designing for a client, building a business, or simply trying to make space for your own ideas, self-doubt can sneak in and slow you down.

One of my favorite creative reminders comes from Andy Warhol:

"Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art."

It’s advice I return to often, especially when I am starting something new or trying to push a personal idea forward. But honestly, this applies just as much to small businesses, brands, and freelancers as it does to artists.

Why It Resonates

Putting your work or business into the world is rarely easy. Whether you are launching a new product, planning your next marketing idea, or figuring out how to tell your brand’s story in a way that feels true, it can be tempting to overthink. You might find yourself tweaking endlessly or talking yourself out of moving forward entirely. But the perfect moment almost never arrives. Momentum is what creates opportunities.

The workday in full swing. My desk may be cluttered, but it's all part of the process.

From my own experience, whether I am designing for a client, working on personal projects like audio segments, or developing new marketing ideas for my business, the process is rarely smooth at first. But the act of doing, sharing, refining, and doing it again is what leads to growth. That is true for artists, and it is just as true for businesses.

The tools and platforms available today make creative marketing and content more accessible than ever. Whether you are a solo designer, an artist, or a small business owner trying to stand out, the important part is to start. You do not have to be the biggest name in the room to make an impact. You just have to show up and keep building.

The "Why Not Me" Mindset

This quote also ties into something I try to keep in mind: the "Why Not Me" mindset. There are so many talented designers and artists out there doing incredible things, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of great work. But that shouldn’t stop you from creating your own. Everyone has their own unique perspective to offer, and that’s what makes your work worth putting out into the world.

Even if you never hit it big or gain a massive audience, the impact of your work is still significant. You will always have your community—the people around you who will be affected by what you do, whether you realize it or not. And, as any freelancer can attest to, the slow times, the creative ruts, and the periods of doubt are part of the journey. What keeps me going is knowing that my work has value, and that even on the quiet days, it still matters.

Having a community of friends and other makers who can relate to these struggles is crucial. It’s a lot like what Warhol did with The Factory—he surrounded himself with a network of creatives who supported and fed off each other’s energy. That collaborative spirit is something I try to keep alive, both in my work and in my personal life.

The Creative Pep Talk

This isn’t just a reminder to myself. It’s something I try to share often — with friends, with fellow creatives, and even with clients. The act of starting, making, and putting your work out there is what moves ideas forward, whether you're designing for fun, building a brand, or growing a small business.

The tools and platforms will keep changing, but the mindset stays the same: show up, make the work, share the work, and while the world is deciding, make even more.