Creativity Made Easy

Dustin Pead

Host Dustin Pead helps creatives know themselves, their process, & their teams more so they can create greater things together.

  1. A Creative's Letter to Future You | Creativity Made Easy Ep. 140

    2D AGO

    A Creative's Letter to Future You | Creativity Made Easy Ep. 140

    As we close out 2025, it's time to give future you the greatest gift possible: clarity. In this special year-end episode, discover what we learned together this year and exactly how to turn those lessons into your clearest year yet. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: The one question that connects every 2025 framework and strategy we coveredWhy margin isn't what's left after work—it's what makes your best work possibleThe exact 4-step process for writing your letter to future youHow to identify your constraint—the one thing that if changed, would change everythingThe single biggest mistake creatives make every January (and how to avoid it)Why clarity comes from consistent action, not perfect planning5 specific action steps to take before 2026 begins2025 LESSONS RECAP: The DO vs DUE Framework taught us proactive planning beats reactive scrambling. Transformative one-on-ones showed us investing in people IS the work. Mental health conversations reminded us that self-care makes us better leaders. AI-assisted planning demonstrated how to amplify strengths without losing the human touch. All of these lessons connect back to one core question: What does future you need from present you? FEATURED RESOURCE: Download your free DO vs DUE Framework, Time & Energy Audit, Future You Framework, and more at dustinpead.com/free Listen to Creativity Made Easy wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Wednesday. CONNECT:🌐 dustinpead.com📸 @dustinpead Special thanks to The Core Group (coregroupus.com) for supporting creatives with financial clarity and Profit First strategies. #CreativeClarity #FutureYou #SystemsForCreatives #2026Planning

    12 min
  2. Decluttering Your Creative Systems Before The New Year | Ep 137

    DEC 4

    Decluttering Your Creative Systems Before The New Year | Ep 137

    Decluttering Your Creative Systems Before The New Year | EP.137 Everyone's planning what to ADD in January—new goals, new systems, new habits. But what if the secret to your best creative year isn't about adding more, but ruthlessly REMOVING what's been draining your energy all year long? This episode is your December decluttering blueprint. While everyone else is waiting for January 1st to start fresh, you'll be creating actual space for growth by subtracting before you add. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:• Why you can't build new systems on broken foundations (and why most January goals fail by mid-month)• The exact year-end audit process Dustin uses with his team every December• How to evaluate tools, calendar events, projects, and communication channels for what's actually serving you• The Four Bucket System: Dead Weight (delete immediately), Incomplete Business (finish or archive), Great Idea Wrong Time (archive with intention), and Active Misalignment (reevaluate or eliminate)• Practical 15-minute exercises that will reclaim hours in your week• Why "if it isn't a clear yes, then it's a clear no" is the filter your agency needs• How to identify energy drains vs. time drains (and why energy matters more) This isn't theory—it's the exact conversation Dustin has with his team every December before planning the new year. Join the revolution of subtracting first and adding second. FEATURED RESOURCE:Get free frameworks and tools at dustinpead.com/free Episode Length: 24 minutes CONNECT WITH DUSTIN:Website: dustinpead.comSocial: @dustinpeadBook a consultation: dustinpead.com/contact Next Episode: The 12-Month Outlook Framework (Episode 138) - After decluttering, learn how to strategically plan your best year yet. #creativesystems #agencylife #decluttering #productivityforCreatives

    26 min
  3. NOV 20

    Stop Forcing Perfect Systems: Meet Your Team Where They Are | EP.135

    You don't need the perfect system. You need a system that works for you where you are right now. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Why the gap between current habits and new systems determines adoption successThe "Point B not Point E" approach to rolling out new tools and processesHow to identify pain points and bring solutions directly to themA practical week-by-week timeline for implementing project management systemsWhy gradual adoption beats overwhelming launches every single timeThe 7-10 touch point rule for creating lasting behavior changeFEATURED RESOURCE: Struggling with system implementation? Download the free DO vs DUE Framework and other tools at dustinpead.com/free After years of helping creative agencies build better systems, I've learned that the best system isn't the most sophisticated one—it's the one your team will actually use tomorrow morning. In this episode, I break down the path of least resistance approach to implementing any new system without overwhelming your team. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Atomic Habits by James ClearThe Lean Startup by Eric RiesThe Artist's Way by Julia CameronreMarkable digital notepadCONNECT:🌐 dustinpead.com📸 @dustinpead🎁 dustinpead.com/free NEXT WEEK: Step-by-step walkthrough of the 12-Month Outlook—one of my most-used planning tools for creative professionals. Perfect timing for 2026 planning! #SystemImplementation #CreativeAgency #ProductivitySystems #TeamManagement

    17 min
  4. NOV 6

    REPLAY: Why Story Transforms Your Creative Process

    It's a Creativity Made Easy REPLAY!!! Ever feel like your creative work falls flat despite your best efforts? The missing ingredient might be story. In this conversation with Darren Cooper from 1898 Creative, we break down exactly why story matters—and how to structure it. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: The 5 essential elements every compelling story needs (hook, backstory, conflict, resolution, call to action)Why conflict is non-negotiable in business storytelling (and how to find yours)How to apply story structure directly to your creative processThe difference between telling your "why" and showing it through storyWhy resolution leads to scalability (think sequels, not just endings)The 1898 Creative story arc framework you can implement todayFEATURED RESOURCE:Get Dustin's free frameworks at dustinpead.com/free including the DO vs DUE Framework, Time & Energy Audit, and Future You planning system. GUEST: Darren Cooper, Founder of 1898 Creative - a video production agency transforming how businesses tell their stories. Story isn't just for Netflix binges—it's the framework that makes your creative work compelling, memorable, and scalable. Whether you're pitching clients, building a business, or developing your next project, understanding story structure will change how you work. CONNECT:Website: dustinpead.comInstagram: @dustinpeadEpisode length: 19 minutes #CreativeProcess #Storytelling #CreativeBusiness #ProductivityForCreatives

    20 min

About

Host Dustin Pead helps creatives know themselves, their process, & their teams more so they can create greater things together.