The Ultimate 15-Minute Personal Brand Audit Checklist

FREE DOWNLOAD

Discover What’s Holding You Back from Being Seen as an Authority

8/04/15

56: Todd Henry – How to Develop Your Voice as an Artist & Entrepreneur

If you try to create for everybody, you will reach no one.

As an artist, your style, your point of view, your lens is what people come to you for. It’s your voice, it’s what you have to say.

And you have to harness that voice. You have to cultivate it. You have to figure out what it should say. That’s what I’m talking about today with Todd Henry, the founder of Accidental Creative.

Todd is the author of three books, The Accidental Creative, Die Empty, and his new book Louder Than Words, which is coming out next week. On today’s episode, we are talking about all aspects of creativity: the necessity of unnecessary creating, the interdependence of an artist and audience, and how artists push limits.

His company helps creative people build brilliant ideas, and he is an expert in imagination, inspiration, and vision. I can’t wait for you to hear him talk about owning and developing your creativity.

Thanks for listening to this week’s episode. Let’s go.

We always sacrifice effectiveness on the altar of efficiency.

[smart_track_player url=”https://soundcloud.com/nickonken/56-todd-henry-how-to-push-your-limits-as-an-artist” title=”How to Develop Your Voice as an Artist & Entrepreneur” artist=”Todd Henry” image=”https://nionlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/56_ToddHenry_NIONradio_02.jpg” color=”#de4b9b” ]

Some things we learn in this podcast:

  • How he founded the Accidental Creative [4:05]
  • Applying what he learned working with artists to working in the business world [5:15]
  • The difference between pursuing creative careers in your twenties vs. your thirties [7:25]
  • Why fear is normal [9:40]
  • On falling into purpose paralysis [10:55]
  • Why you need to include your stakeholders in the calculations when taking risks [12:30]
  • On separating your work and your worth [13:55]
  • Why you have to continue pushing into dark places every day [16:15]
  • The importance of breaking out of your comfort zone and stretching yourself [17:30]
  • What is unnecessary creating [18:35]
  • How to balance your creative portfolio [22:30]
  • Why you should emulate and experiment when you’re in creative crisis [25:30]
  • Moving past the point of emulation [30:30]
  • How to identify your crisis mode [33:50]
  • The importance of creating common ground with your audience [40:00]
  • Why he doesn’t like the phrase ‘find your voice’ [43:20]
  • The three elements of an effective, resonant voice [45:30]
  • Why you can’t create for everybody [51:30]
  • Meeting your audience where they are and leading them where you want to go [52:15]
  • Why following up success means abandoning the things that made you successful [54:45]
  • How success and developing your voice happens in layers [56:50]
  • On drawing battle lines when it comes to your artistic principles [1:00:00]
  • Why you need a sense of what you’re trying to build [1:02:35]
  • How art is about spending yourself on behalf of something you care deeply about [1:05:10]
  • Inspiration is seeking out the people that inspire and intimidate you and learn from them [1:08:05]

Links mentioned:

Connect with Todd Instagram | Twitter | Website

LET'S CONSPIRE & CREATE

CULTIVATING YOUR VISUAL UNIQUENESS AND STREAMLINING YOUR BRAND'S EVOLUTION

If you try to create for everybody, you will reach no one.

As an artist, your style, your point of view, your lens is what people come to you for. It’s your voice, it’s what you have to say.

And you have to harness that voice. You have to cultivate it. You have to figure out what it should say. That’s what I’m talking about today with Todd Henry, the founder of Accidental Creative.

Todd is the author of three books, The Accidental Creative, Die Empty, and his new book Louder Than Words, which is coming out next week. On today’s episode, we are talking about all aspects of creativity: the necessity of unnecessary creating, the interdependence of an artist and audience, and how artists push limits.

His company helps creative people build brilliant ideas, and he is an expert in imagination, inspiration, and vision. I can’t wait for you to hear him talk about owning and developing your creativity.

Thanks for listening to this week’s episode. Let’s go.

We always sacrifice effectiveness on the altar of efficiency.

