Success is 10% inspiration, 90% perspiration. But without that all-important 10%, there’d be nothing to sweat over.
Regularly topping up the inspiration levels is great for focus, energy levels and all-round work happiness. So enjoy Creative Boom and Honeycomb Creative Works’ collection of some of the most motivating and informative free video content around.
Warning: watching these videos may result in a serious surge of get-up-and-go...
Art and Innovation
1. Stan Lee / Advice for comic book writers and other artists
Straight-talking comic book storyteller extraordinaire shares his thoughts on influence, authenticity and structure. If you’re working with your imagination, can you afford not to listen to the guy who invented Spiderman, Iron Man, the X-Men and Daredevil?
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2. Oliver Jeffers
Oliver Jeffers is an award-winning children's book creator who has been translated into over 30 languages and won a BAFTA for his animated film Lost and Found.
Oliver talks about the focus and self-discipline necessary to make great art, especially when you have a lot of different interests (his own, aside from kids books, include figurative painting, animation and typography).
Interview with Oliver Jeffers from Honeycomb - Creative Works on Vimeo.
3. Eight Artists / Advice to the Young
Visual artists Olafur Eliasson, the Chapman Brothers and William Kentridge all have strong feelings on what it takes to ‘make it,’ and present a diverse selection of insights to inspire young artists to do big things.
Other sage advice comes from Serbian performance artist Marina Abramovich, German film director Wim Wenders, punk poet Patti Smith, and Talking Heads frontman David Byrne, who advises: “Never undervalue your own artistic satisfaction”.
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4. Neil Gaiman / Make Good Art
Prolific horror writer Neil Gaiman discusses how, upon starting out on a career in the arts, having no idea what you’re doing is a wonderful and powerful thing.
Especially when he says: “The rules of what’s possible and impossible have been made by people who never tested the boundaries - and you can”.
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5. Magnus Walker / Go with your gut feeling
Motivating TED speech from an ordinary Northern lad whose journey took him from being on the dole in Sheffield to stumbling into owner a fashion house in LA. A tale about engineering your own luck, taking your chances and adapting quickly whenever an opportunity arises.
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6. Paul Klein / How to succeed as an artist
40-min lecture that tells you how make a relationship with your art that you are comfortable with - and how to make the most of that.
Very inspiring, especially when he points out, “creatives have better access to problem solving, and can make the world a better place if they are sufficiently empowered”.
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7. You are the art: Laura Hollick
Artist and shaman Laura Hollick gives a deeply emotive talk. To truly create from the soul, an artist must find a bridge between their inner selves and the outer world. Her own epiphany started with creating an art piece that majored on a debilitating chronic skin condition she suffered in her youth.
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Digital and Design
8. Joe Gebbia - Founder of AirBnB / Executing your idea starts with a single small step
The catalyst for Airbnb was an unaffordable rent demand, which meant rookie entrepreneur Joe Gebbia needed to find cash fast. Along with his housemate, they threw together a quick website to rent out an airbed in their living room and the rest is even more interesting…
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9. Wayne Denner – Author of the ‘Student’s Guide to an Epic Online Reputation’
‘Digital ninja’ Wayne talks about what it takes to market yourself using Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and other social media platforms. Wayne is living proof that your digital CV can help you to get the job you want and follow the career of your choice - there’s nothing stopping you but yourself.
Wayne Denner, author of ‘the Student’s Guide to an epic online reputation’ from Honeycomb - Creative Works on Vimeo.
10. David McCandless /The Beauty of Data Visualisation
There is a titanic amount of data out there, at unprecedented levels and climbing. Journalist David McCandlless talks about his passion for data detective work, and how the only way for the brain to make full sense of it all is to showcase information in pictorial form.
His findings are inspiring, shocking, amusing, and at times, irritating.
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11. 50 entrepreneurs share priceless advice
An 18-minute video with a torrent of inspiring titbits from the people behind game-changing digital businesses such as Amazon, Apple, Spotify, Google, Paypal, LinkedIn and many, many more. 18 minutes well spent!
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12. Alexis Ohanian of Reddit / Making something people love
1 hour lecture from the co-founder of Reddit.com explaining how entraprenuers must pay close attention to community, connection and design - and how to go on the offensive when you’ve got your creative ducks in a row.
