John Barrett's blog

When we hear the word “artist,” many of us imagine someone standing in front of an easel, paintbrush in hand, carefully crafting their next masterpiece. We’ve been conditioned to believe that only a select few are capable of being artists—those who possess extraordinary talent or some kind of innate genius. But what if I told you that you are an artist, too? What if I told you that the act of creating something remarkable isn’t reserved for those with a paintbrush or a guitar but is available to anyone willing to express their unique view of the world?

Art isn’t about talent, tools, or formal training. It’s about perspective. The moment you decide to see the world the way you see it and begin to express that view through any medium—whether it’s a business, a blog, or even a conversation—you are an artist. In this blog, we’ll explore how the definition of art has evolved, how it applies to business and life, and how you can embrace the artist within yourself to create something truly remarkable.

The Myth of the Ordained Genius

One of the biggest misconceptions about art is that it’s something only a few people are born with. We’ve all heard phrases like, “I’m not creative” or “I’m not artistic,” as if creativity and artistic expression were traits reserved for a special group of people. This myth has led to a culture where many of us feel excluded from the act of creating.

But here’s the truth: Art is not about talent or genius—it’s about expression. Seth Godin, one of the most influential thinkers in marketing and creativity today, argues that we are all capable of creating art because we are all capable of expressing our unique perspective. Godin redefines art as “anything that’s creative, passionate, and personal,” suggesting that art is more about showing up and making a contribution than having an extraordinary talent.

Art as a Mode, Not a Talent

What if we redefined art not as a thing you’re born with but as a mode you can step into? Just as you can choose to approach life with a mindset of curiosity or passion, you can choose to approach life with an artistic mindset. Art, in this sense, becomes less about the product—like a painting or a song—and more about the process of creating something meaningful.

This shift in thinking opens up new possibilities. It means that creating art isn’t about waiting for inspiration to strike or for the perfect set of circumstances to align. It’s about deciding to express yourself in a way that’s authentic, even if you’re unsure of the outcome. It’s about taking risks, being vulnerable, and sharing a part of yourself with the world.

So whether you’re designing a website, writing a blog post, or even brainstorming a new business idea, you are engaging in the act of creation. You are an artist every time you choose to bring something new into existence.

The Entrepreneur as Artist

This broader definition of art has profound implications for entrepreneurs and business leaders. If you’re building a business, you’re creating something from nothing—much like an artist with a blank canvas. Entrepreneurs, in many ways, are some of the most prolific artists of our time. Their medium may be different—ideas, strategies, and systems instead of paint or clay—but the creative process is the same.

Building a business requires vision, innovation, and the willingness to take risks. You’re constantly creating solutions, crafting strategies, and developing products that express your unique perspective on the world. You’re seeing a gap or a need and choosing to fill it with something new. That’s art in action.

Consider some of the most innovative companies of our time—Apple, Tesla, Patagonia. These brands didn’t rise to the top by following the rules or playing it safe. They embraced creativity and boldness, willing to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. Their founders—Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Yvon Chouinard—weren’t just businesspeople; they were artists, expressing their vision of the future through their products and companies.

Creativity as the New Currency

In today’s rapidly changing world, creativity is more valuable than ever before. Businesses are constantly evolving, and those that fail to innovate quickly become irrelevant. Creativity has become the new currency in the marketplace—whether you’re developing a marketing campaign, launching a new product, or figuring out how to stand out in a crowded industry, creativity is what sets the great businesses apart from the good ones.

But here’s the key: Creativity doesn’t mean you need to reinvent the wheel or come up with a groundbreaking new idea. It’s about taking risks, trying new things, and iterating on your process. Just like an artist refines their craft over time, entrepreneurs and business leaders need to embrace the process of experimentation, learning from failure, and continually innovating.

When you start seeing creativity as a daily practice—rather than a one-time spark of inspiration—you begin to unlock new possibilities. You stop waiting for the perfect idea to arrive and start creating every day, trusting that the more you create, the more your ideas will flow.

The Power of Storytelling: Your Brand is Your Art

One of the most powerful ways to express your unique perspective is through storytelling. In the world of business, branding is the ultimate form of storytelling. Your brand is the story you tell the world about who you are, what you stand for, and why you exist. Just like an artist uses a canvas to communicate their vision, you use your brand to communicate your values, mission, and purpose to your audience.

Storytelling is an art form, and the most successful brands are the ones that tell compelling stories. Think about brands like Nike or Apple—they don’t just sell products; they sell a vision, a lifestyle, an emotional connection. They use storytelling to create a sense of belonging, to inspire, and to challenge their audiences to think differently.

If you’re building a brand, ask yourself: What’s the story I want to tell? What’s the unique perspective I bring to the world, and how can I express that through my brand? The moment you start thinking of your brand as a piece of art—something that evolves, grows, and tells a story—you begin to see endless possibilities for creativity and innovation.

Embracing the Artist’s Mindset in Business and Life

Ultimately, art is about risk. It’s about being vulnerable enough to share something personal, even if it might not be perfect. It’s about being willing to fail in the pursuit of creating something meaningful. The same is true in business. Entrepreneurs who succeed aren’t the ones who play it safe—they’re the ones who take risks, who push the boundaries, who aren’t afraid to fail in the pursuit of greatness.

So how can you begin to cultivate the artist’s mindset in your own life and work?

1. Start Before You’re Ready: Artists don’t wait for the perfect conditions to start creating. Neither should you. Begin before you feel fully prepared, and trust that the act of creating will make you better over time.
2. Embrace Failure: Every great artist has faced rejection, criticism, and failure. The same goes for entrepreneurs. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from creating something remarkable.
3. Create Every Day: Whether it’s writing, brainstorming, or working on a new project, make creativity a daily practice. The more you create, the more your creativity will flow.
4. Tell Your Story: Use your brand or business as a way to express your unique perspective. Don’t be afraid to be bold, to take risks, and to tell a story that resonates emotionally with your audience.

You Are the Artist of Your Life

The moment you decide to express your unique vision of the world, you are an artist. It doesn’t matter if you’re running a business, raising a family, or launching a creative project—art is about the process of creation, the courage to take risks, and the willingness to share your perspective with the world.

So, what will you create today? Whether it’s a new product, a piece of content, or simply a new way of looking at an old problem, remember that you have the power to be an artist in everything you do.

Your life is your canvas. Now, go out and create something remarkable.