Imperfect Creatives

Michael Carruthers
  • 5.0 (2)
  • CAREERS
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

Exploring what it actually takes to build meaningful creative work in the real world either alongside or instead of traditional careers. Conversations with people at every stage of the journey, from side project builders to full-time creators and founders, about the practical and emotional reality of choosing purpose over default paths.

  1. Elena Mostovova on Art for Breakfast, Galleries as Cultural Shortcuts, and Building an Online Community Through Authentic Writing

    17 SEPT

    Elena Mostovova on Art for Breakfast, Galleries as Cultural Shortcuts, and Building an Online Community Through Authentic Writing

    Elena Mostovova is a product manager and art enthusiast who writes Art for Breakfast, a weekly newsletter making art accessible and relatable to everyone. In this conversation, we explore how art can be a shortcut to understanding culture, why starting with contemporary work beats historical pieces, and Elena's journey from writing a personal art diary to building a public community around her writing. We dig into practical tips for connecting with art without needing an art history degree, how to navigate galleries as a beginner, plus specific gallery recommendations for Berlin and New York, as well as why emotional connection matters more than market value when it comes to both art as well as sharing your own work. Elena's Newsletter: Art for Breakfast - Subscribe on Substack Book Recommendation: Seven Days in the Art World by Sarah Thornton Chapters (00:00) Intro(01:22) Connecting with Culture Through Art(02:58) The Role of Art in Understanding History(05:59) Elena’s Personal Journey with Art(11:19) From Personal Diary to Public Sharing(15:10) Making Art Accessible(17:40) Practical Tips for Engaging with Art(22:52) The Human Side of Art(26:27) Art Collecting(30:16) Supporting Artists Beyond Monetary Investment(32:23) Galleries and Digital Spaces(34:38) Balancing Passion and Professional Life(36:11) Building a Community Through Your Work(43:27) Exploring Art Scenes in Berlin and New York(49:00): Resources & Recommendations

    54 min
  2. Catt Small on Juggling Creative Projects, Staff Design, and “Procrastiworking”

    3 SEPT

    Catt Small on Juggling Creative Projects, Staff Design, and “Procrastiworking”

    Catt Small is a staff designer who's figured out something most of us struggle with: how to juggle multiple creative projects without burning out. She's written a book, runs online courses, organizes conferences, develops games, and somehow manages to be intentional about where she puts her energy even with all of these competing interests. Also interesting is that Catt climbed to director level as a designer, then consciously stepped back into individual contributor work because she knew what gave her the most energy. We talk about how to build influence without a manager title, why validation matters before you commit hundreds of hours to a project, and how to say no to some projects so you can say yes to the right ones. Plus, practical advice on making the leap from senior to staff level and navigating workplace politics as an Individual Contributor (IC). This one's packed with insights for anyone trying to level up in their day job or figure out how to balance multiple creative projects alongside a demanding 9-5. Resources mentioned Pre-order Catt's fantastic book "The Staff Designer" here: https://rosenfeldmedia.com/books/the-staff-designerCheckout Catt's websiteGame Devs of Color Expo (Sep 16–19, 2025)Catt's Staff Designer courseCatt's book choices: The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna and Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans More from Imperfect Creatives Subscribe to the newsletter:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠imperfect.email⁠⁠The website:⁠⁠ imperfect.club⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@imperfect_creatives⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠ @imperfect.creatives⁠⁠⁠YouTube:⁠⁠ ⁠@Imperfect_Creatives Chapters (00:00): Intro(01:41): Catt's Early Programming Journey(03:31): From Web Dev to Graphic Design(06:05): Navigating Career Choices & Financial Realities(09:44): Evolving Relationship with Work & Side Projects(12:27): Balancing Multiple Projects & Avoiding Burnout(15:52): Saying No & Identity Beyond Projects(20:41): Handling External Perceptions & Self-Awareness(28:14): From Blog to Book(36:03): Staff vs. Management: Leadership & Influence(49:00): Building Influence as a Staff Designer(56:19): Game Devs of Color Expo(59:38): Resources & Final Takeaways