Wonderfully informative and energising presenter, who preaches: “Only your mom want to use your website - every other user has to be earned.”
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13. Janine Benyus /12 Sustainable Design Ideas From Nature
Biomimicry is beautiful. For example, a locust's ability to avoid touching other locusts within a fast flying swarm tells us how to design a crash resistant car.
The best creative director in the world is nature. Imagine designing and orchestrating springtime…Janine Benyus talks us through some of the finest innovations inspired by nature - and how to come up with even more.
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14. Law Alsobrook /Graphic design and the making of meaning
Where art tries to reveal the world of the artist, graphic design tries to help others with their world. Ergo, design can save the world, only without heroics or pyrotechnics…
Qatar university professor Law Alsobrook talks us through how graphic design is the best job in the entire world, and how it’s the closest modern job to alchemy.
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Music
15. Andrew W.K
Andrew W.K. is famous for the hit songs ‘Party Hard’, ‘We Want Fun’, and ‘You Will Remember Tonight’. In a keynote speech at the Output conference in Belfast, hosted by Generator Northern Ireland, Honeycomb Creative Works and Belfast City Council, Andrew spoke about how only absolute dedication to your passion will do. If the passion is strong enough, good things will follow…
Andrew W.K. Keynote Address from Honeycomb - Creative Works on Vimeo.
16. Inspiring Words from Eminem
From being constantly underestimated by his peers, to multi-platinum selling artist in the world - and according to many prominent scholars - the most important poet in the last hundred years.
Here Marshall talks about dealing with the death of his best friend, stacking creative ammo and putting his daughter first. Spend five minutes with Marshall Mathers and I defy you not to come out fighting.
“I feel like anybody can do anything they set their mind to. It depends how bad you want it.”
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17. Bruno Mars
Rousing speech by hitmaker Bruno Mars on dealing with haters and doubters in a world where everyone’s a critic. This interview with Ellen De Generes really gets going at 4:50, where Bruno gets passionate and goes direct to camera.
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18. Nile Rodgers
10-minute talk-cum-guitar lesson from Chic disco legend and the creative brain behind an enormous catalogue of hit records. Talking in soft tones that belie his electrifying presence, he tells us trade secrets about his signature guitar style and how to write songs.
Nile lets us in on this gem: “It’s not what you play, it’s what you don’t play that makes it funky…”
Watch the video, you’ll see straightaway what he means.
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19. Dave Grohl
Deliciously foul-mouthed nuggets of wisdom from Foo Fighters honcho Dave Grohl. 2.14 seconds here will have you revved up and ready to rock and roll. Whether you’re a musician or not, Dave will make you feel better about the challenges you’re facing.
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Film
20. Sandra Scott / Hollywood Executive Producer
She may not be as famous as her illustrious collaborator Steven Spielberg, but Sandra has plenty of valuable advice for anyone looking to get into movie production or special effects.
She started out in visual effects films and animation (working on E.T., amongst others) and went on to become VFX executive producer on 14 household-name movies, including two Harry Potters and Star Trek Into The Darkness.
A must see.
Interview with Hollywood-based Executive Producer, Sandra Scott from Honeycomb - Creative Works on Vimeo.
21. Andrew Stanton / The clues to a great story
Andrew Stanton wrote and directed Bugs Life, Finding Nemo and Wall-E. He is currently busy directing Finding Dory and writing Toy Story 4.
He clearly knows a thing or two about stories, and he conveys these insights brilliantly. A wonderful Ted Talk from a truly inspirational creative leader.
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22. Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg offers an uplifting 12-minute commencement address about his first cinema experiences, and changing his major at university to accommodate him being “one more victim of this tremendous drug called cinema”.
In his words, “Your meaning and purpose in life only whispers to you, it rarely shouts”.
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23. Duane Hopkins / Filmmaking Masterclass
British director Duane Hopkins, known for 2008 Cannes-nominated Better Things, discusses what it takes to make it in the film industry, and what makes film a unique artform.
Really likeable, passionate, well-informed guy, who advises: “Always remain curious about why you’re doing what you’re doing”.
Duane Hopkins: Renowned Film Maker discusses his career from Honeycomb - Creative Works on Vimeo.
