When I was young, my mother told me a simple yet powerful tale that has stayed with me throughout my life. It has shaped my passion, my work, and my approach to creativity. As someone deeply involved in the creative industry—whether as an artist, surface designer, or photographer—this lesson remains incredibly relevant. It serves as a guiding principle, a reminder that in the pursuit of success, we must take the time to sharpen our tools, refine our skills, and invest in ourselves.
The story goes like this:
A man was in the forest, trying to chop down a tree with a blunt axe. As he struggled, another person passed by and said,
“If you just stopped and sharpened that axe, you’d work a lot better.”
The man with the axe replied,
“I can’t do that. I haven’t got the time.”
This story, though simple, holds a profound truth. The refusal to take a moment to sharpen the axe is something many of us are guilty of in our daily lives, especially in the creative industry. We get caught up in the demands of producing work, meeting deadlines, and handling responsibilities, so much so that we forget the importance of pausing, reflecting, and honing our craft.
Let’s explore how this lesson applies to creatives today and why keeping our “axe” sharp is essential for long-term success.
The Blunt Axe in the Creative Industry
In the creative world, your axe represents your skills, knowledge, mindset, and tools. Whether you’re an artist crafting a masterpiece, a surface designer developing a pattern collection, or a photographer capturing stunning visuals, your success relies on how sharp your “axe” is. But what does a blunt axe look like in the creative industry?
- Burnout and Creative Block
Constantly working without rest or reflection can lead to burnout. When you’re exhausted, your creativity suffers, and your work quality declines. Many creatives push through exhaustion, thinking they don’t have time to pause, but the reality is that burnout slows you down in the long run. - Stagnation in Skill Development
The creative industry is constantly evolving. New techniques, technologies, and trends emerge all the time. If you don’t take time to learn and adapt, your work may start to feel outdated, and opportunities may pass you by. - Inefficiency and Lack of Productivity
Working harder isn’t always the answer; working smarter is. A creative who doesn’t invest in improving their workflow, upgrading their tools, or refining their skills may find themselves spending more time on tasks that could be done efficiently with better methods. - Fear of Change or Learning New Skills
Sometimes, creatives avoid sharpening their skills because they fear stepping out of their comfort zone. Learning a new skill or investing in professional growth might seem time-consuming, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial effort.
Sharpening Your Axe: Practical Strategies for Creatives
Now that we understand the consequences of a blunt axe, how can creatives ensure they keep their tools sharp? Here are some practical ways:
1. Continuous Learning and Skill Development
The creative industry is dynamic, and staying updated is crucial. Make learning a habit:
- Take online courses on platforms like Skillshare or Domestika.
- Attend workshops, whether in-person or virtual, to learn from industry experts.
- Experiment with new techniques and mediums to expand your creative range.
- Read books, blogs, or articles on design, photography, and business strategies.
2. Invest in High-Quality Tools and Resources
Using outdated or inefficient tools can slow you down. Investing in quality materials, software, and equipment can drastically improve your productivity and the quality of your work.
- Upgrade to better brushes, paints, or digital tools.
- If you’re a surface designer, explore new software like Procreate or Adobe Illustrator updates.
- Photographers should consider better lenses, lighting equipment, or editing software.
3. Take Time for Reflection and Planning
Rather than rushing from one project to another, take time to step back and evaluate:
- Are you working efficiently, or are there better ways to approach your tasks?
- Are there aspects of your work that need improvement?
- Have you set clear creative and business goals?
Journaling or setting aside time for brainstorming sessions can help you see where improvements are needed.
4. Rest and Rejuvenate
Pausing doesn’t mean you’re being unproductive. Taking breaks can refresh your mind and lead to new ideas. Creativity thrives when you allow space for inspiration.
- Schedule regular breaks and vacations.
- Engage in non-work-related activities that inspire you (travel, nature walks, museum visits).
- Prioritize self-care to avoid burnout.
5. Build a Support Network
No creative should work in isolation. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can inspire you, offer new perspectives, and keep you accountable.
- Join creative communities, forums, or social media groups.
- Collaborate with other artists and designers.
- Seek mentorship from experienced professionals.
The Art Licensing Perspective: A Strategic Approach to Keeping Your Axe Sharp
For those involved in art licensing, keeping your axe sharp means being strategic in your approach:
- Understand industry trends and what buyers are looking for.
- Continuously update and refresh your portfolio to stay competitive.
- Learn about licensing contracts, royalty structures, and client relationships.
- Work closely with a licensing manager to refine your submissions and maximize opportunities.
Art licensing isn’t just about producing work—it’s about ensuring your work is marketable and aligns with industry demands. Taking time to research, strategize, and refine your approach will lead to better long-term results.
Final Thoughts: The Power of a Sharp Axe
At first glance, the man in the story seems hardworking, determined, and focused. But his refusal to pause and sharpen his axe ultimately holds him back. In the same way, as creatives, we must recognize that working harder without improving our skills, tools, or strategies only leads to frustration and inefficiency.
The next time you feel overwhelmed, ask yourself:
- Am I sharpening my axe, or am I just swinging harder?
- What can I do to improve my creative process and efficiency?
- Am I investing in myself and my growth as a creative professional?
Keeping your axe sharp is never a waste of time. It’s an investment in your craft, your career, and your creative journey. So take a step back, refine your tools, and move forward with clarity and strength.
Because a well-sharpened axe will always cut through the toughest of challenges with
Want to learn more?
- Find out more
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Now is the time to let your passion SHINE.
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To your success, Vinh Van Lam and Stuart Horrex Cofounders
ArtSHINE.com