    1h 4m
  3. Follow the spark, not the score - with Paul Hughes

    20 AUG

    Follow the spark, not the score - with Paul Hughes

    In this episode, I sit down with Paul Hughes, who's career is far from the traditional 9-5, being that he's worked as everything from travelling salesman, military photography, radio host, to now running AFN Europe's radio programming across 15 stations, 8 countries, and 4 timezones. We talk about the struggle of finding work that's truly meaningful, following the spark of excitement in creative work without getting bogged down by the 'score' of ambition, and why putting yourself out there might be the only way forward, even when imposter syndrome keeps whispering that you don't belong. If you've ever decided it's too late to chase something that feels impossible, this conversation might change your mind. Resources mentioned "Awaken the Giant Within" by Tony Robbins - Paul's book recommendation "A Hard Kick in the Nuts" by Steve-O

    1h 1m
  4. Owning your story, saying yes to opportunities, & being authentic with Dr. Rod Berger

    6 AUG

    Owning your story, saying yes to opportunities, & being authentic with Dr. Rod Berger

    Dr. Rod Berger has a degree in clinical psychology, has interviewed over 4,000 people, and just wrote his first book "The Narrative Edge", but his real expertise is in finding the human behind the talking points. In this episode, we explore what makes storytelling important, how Rod breaks through people's scripted responses to get to authentic connection, and his philosophy that "if you're not telling your story, someone else is." Rod shares how his "Forrest Gump-like" career of saying yes to unexpected opportunities led him from psychology to refugee work to becoming a master interviewer. We dig into the vulnerable process of writing his first book, why he refuses to ask questions you could find in a press release, and how true presence and authenticity can change everything. Whether you're struggling to find your authentic voice or wondering how to connect more deeply with others, this episode will make you rethink how you show up in your own story. Links for this episode: Dr. Rod Bergers book "The Narrative Edge"Subscribe to the newsletter:⁠ ⁠⁠imperfect.email⁠The website:⁠ imperfect.club⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠@imperfect_creatives⁠⁠⁠TikTok:⁠ @imperfect.creatives⁠⁠YouTube:⁠ ⁠@Imperfect_Creatives Chapters (00:00) The Journey of Storytelling (05:36) Embracing Opportunities: The Power of Saying Yes (13:43) Crafting Your Own Narrative (22:09) The Art of Authentic Interviewing (30:46) The Addictive Nature of Storytelling (36:52) The Impact of Connection (42:51) The Importance of Being Present (46:56) The Evolution of Storytelling (54:59) Capturing Stories with Integrity (01:00:18) Episode Wrap-Up

    1h 4m
  5. How to Communicate: From Being Right to Getting It Right with Dr. Michael Gerharz

    23 JUL

    How to Communicate: From Being Right to Getting It Right with Dr. Michael Gerharz

    What if the biggest breakthrough in your communication isn't about being more persuasive, but about being more curious? Dr. Michael Gerharz, a communication coach with a computer science background, joins me to unpack why so many brilliant ideas die in boring PowerPoint presentations. We dive into his PATH framework (Plain & Simple, Actionable, Transformative, Heartfelt) and explore how empathy beats ego in every conversation that matters. From navigating blunt feedback in tech teams to making presentations that people actually want to listen to, Michael shares practical tools for anyone tired of dancing around topics or watching great ideas get lost in translation. Resources mentioned: PATH in a NutshellSpeak EasyDouglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Michael's book pickPresentation Zen by Gar ReynoldsStay in the loop: Subscribe to the newsletter: ⁠⁠imperfect.emailThe website: imperfect.club⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@imperfect_creatives⁠⁠TikTok: @imperfect.creatives⁠YouTube: ⁠@Imperfect_Creatives

    1h 3m
  6. From 0 to $10k ARR with Indie Hacker Orel Zilberman

    9 JUL

    From 0 to $10k ARR with Indie Hacker Orel Zilberman

    Orel Zilberman quit his job to become an indie hacker, and then built 9 projects and made… nothing. And then everything changed with his latest product, WriteStack, an AI writing tool now generating thousands in revenue. In this conversation, we dig into the messy reality of quitting your job to be an indie hacker and building in public. Orel shares how customer feedback completely pivoted his product direction, why he spends time daily DMing strangers who engage with his work, and how he balances running WriteStack with maintaining his Substack (the IndiePreneur) where he openly shares his journey every step of the way. Stay in the loop: Subscribe to the newsletter: ⁠⁠imperfect.emailInstagram: ⁠⁠@imperfect_creatives⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠@imperfect.creatives⁠YouTube: ⁠@Imperfect_Creatives⁠ More from Orel: The IndiePreneur (Orel's Substack newsletter) WriteStack Other Resources Mentioned: ⁠The Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan⁠ ⁠David Goggins - Can’t Hurt Me⁠ (Orel’s book choice)

