Fresh Ideas for Creatives

Alejo Porras
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As creative people we geek to about our craft, but if we want a sustainable practice we must add other ingredients in the mix. Every week Alejo Porras chats with experts to learn their recipes for success, so you can apply them to your creative business. Because artists who pair their craft with business knowledge never starve. So, if you're hungry for inspiration, stories, and tips to thrive as a creative professional, you've come to the right place for food for thought. Enjoy! alejoporrasart.substack.com

  1. APR 29

    Why You Should Stop Judging And Start Reflecting - Part 2 | Ep013

    On this episode’s menu of the Fresh Ideas Podcast, host Alejo Porras continues his conversation with illustrator, author, and Creative Pep Talk host Andy J. Pizza — diving deeper into creativity, meaning, and the way we interpret the world. In Part 2, the conversation opens with a simple but powerful idea: most people approach life and art through a binary lens — good or bad, right or wrong. But what if the real value comes from reflection instead of judgment? Andy introduces a different way of engaging with creativity, storytelling, and even life itself — one that moves beyond criticism and into curiosity, meaning, and awareness. This episode explores how storytelling shapes our perception of reality, why we need both play and discernment, and how meaning isn’t something we find — it’s something we actively create through the stories we choose to engage with. On this episode’s menu: * Why binary thinking kills creativity * Reflecting vs criticizing (and why it changes everything) * How to know when you’re in “editor mode” vs “play mode” * Why storytelling is essential to making sense of life * The balance between “sugar” (entertainment) and “medicine” (meaning) * How stories shape your identity, decisions, and worldview * Why you need to engage with stories, not just consume them Books recommended in this episode: * Whole Brain Living → https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Brain-Living-Anatomy-Characters/dp/1401961983 * The Master and His Emissary → https://www.amazon.com/Master-His-Emissary-Divided-Western/dp/0300188374 Pull the thread Heroes quoted or referenced in this episode: * James Baldwin → * Tim Ferriss → https://davestuartjr.com/what-would-this-look-like-if-it-were-simple/ * Jonathan Stark → https://www.theagentsofchange.com/jonathan-stark * James Hillman → https://www.noomii.com/articles/134-the-acorn-theory * Jim Henson → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Henson * Cookie Monster → https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/monster-cereals-oral-history * Miss Piggy → * Jill Bolte Taylor → https://www.sloww.co/whole-brain-living/ * Niels Bohr → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complementarity_(physics) * Joseph Campbell → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hero_with_a_Thousand_Faces * Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi → https://www.amazon.com/Flow-Psychology-Experience-Perennial-Classics/dp/0061339202 * Norman Rockwell → https://www.nrm.org/collections-2/art-norman-rockwell/ * Wes Anderson * Led Zeppelin → * Carl Jung * Beowulf → https://faculty.gordonstate.edu/cperkowski/1501/Beowulf.pdf * Frieza (Dragon Ball) → LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Alejo Porras IG: http://instagram.com/alejoporrasart/ LI: http://linkedin.com/in/alejoporras/ STACK: Website: http://www.alejoporrasart.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alejoporrasart.substack.com

    44 min
  2. This One Thing Makes You A Better Creative - Part 1 | Feat. Andy J. Pizza | Ep012

    APR 22

    This One Thing Makes You A Better Creative - Part 1 | Feat. Andy J. Pizza | Ep012