[smart_track_player url=”https://soundcloud.com/nickonken/56-todd-henry-how-to-push-your-limits-as-an-artist” title=”How to Develop Your Voice as an Artist & Entrepreneur” artist=”Todd Henry” image=”https://nionlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/56_ToddHenry_NIONradio_02.jpg” color=”#de4b9b” ]

Some things we learn in this podcast:

  • How he founded the Accidental Creative [4:05]
  • Applying what he learned working with artists to working in the business world [5:15]
  • The difference between pursuing creative careers in your twenties vs. your thirties [7:25]
  • Why fear is normal [9:40]
  • On falling into purpose paralysis [10:55]
  • Why you need to include your stakeholders in the calculations when taking risks [12:30]
  • On separating your work and your worth [13:55]
  • Why you have to continue pushing into dark places every day [16:15]
  • The importance of breaking out of your comfort zone and stretching yourself [17:30]
  • What is unnecessary creating [18:35]
  • How to balance your creative portfolio [22:30]
  • Why you should emulate and experiment when you’re in creative crisis [25:30]
  • Moving past the point of emulation [30:30]
  • How to identify your crisis mode [33:50]
  • The importance of creating common ground with your audience [40:00]
  • Why he doesn’t like the phrase ‘find your voice’ [43:20]
  • The three elements of an effective, resonant voice [45:30]
  • Why you can’t create for everybody [51:30]
  • Meeting your audience where they are and leading them where you want to go [52:15]
  • Why following up success means abandoning the things that made you successful [54:45]
  • How success and developing your voice happens in layers [56:50]
  • On drawing battle lines when it comes to your artistic principles [1:00:00]
  • Why you need a sense of what you’re trying to build [1:02:35]
  • How art is about spending yourself on behalf of something you care deeply about [1:05:10]
  • Inspiration is seeking out the people that inspire and intimidate you and learn from them [1:08:05]

Links mentioned:

Connect with Todd Instagram | Twitter | Website

8/04/15

56: Todd Henry – How to Develop Your Voice as an Artist & Entrepreneur

Personal & Spiritual Development

infuse your vision with a fresh breath of  creativity and vitality

BOOK A BRAND PHOTOSHOOT

GET THE DETAILS

GET THE DETAILS

infuse your vision with a fresh breath of  creativity and vitality

PODCAST

BRAND INTELLIGENCE

CREATIVE INTELLIGENCE

LIFE INTELLIGENCE

If you try to create for everybody, you will reach no one.

As an artist, your style, your point of view, your lens is what people come to you for. It’s your voice, it’s what you have to say.

And you have to harness that voice. You have to cultivate it. You have to figure out what it should say. That’s what I’m talking about today with Todd Henry, the founder of Accidental Creative.

Todd is the author of three books, The Accidental Creative, Die Empty, and his new book Louder Than Words, which is coming out next week. On today’s episode, we are talking about all aspects of creativity: the necessity of unnecessary creating, the interdependence of an artist and audience, and how artists push limits.

His company helps creative people build brilliant ideas, and he is an expert in imagination, inspiration, and vision. I can’t wait for you to hear him talk about owning and developing your creativity.

Thanks for listening to this week’s episode. Let’s go.

We always sacrifice effectiveness on the altar of efficiency.

[smart_track_player url=”https://soundcloud.com/nickonken/56-todd-henry-how-to-push-your-limits-as-an-artist” title=”How to Develop Your Voice as an Artist & Entrepreneur” artist=”Todd Henry” image=”https://nionlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/56_ToddHenry_NIONradio_02.jpg” color=”#de4b9b” ]

Some things we learn in this podcast:

