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Extraordinary CreativesAuthor: Ceri Hand
Extraordinary Creatives: The Premier Art Podcast Welcome to the Extraordinary Creatives podcast, your gateway to the world of exceptional artists and creative leaders who have defied the odds to make a significant impact in the arts and beyond. Hosted by Ceri Hand, creative coach, curator, and seasoned arts and business insider, this podcast offers a wealth of insights into art and creativity through in-depth interviews. Ceris extensive experience and genuine passion for the arts make every episode a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice. At the heart of Extraordinary Creatives is the belief that creativity is essential for success. However, it is the courage, confidence, and resilience to dare to be different that truly transforms the world. With her warm, playful, and straight-talking style, Ceri delves into the ideas, processes, mindsets, victories, and challenges of trailblazers who have paved the way in the arts. Ceris mission is to support 100,000 artists and arts leaders by 2025 by providing exclusive access to information, inspiration, and expertise. Discover the transformative power of art with Extraordinary Creatives. Tune in and follow so you dont miss an episode! Language: en-us Genres: Arts, Design, Visual Arts Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The Approval Trap Why Seeking Validation Shrinks Your Power
Episode 160
Wednesday, 26 November, 2025
You can’t build a big, brave, creative life if you’re still waiting for permission. In this episode, Ceri talks about the quiet poison of approval seeking, which keeps you performing instead of creating, editing yourself to fit in and please people who might never have seen your work. Or if they do, are too entangled in their own insecurities to applaud it anyway. Ceri explains why so many artists fall into the approval trap and how to get out of it should you be stuck there. KEY TAKEAWAYS Most of the artists you’re trying to impress are doing the exact same thing —comparing themselves to someone else, chasing a nod from their own invisible panel of gatekeepers. You don’t need to earn respect. You’re already part of a living, breathing ecosystem of creativity. The system only works because each of us contributes our vision, our labour, our risk, our weirdness. If you’ve caught yourself editing your words or watering down your wins to fit in – use the simple exercise Ceri shares to reset how you view yourself, your work and how it is received, so you can stop seeking validation. BEST MOMENTS “In rooms full of artists, she admired, she shrank. She apologised for her success. She made her language more intellectual to prove she belonged. ” “It’s a pyramid scheme of validation. Nobody ever feels they’ve reached the top.” “Respect isn’t a prize handed down; it’s a by-product of contribution and participation.” “Respect flows horizontally, not hierarchically. And the moment you stop trying to earn it, you start embodying it.” PODCAST HOST BIO With over 35 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! https://cerihand.com/membership **** Unlock Your Artworld Network Self Study Course Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network," offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/ **** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/