    On this episode’s menu of the Fresh Ideas Podcast, host Alejo Porras sits down with illustrator, author, and Creative Pep Talk host Andy J. Pizza to explore a powerful shift in the creative journey: moving from constant “leveling up” to actually enjoying the process. In the opening moments, Andy challenges a common belief among creatives — that success comes from pushing harder, doing more, and chasing the next level. Instead, he introduces a different approach: asking “what would this look like if it was fun?” This conversation dives deep into creativity as both play and strategy, how to reconnect with your natural creative instincts, and why many creatives lose their joy as they grow. It’s a refreshing and honest look at what it really means to build a creative life that feels as good as it performs. On this episode’s menu: * Why “leveling up” can actually make your work worse * The difference between exploratory and strategic creativity * How to reconnect with your natural creative flow * Why fun is not a distraction, but a creative advantage * How storytelling helps you find meaning in your work * Naming the invisible and making abstract ideas tangible Books recommended in this episode: * Whole Brain Living → https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Brain-Living-Anatomy-Characters/dp/1401961983 * The Master and His Emissary → https://www.amazon.com/Master-His-Emissary-Divided-Western/dp/0300188374 Pull the thread Heroes quoted or referenced in this episode: * James Baldwin → I do not dream of labor * Tim Ferriss → https://davestuartjr.com/what-would-this-look-like-if-it-were-simple/ * Jonathan Stark → https://www.theagentsofchange.com/jonathan-stark * James Hillman → https://www.noomii.com/articles/134-the-acorn-theory * Jim Henson → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Henson * Cookie Monster (origin example) → https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/monster-cereals-oral-history * Miss Piggy → Watch this. * Joe (Jill) Bolte Taylor → https://www.sloww.co/whole-brain-living/ * Niels Bohr → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complementarity_(physics) * Joseph Campbell → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hero_with_a_Thousand_Faces * Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi → https://www.amazon.com/Flow-Psychology-Experience-Perennial-Classics/dp/0061339202 * Norman Rockwell → https://www.nrm.org/collections-2/art-norman-rockwell/ * Wes Anderson * Led Zeppelin →“Immigrant Song” * Carl Jung → Archetypes * Beowulf → https://faculty.gordonstate.edu/cperkowski/1501/Beowulf.pdf * Frieza (Dragon Ball) → Battle with Goku LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Alejo Porras IG: http://instagram.com/alejoporrasart/ LI: http://linkedin.com/in/alejoporras/ Website: http://www.alejoporrasart.com Andy J Pizza Pre order his upcoming book → http://invisiblethings.co Website → https://www.andyjpizza.com podcast → https://www.creativepeptalk.com/episodes/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alejoporrasart.substack.com

    44 min
  3. Follower count doesn't equal money - Part 2 | Feat. Rob O'Rourke | Ep011

    FEB 11

    Follower count doesn't equal money - Part 2 | Feat. Rob O'Rourke | Ep011

    On this episode’s menu of the Fresh Ideas Podcast, host Alejo Porras continues the conversation with sales funnel strategist Rob O’Rourke to unpack one of the biggest myths in the creative industry: that more followers automatically mean more money. In Part 2, the discussion zooms in on why vanity metrics are misleading, how creators can build profitable businesses without relying on massive audiences, and what actually drives high-quality leads. Rob shares real-world examples from his own experience, explains why DM volume matters more than likes, and breaks down how funnels, positioning, and belief-driven messaging outperform algorithm chasing every time. This episode is essential for creatives who feel stuck chasing reach, posting nonstop, or measuring success by numbers that don’t pay the bills. On this episode’s menu: * Why follower count is the most misleading business metric * How to attract buyers without going viral * The difference between attention and trust * Using funnels to guide leads instead of chasing the algorithm * What high-quality DMs actually signal * How to scale past six figures without burning out ABOUT THE GUEST: Rob O’Rourke is a sales strategist and the founder of ProfitableSkills.com, where he teaches creatives and solo-entrepreneurs how to build sales systems, close high-ticket projects, and scale their income without relying on massive audiences or constant content creation. Known for his precision-based thinking and ability to simplify complex sales psychology, Rob has helped creators and businesses build funnels, improve conversions, and launch programs generating six-figure and multi-six-figure results. Before the online world, Rob worked everywhere from construction engineering to Canadian oil rigs to web design in Colombia — learning firsthand how to adapt, sell, and rebuild from scratch. Today, he blends practical strategy with lived experience to help creatives build businesses that run on clarity rather than chaos. Find Rob at: Instagram • Website • LinkedIn LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram • LinkedIn • Substack • Website • YouTube Side note: When you’re ready, here are someopportunities for you to learn and connect with me this year 2026. Conferences I’ll be speaking at: Designer Boss Summit (February 10-13 • Free • Online)Creative South 26 (April 9-11 • Columbus, GA) I’m speaking AND doing a workshop. Workshops I’m hosting: Unlimited Belief (March 12 • Online )Pro Tactics for sketchnoters (April 28-29 • Köln (Cologne), Germany) (Limited seats) Want more info? check out this document every month so you can stay on the loop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alejoporrasart.substack.com

