IS CREATIVITY A LONELY ROAD?
Plus, 5 things worth sharing this week.
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Now, let us tell you about a lonely leader. Actually, a lonely creative. (We’ve been thinking a lot about that lately.)
Grace and Peace,
Cass & Rich
In today’s issue:
A conversation with Cass and Rich: A quick audio edition with some new ideas to think about.
New music: Reuben Morgan and Ben Fielding are launching something NEW!!
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CXMMXNS: Reuben Morgan and Ben Fielding have launched a new collaborative worship movement called CXMMXNS. New songs landing November 8 (and we know you’ll love them!!) Follow the insta’ for more info. (LINK)
'Sold out, Sincerely': We’re loving Ben Hastings’ new worship album Sold out Sincerely… it’s a lyrical masterpiece!! (LINK)
The Alpha Youth brand revamp is fantastic! The Youth Alpha program has been completely updated… kudos to Chris (the Creative Director) and the team!! (LINK)
Renaissance Conference Brisbane: We’re looking forward to this event that will bring together Christian leaders, creatives, and thinkers to discuss faith, creativity, and innovation in the modern world. (LINK)
EightParables.com - If you’re in Canada, this short film by one of our Rhino community is screening on Saturday, October 26 at 5 pm at Landmark Cinemas New Westminister, BC. It’s then rolling out across the USA (and hopefully Australia 😉) (LINK)
Is Creativity a Lonely Road?
"Leadership is a lonely road," she said, sitting across from me. And I wondered—why does it have to be? Then, I thought about us—the artists and creatives—the ones who spend days in studios and writing spaces, behind computers and screens, in front of keyboards, with violins under our chins, pens poised, words ready to roll off our tongues.
Often, the very act of creating demands solitude. But that doesn’t mean we have to be lonely.
Rich, for example, loves to lock himself away when he creates, talking out loud to himself, retreating into the inner caverns of thought and ideas—wells he’s been digging internally for decades. In the silence, he finds the impetus to create.
I’m different. I’m the ultimate "phone-a-friend," talk-it-out type. I process things verbally, dreaming and imagining with others. I thrive in collaboration, believing we are better together—harnessing collective strength to create a kaleidoscope of color.
Is one way better than the other? Absolutely not. There’s no perfect way to create. What matters is that we all find our people, immerse ourselves in the community, and have someone there when we open the studio or study door, ready to listen to our ideas. Someone to pick up the phone when we call, celebrate our wins and help rally us when we face losses.
The more we go it alone, the more we recognize the power in creative spaces where celebration replaces competition. I’ve loved watching the rise of co-writing cultures. Some critique it, claiming cliques are forming and that it creates "in" and "out" groups. But I see it differently—as a sign of maturity. Creatives no longer need to be one-person bands or lone rangers. We’re learning to contribute “my” little to “our” lot.
It’s happening in songwriting. It’s happening in design. It’s happening in the world. And it’s happening in the Church.
So today, I challenge you to call someone—whether the work is done, you’re stuck, or you’re just on a coffee break—and let them know you’re thinking of them. Share your work. Ask a question. Offer some encouragement. Do it for someone else, and watch in return as you redefine culture.
Together, we can build an infrastructure of imagination—cathedrals of creativity—places rich with all we have in common.
Your creativity will thrive when you refuse to go it alone. We are better together.
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And God's first assignment to us was to collaborate with Him in creation.. big fan of collaboration 🙌