Since the opening of Indie Spaces I have become very aware of how creatives respond to people. It's things that I've reacted to in my own life as a creative, but now that my life is hanging out with creatives all day, I'm becoming much more in tune with what makes us all tick. In particular, how we respond to others.

Now that I'm seeing it in action, I'm able to compare it to my own relationships, in those that have flourished the most in the past 6 years, as opposed to those that have dwindled into nothingness. 

1. Be encouraging.

Always, and about everything. Even if you don't agree with us, shoot us down in an encouraging tone. And try to finish hard conversations with "I'm proud of you," or something similar.

2. Occasionally wave a caution sign.

We creatives sometimes get a little blindsided due to an almost insatiable need to follow our passions. It's ok to occasionally sit us down and hammer in the importance of sleep, or eating, or health insurance. Let us know that our ideas are awesome, but that other things need to be taken care of, too.

It's also ok to tell us that we're boring the hell out of everyone with all our business talk. (See number 5 below.)

3. Support, sometimes with money.

Spread the word. Pass out our business cards. And, if possible, buy one or some of our products. It proves to us that you truly believe in us and what we do, and will totally make you our best pal.

4. Help us celebrate our successes.

This is one of those things that I know I appreciate the most. When our friends don't belittle our even smallest accomplishments, you're cemented into best pal status. Jump up and down with me for a minute when I book a new client. Go out with David and I for a drink when we schedule a cool new event or book a new artist. Celebrate with us; it's fun for you, too. We usually buy the first round.

5. Let's find a balance between work and non-work chat.

I try very hard these days to not talk about work all the time. 1) I don't want to get burnt out. 2) I don't want to bore my friends to death. As a friend of a creative, be aware that we're really excited about what we're doing, and that we're going to talk about work a lot (because to us, it's not really work, it's fun). Try to find a way to at least feign some interest for a while.

Also, be comfortable occasionally steering the conversation away from work, because sometimes we're really not aware of how painful we're being. And, most importantly, if we don't want to talk about work, let's really just not.

Let's be Pals

When I think of the three most influential pals I have in my everyday life, they hold each of these qualities. They believe in me, support me, celebrate with me, and help me talk and not talk about work. They're also very good about tactfully waving caution signs.

Now, in my role at Indie Spaces, I have to be this pal to every creative who comes in our door. I have to celebrate and caution, talk and not talk, and always, always encourage. It's becoming part of my personal brand, and my character in general. I'm emulating those who have believed in me.

And the best thing that we can do, as creatives, is to recognize and appreciate these qualities in our pals. Because, let's face it, sometimes we're not the easiest people to be around. Or is that just me?

P.S. HUGE thank you to my pals. You are why I'm where I am now.