24. Robert McKee / Big Think Interview
A one-hour talk from screenwriting guru and author of the seminal text on storytelling for the movies.
The focus is good old-fashioned form and technique - McKee often comes across as bullish and dismissive of others work - but only when that work relies exclusively on special effects, with scant regard for a story. You will become a better storyteller for watching this video, whether you’re a filmmaker or not.
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25. Nicolas Forzy / Making your first film: whatever it takes
Burnt-out city boy turned independent filmmaker delivering a killer TED talk on how you don’t need really money to make a film. You just have to work out how to get stuff for free, and do it yourself, even the stunts.
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26. Emma Davie / West of Scotland Creative Media Academy
BAFTA Award-winning filmmaker Emma Davie talks about shaking up notions of how documentaries and documentary makers ‘should’ be. This means ditching assumptions, being a little cheekier, and taking risks with form. A refreshing talk on a novel approach - including discussion of the challenging notion that the subject of the documentary is not always the priority of the piece.
Emma Davie Guest Speaker at UWS from Honeycomb - Creative Works on Vimeo.
27. Richard Curtis BAFTA Screen Writers Lecture
Brilliant tips piece from the celebrated British writer and director who gave us Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral and About Time.
Richard talks a little about his work, and a lot about how to get out of blocked up moments i.e. how to unstick when you’re stuck. You couldn’t buy such treasured tutelage.
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28. JJ Abrahams /The Mystery Box
Lost, Star Trek and Star War VII director JJ Abrahams talks about his twin obsessions: mysteries and deconstructing things (right the way down to Kleenex boxes). Great presenter, highly motivating, with a strong comic edge.
JJ talks amusingly about the challenges of writing, casting and shooting the pilot of Lost in 11 weeks with plenty of jokey asides, including being inspired by and slightly in awe of technology.
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29. Jason Lopes / VFX engineer on Avatar, Iron Man 1 and 2, and The Life of Pi
Jason Lopes is Lead Engineer for Californian special effects company Legacy Effects. Here he talks about his work and what it takes to forge a successful career in visual effects for films (VFX), telling us that it's all about working together to create something beautiful.
Jason Lopes, VFX Engineer on Pacific Rim, Avatar, Iron Man 1 & 2, The Life of Pi and others from Honeycomb - Creative Works on Vimeo.
Photography
30. Dewitt Jones
National Geographic photographer and author of nine books explains the principles behind coming up with an extraordinary vision. He talks with persuasive eloquence about the metaphors for finding the perfect photograph being the lessons for a creative life - and life in general.
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31. Art Wolf / The art of the image
Amazing guide on how a top photographer pulls something out of an everyday scene that 99% of the population would never see…
Art Wolfe’s records wildlife, landscapes and native cultures; his mastery of colour, composition and perspective have brought him internationally acclaim - so if you have photographic ambitions, you’d be a fool not to listen to him.
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32. Karen Hutton / Finding your soul's genius & voice in your photography
Find your voice isn’t just for writers and poets. Karen Hutton talks about putting your whole self into your art and developing ‘signatures’ intrinsic to your work, in the hope that when people see a picture, they instantaneously recognise it as one of yours.
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33. Jess Hurd / From Fine Art to Photojournalism
Jess Hurd gives deep insight into the world of global photojournalism, its risks and rewards. She talks about the perils of freelance photojournalism, particularly in public order situations, where it’s essential to befriend the locals, and keep a sense of humour at all times.
Jess Hurd, photographer and campaigning photojournalist from Honeycomb - Creative Works on Vimeo.
34. Vincent Versace / The lens is the brush
Versace is a pioneer of the art and science of digital photography, and his work has led to innovative breakthroughs across the whole digital image value chain.
The full enigmatic title of this talk is: “The lens is the brush, the camera is the canvas, the file is the sheet music and the print is the symphony”.
The focus is much more technical than many photography talks, which is hardly surprising, due to Vincent’s position as both creative and technical leader.
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35. Jeff Cable / How to photograph events and make money doing it
Over the last 6 years, Jeff Cable has developed a unique approach when shooting weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, and other events, and now his side project has become a second full-time job. Here he shares information on how you can take your hobby and make it pay.