    41 min
  4. Why talented Creatives don't see business results - Part 1 | Feat. Rob O'Rourke | Ep010

    FEB 5

    Why talented Creatives don't see business results - Part 1 | Feat. Rob O'Rourke | Ep010

    On this episode’s menu of the Fresh Ideas Podcast, host Alejo Porras sits down with sales funnel strategist Rob O’Rourke for Part 1 of a deep, practical conversation on why so many talented creatives work hard but still struggle to see real business results. From the very beginning, this episode reframes the problem. The issue isn’t talent. It’s the lack of complementary business skills like positioning, pre-educating clients, and building systems that guide people toward a confident “yes.” In this first part, Rob breaks down how scalable systems, sales funnels, and better client communication can dramatically change how creatives are perceived, paid, and trusted. This episode is essential listening for creatives who want consistency, clarity, and leverage without burning out on content or cold outreach. On this episode’s menu: 1. Why most creatives get stuck despite being highly skilled 2. The business skills creatives avoid (and why they matter) 3. How to pre-educate clients before a sales call 4. What actually changes perceived value 5. Using funnels instead of relying only on social media 6. When it makes sense to hire a sales agent LET'S CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Alejo Porras IG: http://instagram.com/alejoporrasart/ LI: http://linkedin.com/in/alejoporras/ STACK: https://alejoporrasart.substack.com/ Website: http://www.alejoporrasart.com ABOUT THE GUEST: Rob O’Rourke is a sales strategist and the founder of ProfitableSkills.com, where he teaches creatives and solo-entrepreneurs how to build sales systems, close high-ticket projects, and scale their income without relying on massive audiences or constant content creation. Known for his precision-based thinking and ability to simplify complex sales psychology, Rob has helped creators and businesses build funnels, improve conversions, and launch programs generating six-figure and multi-six-figure results. Before the online world, Rob worked everywhere from construction engineering to Canadian oil rigs to web design in Colombia — learning firsthand how to adapt, sell, and rebuild from scratch. Today, he blends practical strategy with lived experience to help creatives build businesses that run on clarity rather than chaos. Find Rob at: Website: https://profitableskills.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alejoporrasart.substack.com

    42 min
  5. Live with purpose, on purpose | Feat. Esteban Gast | Ep009

    JAN 30

    Live with purpose, on purpose | Feat. Esteban Gast | Ep009

    On this episode’s menu of the Fresh Ideas Podcast, host Alejo Porras goes off the regular menu and prepares something different. He sits down with comedian, writer, and host Esteban Gast to explore why comedy and humor are not just entertainment, but essential tools for creativity, awareness, and purpose. In the opening moments of the conversation, Alejo introduces Esteban as a creative who brings intention, wit, and depth into serious topics. Together, they discuss why humor sharpens perception, how quick-witted creativity is developed over time, and what it means to live with awareness of the unseen and unheard. This episode blends philosophy, comedy, creativity, and purpose, offering a refreshing perspective for artists who want to think deeply, feel fully, and create work that actually matters. On this episode’s menu: * Why comedy and humor are essential for creatives * Developing quick-witted creativity through practice and awareness * Seeing the unseen and saying what others avoid * Living with intention and purpose, even when it’s hard * “Catching the ghost” and aligning creativity with meaning ABOUT THE GUEST: Esteban Gast is a comedian, writer, and host whose work has been described as “irreverent but aspirational” by Variety, with the LA Times calling him “the vanguard of the climate comedy movement.” Colombian by heritage, raised in Puerto Rico and Illinois, and currently based in Los Angeles, Esteban blends humor, storytelling, and social impact. He previously taught creativity and design thinking at the University of Illinois and ran an off-the-grid eco-community in Panama before fully committing to comedy. Esteban is the host of Spotify Original “Identity at Play”, “Comedians Conquering Climate Change,” and creator of “Heated Conversations,” a digital interview and sketch series secretly about climate and not-so-secretly produced by Adam McKay’s Yellow Dot Studios. He has written for screen and stage, performs internationally as a stand-up comedian, and currently serves as Comedian in Residence at Generation180, where he co-founded Climate Comedy Cohort and Climate Cultura. His work has earned recognition as a Grist50 Fixer and as one of the Top 100 Latinos in the world taking action on climate change. LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Esteban Gast Website Instagram YouTube Alejo Porras Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Substack Website Side note: I have a lot of opportunities for you to learn and connect with me this year 2026. Conferences I’ll be speaking at: Designer Boss Summit (February • Free • Online)Creative South 26 (April • Columbus, GA) Workshops I’m hosting: Unlimited Belief (March • Online )Pro Tactics for sketchnoters (April • Köln (Cologne), Germany) (Only 8 seats left) Want more info? check out this document every month so you can stay on the loop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alejoporrasart.substack.com