    46 min
  7. Filmmaking with 3 Kids, ADHD, and a Full time Job - with Michael Box

    25 JUN

    Filmmaking with 3 Kids, ADHD, and a Full time Job - with Michael Box

    Michael Box is a filmmaker, writer, musician, juggling indie film production with a full-time job and family life. In this conversation, we dig into how he and his creative partner Patrick launched Echo Eterna Productions to create "Speakeasy”, a dystopian film about punk musicians in a world where self-expression is regulated. We talk about time management, writing scripts in parking lots, working with ADHD as a superpower, the emotional vulnerability of putting creative work out there, and more. ✉️ Stay in the loop: Subscribe to the newsletter: ⁠imperfect.news⁠The website: ⁠imperfect.club⁠Instagram: ⁠@imperfect_creatives⁠TikTok: ⁠@imperfect.creativesYouTube: @Imperfect_Creatives More from Michael Box & SpeakEasy: SpeakEasyTheMovie.comInstagram.com/EchoEternaInstagram.com/SpeakEasyTheMovieInstagram.com/MikeWritesMovies Other Resources Mentioned: Craig Maizen’s Scriptnotes podcast Masterclass.com Chapters: (00:48) Wearing multiple hats (01:00) Time management (03:02) Managing ADHD and Staying Motivated (05:47) The Importance of Creative Outlets (06:07) From Music to Filmmaking (10:04) Launching Echo Eterna Productions (17:21) Networking and Collaboration (21:12) Crowdfunding and Production Challenges (28:42) Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers (30:06) The Challenges of Shooting on Film (31:20) The Importance of Collaboration (32:06) Overcoming Creative Obstacles (33:40) Balancing Creativity and Mental Health (38:13) Managing ADHD in Creative Work (45:51) The Influence of Punk Music (53:18) Supporting SpeakEasy

    55 min
  8. From Frustration to Founding: Toni Finnimore on How to Actually Make a Difference

    11 JUN

    From Frustration to Founding: Toni Finnimore on How to Actually Make a Difference

    What does it take to walk away from a broken system and build something better? In this episode, I talk to Toni Finnimore, founder of The Social Society, about her journey from “climbing a mountain of treacle” in the charity sector to creating a platform that actually helps people give back in more human, meaningful ways. We talk about founder life, compassion fatigue, and how to actually make a difference when you don’t know where to start. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: Toni’s org: The Social SocietyThe Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoThe Do Book Co ✉️ Stay in the loop: ⁠Toni on LinkedIn⁠Subscribe to the newsletter: imperfect.newsThe website: imperfect.clubInstagram: @imperfect_creativesTikTok: @imperfect.creatives Chapters: (0:00) Intro (01:22) What Is The Social Society? (04:14) Toni’s Background (08:33) Leaving the Sector vs. Building Something New (11:07) The Reality of Starting From Scratch (13:29) Volunteering That Actually Works: Skills, Not Guilt (17:01) Micro-Volunteering and Making It Frictionless (20:22) Founder Burnout and Setting Boundaries (23:10) Gender Bias in the Founder Journey (26:05) Growing Slow, Staying Rooted (30:41) Balancing Strategy with Intuition (35:18) Rebuilding Local Connection in a Remote World (38:50) Holding Space Without Absorbing Everything (41:55) Starting Small to Beat Overwhelm (45:30) Why Good Events Aren’t About Glitter and Hay Bales (48:00) Finding Purpose in the Chaos (49:38) Final Thoughts and Book Recommendations

    1 hr
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Exploring what it actually takes to build meaningful creative work in the real world either alongside or instead of traditional careers. Conversations with people at every stage of the journey, from side project builders to full-time creators and founders, about the practical and emotional reality of choosing purpose over default paths.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Carruthers
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Michael Carruthers
  • Show Website
    Imperfect Creatives