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Game Design
36. Colin MacDonald / Developing a chart-topping game
Colin Macdonald, Games Commissioner for Channel 4, talks about his experience in fast-moving, exponentially growing mobile games sector. He was involved in chart-topping games such The Snowman, and thus has lots of interesting insights to share. Here he explains how you should learn the AppStore algorithm, and focus your marketing accordingly.
Developing a chart-topping game from Honeycomb - Creative Works on Vimeo.
37. An inspirational story of a paralysed video game designer
Truly inspirational story of one man’s barnstorming comeback from a freak accident. After initially thinking his career was over, Jon Hales started his own games studio and codes with the knuckle of his pinky finger. Heroic stuff.
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38. Will Wright / Game design from the creator of The Sims
The architect of the Sims shows how to build structure, narrative, motivation and challenges into a game’s dynamics. A very long talk but super-interesting throughout.
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39. Daniel Cook / Game Design Theory I Wish I had Known When I Started
Veteran games designer, and co-owner of developer Spry Fox, Daniel Cook talks us through a selection of abstract design tools that makes creating great games come easier. These include loops, arcs, internal economies, and interaction frequencies - all essentials to inventing a highly addictive game.
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40. Google Talk / Three game design mistakes you're making
Google ‘Development Advocate’ Todd Kerpelman has designed his fair share of successful games, but it’s the flops he learned most from. Here he shares the three biggest mistakes that game designers make, because, he says, ‘chances are, you're making them, too.’
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41 Jonathan Blow: Video Games and the Human Condition**
Indie game developer Jonathan Blow on taking video games design beyond box ticking of best practices and into experiences that connect and engage on a much deeper human level.
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Creativity Leadership and Learning
42. Where good ideas come from
4-minute delightfully animated video discussing the value of the ‘slow-burning hunch’ and what environmental conditions are required to turn these hunches into full-blown killer ideas.
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43. Julian Tresure / How to speak so people want to listen
The voice is the instrument we all play. It’s the most powerful sound in the world, both how wars are started and how we tell people we love them.
Although the instrument is so powerful, many people struggle with playing it well. Julian Treasure talks through the 7 deadly sins of speaking, and a model of good positive speech that people won’t want to ignore.
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44. The Science of Persuasion
11-minute animated video backed up by 60 years of research on the scientific factors in getting someone to say YES…You will be surprised by the findings.
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45. Dr Ivan Joseph / The skill of self-confidence
Self-confidence is a skill. It can be defined as the ability to believe that you are able to accomplish any task, no matter what the adversity.
As it is a skill, self-confidence can be learned. Here Dr Ivan Joseph, Athletic Director and head coach of the Varsity Soccer team at Ryerson University, shows you how to convince yourself: “I am the captain of my ship, and the master of my destiny”.
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46. How to finish your business plan in one day
Growthink has helped over 500,000 entrepreneurs start, build or exit their company. Here they present a 22-minute guide to completing a business plan in 1/10 of the time it would take most people. Tackles the three main stumbling blocks of festering business plan motivations: lack of time, not knowing what to write, and being clueless on the financials.
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47. Josh Kaufman / The first 20 hours: how to learn anything
Josh specialises in teaching people from all walks of life how to master practical knowledge and skills. In this talk, he shares how having his first child inspired him to approach learning in a whole new way.
The talk takes 9 minute to get going, but when it does, the four simple steps to rapid skill acquisition could really help make learning new skills less intimidating.
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48. Idriz Zogaj / How to Become a Memory Master
With a better memory, you can be a better leader and quicker-thinking creative.
Presented by five-time winner of ‘Sweden’s Best Memory’, this Ted talk will tell you learnable techniques to give you supreme memory power and at the same time, give the ancillary benefit of deeper insight into the inner workings of your beautiful brain.
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49. Simon Sinek - Love Your Work
Sinek's amazingly simple idea, The Golden Circle, is grounded in the biology of human decision-making and is changing how leaders and companies think and act.
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To sum up, we’ll leave the final words to silver screen funnyman Jim Carey.
50. Jim Carrey’s Secret of Life
Jim Carrey giving an erudite, moving address on the key to living a fulfilling life. Just three minutes he’ll take, to absolutely melt your heart:
“Life doesn’t happen to you, it happens for you.”
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