  • How he founded the Accidental Creative [4:05]
  • Applying what he learned working with artists to working in the business world [5:15]
  • The difference between pursuing creative careers in your twenties vs. your thirties [7:25]
  • Why fear is normal [9:40]
  • On falling into purpose paralysis [10:55]
  • Why you need to include your stakeholders in the calculations when taking risks [12:30]
  • On separating your work and your worth [13:55]
  • Why you have to continue pushing into dark places every day [16:15]
  • The importance of breaking out of your comfort zone and stretching yourself [17:30]
  • What is unnecessary creating [18:35]
  • How to balance your creative portfolio [22:30]
  • Why you should emulate and experiment when you’re in creative crisis [25:30]
  • Moving past the point of emulation [30:30]
  • How to identify your crisis mode [33:50]
  • The importance of creating common ground with your audience [40:00]
  • Why he doesn’t like the phrase ‘find your voice’ [43:20]
  • The three elements of an effective, resonant voice [45:30]
  • Why you can’t create for everybody [51:30]
  • Meeting your audience where they are and leading them where you want to go [52:15]
  • Why following up success means abandoning the things that made you successful [54:45]
  • How success and developing your voice happens in layers [56:50]
  • On drawing battle lines when it comes to your artistic principles [1:00:00]
  • Why you need a sense of what you’re trying to build [1:02:35]
  • How art is about spending yourself on behalf of something you care deeply about [1:05:10]
  • Inspiration is seeking out the people that inspire and intimidate you and learn from them [1:08:05]

Links mentioned:

Connect with Todd Instagram | Twitter | Website

8/04/15

56: Todd Henry – How to Develop Your Voice as an Artist & Entrepreneur

When you need a trusted creative partner in the room.

Take the Fit Check

Be seen at the level you’re stepping into.

Hey! I'm Nick.

PHOTOGRAPHER
BRAND ALCHEMIST
TEACHER

At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia.

Build authority from the inside out.

Emanate is a creative-direction-led photography experience for entrepreneurs, speakers, and thought leaders in a moment of expansion. This isn’t about better photos. It’s about aligning how you’re seen with who you’ve become. For seasons of rebrand, visibility, and next-level leadership.

Magnetic Authority is a self-guided container for people who feel visible, but not fully anchored.

If your message keeps shifting, your brand feels inconsistent, or your presence doesn’t match your capability yet. This is where you build the foundation before you scale.

Take the Fit Check

Start Here

For founders, creatives, and leaders who want a trusted long-term partner. This isn’t coaching or traditional consulting.

It’s an ongoing creative partnership focused on bringing your personal brand identity to life.

Your brand. Your website. Your visuals.
All shaped as a direct extension of who you are. The work also includes a bespoke process of identifying and aligning the right experts when needed, so nothing gets built out of sync with your core.

Explore the Partnership

Quiet. Precise. Highly Selective.

read the latest

Five essential books for creatives about accessing creativity and creative living fundamentals

Most creativity books teach technique. Methods. Processes. Step-by-step systems. These five books teach something else. They teach how to be creative. How to access creativity. How to stay in creative practice. How to overcome what stops you. Not tactics. Fundamentals. The foundation everything else builds on. I return to these repeatedly. When stuck. When resistant. […]

Editorial portrait expressing calm authority and embodied presence through Elevated Realism photography

There is a moment when your visuals stop keeping up with who you are. It’s subtle at first.Then it becomes obvious. You feel clear internally.But your imagery feels dated.Or noisy.Or just slightly off. That tension isn’t a branding problem.It’s a readiness signal. 1. Your Work Has Evolved, But Your Images Have Not You’ve grown.Your thinking […]

Editorial portrait expressing identity alignment and embodied presence through Elevated Realism photography

TL;DR – What You’ll Learn in This Post Identity does not change in theory. It changes in contact. Growth happens when something internal meets reality.Not in thought.Not in intention. In experience. This is where identity alchemy begins. What Identity Alchemy Really Means Identity alchemy is not reinvention.It is integration. It is the moment your inner […]

Nicky Clinch founder Body-Mind Maturation teaching identity dissolution through transformational brand photography

Nicky Clinch teaches people to dissolve their identity. So when I suggested professional photography and styling, she resisted. “Isn’t this the opposite of what I teach?” Her work is about loosening attachment to identity. Mine is about making identity visible. The paradox was real. But here’s what she discovered: you can have an identity without […]

Professional coach photographed in a calm, editorial environment with natural light and grounded presence

TL;DR – What You’ll Learn in This Post Why Brand Photography Matters More for Coaches As a coach, you are the product. People are not buying information.They are buying clarity, trust, and emotional safety. Your imagery sets the tone before a single word is spoken. If your photos feel stiff, overproduced, or generic, it creates […]

Minimal editorial portrait expressing calm presence and embodied awareness through light and stillness

TL;DR – What You’ll Learn in This Post Imagination does not create reality. Presence does. Ideas live in the mind.Vision lives in the future.But reality responds only to what is here. Nothing moves forward without presence. Not clarity.Not alignment.Not creation. Presence is not something you add.It is what remains when you stop reaching. The Gap […]

Editorial portrait of Peter Crone captured with calm presence and understated authority using Elevated Realism

Some people do not need to perform. They simply arrive. Peter Crone is one of them. His work is quiet.Precise.Deep. So the challenge was never how to make him look impressive.It was how to let his essence lead. This case study is about what happens when imagery stops trying and starts listening. The Challenge Peter’s […]

Evangeline Lilly authentic brand photography transformation from celebrity performance to spiritual teacher presence

Most celebrities spend their careers being turned into something they’re not. Magazines need a character. Brands need a fantasy. Directors need a performance. After decades of that, you forget who you actually are. Evangeline Lilly retired from acting and faced a question most people avoid: who am I when I’m not performing? The answer required […]

Personal brand client captured in London during an Elevated Realism editorial photoshoot

If you’re searching for a photographer in London who can actually capture your essence, not just your image, you’re asking the right question. Because when it comes to personal brand photography, geography matters.But frequency matters more. You don’t need just a photographer.You need a visual translator. Someone who can turn your energy, story, and identity […]

Elevated Realism visual identity expressed through editorial portrait with natural light and grounded presence

Visual identity isn’t about how you look. It’s about how you make someone feel when they first encounter you. Before anyone reads your words, they feel your presence.Before trust, there is tone.Before authority, there is resonance. This is where Elevated Realism™ lives.Not in polish.Not in perfection.In presence. The Problem With Most Brand Imagery Most visual […]

Nick Onken walking across a reflective desert basin near a sci-fi landspeeder, symbolizing visionary pathfinding and creative expansion

There’s something pulling at you. Not a plan. Not a strategy. Not even a clear destination. Just this persistent tug that won’t let go. You’ve probably tried to rationalize it away. To wait for more clarity. To map out the full journey before taking a step. But here’s what I’ve learned after years of building […]

Editorial portrait of Caoimhe Harrison standing in the stone corridor of an ancient Irish castle during an Elevated Realism shoot

What happens when your inner transformation meets visual expression? When Caoimhe Harrison came to me, she wasn’t just looking for new photos. She was mid-evolution. Her coaching practice had deepened. Her energy had shifted. And the version of her that existed online no longer matched the woman she was becoming. She didn’t need a rebrand. […]

Founder standing in natural light with calm authority, representing the long-term ROI of personal brand photography and visual trust-building

(For the Financial Brains Who Don’t Get It Yet) Let’s talk numbers. Just not the ones you’re used to. If you’re financially minded, you’ve probably asked this question before:“How does photography actually pay me back?” It’s fair. You’re not looking for vibes.You want leverage. Personal brand photography often gets dismissed as “nice to have” because […]

About the Blogger

I was born in a low middle class conservative religious family in the suburbs of Seattle. Art was and always has been my passion, and more than that a way of life. Starting as a graphic designer, I taught myself photography, built a commercial/editorial business shooting for the worlds biggest brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Adidas and more. I've also had the opportunity to photograph the world's biggest celebrities like Justin Bieber, Usher, Jessica Alba and more. I've curated a lifestyle around creativity and have learned a lot along the way which I get to share here. 

I was born in a low middle class conservative religious family in the suburbs of Seattle. Art was and always has been my passion, and more than that a way of life. Starting as a graphic designer, I taught myself photography, built a commercial/editorial business shooting for the worlds biggest brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Adidas and more. I've also had the opportunity to photograph the world's biggest celebrities like Justin Bieber, Usher, Jessica Alba and more. I've curated a lifestyle around creativity and have learned a lot along the way which I get to share here. 

NICK'S STORY