    1h 17m
  6. The Hidden Reason Creatives Struggle with Imposter Syndrome | Solo EP | Ep008

    12/16/2025

    The Hidden Reason Creatives Struggle with Imposter Syndrome | Solo EP | Ep008

    On this episode’s menu of the Fresh Ideas Podcast, host Alejo Porras shares a deeply personal solo reflection on imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the belief that many creatives carry quietly: I’m not enough. Alejo walks through his own story of growing up without clear role models, feeling like he didn’t belong, and constantly measuring himself against others. He explores how this inward focus fueled insecurity and stalled momentum in both life and business — until a shift in perspective changed everything. This episode reframes “not feeling qualified” as a signal, not a stopping point. Instead of waiting to feel ready, Alejo invites creatives to look outward, identify real needs, and step into service. It’s a reminder that purpose, confidence, and traction are built through action — not perfection. On this episode’s menu: * Why imposter syndrome is so common among creatives * How inward comparison creates the illusion of “not being enough” * The power of shifting focus from self to service * Why caring about a problem matters more than being qualified * How action creates confidence, not the other way around * Why becoming matters more than being “ready” World Sketchnote Week Celebration Five days of workshops and talks with the likes of Heather Martinez, Dan Roam, Mike Rohde, and your truly. It’s all free to attend!! 😱 Get your ticket here. Also, you can get $5000 worth of bonus resources, and access to all the recordings, with the Super Star Pack. For just $37 (what!). Click here to get yours. My session is On January 15th. See you there! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alejoporrasart.substack.com

    17 min
  7. What to do when no one hires you | Feat. Karly Kerndt | Ep007

    11/11/2025

    What to do when no one hires you | Feat. Karly Kerndt | Ep007

    On this episode’s menu of the Fresh Ideas Podcast, host Alejo Porras sits down with Carly Kerndt, Founder and CEO of FlyDog Digital, to explore how to turn rejection into opportunity and build a thriving creative business from the ground up. Carly shares how getting laid off during the pandemic became the catalyst for creating her own agency, and the lessons she learned about marketing, client experience, and self-belief along the way. From freelancing out of necessity to leading a global team, Carly’s story is a masterclass in resilience, clarity, and creative leadership. This conversation is packed with insights for creatives and solopreneurs who want to grow their business with structure, strategy, and heart especially when things don’t go according to plan. Carly Kerndt is the Founder and CEO of FlyDog Digital, a full-service marketing agency known for bringing fresh energy and strategic clarity to growing brands. What began as a temporary freelance pivot after getting laid off from her full-time job during the COVID-19 pandemic quickly transformed into a thriving agency supporting businesses around the world. At FlyDog Digital, Carly leads a team of experts in branding, website design, social media, SEO, email marketing, and paid advertising. Together, they deliver more than just marketing — they offer fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and a collaborative spirit that helps clients cut through the noise and move with confidence. Carly is passionate about helping business owners gain focus, build momentum, and create marketing systems that feel as good as they perform. With a mix of creative spark and data-driven strategy, she’s built a business that’s as approachable as it is effective. On this episode’s menu: * What to do when no one hires you * How to market yourself when starting from scratch * The difference between a provider and a partner * Building a client experience that creates loyalty and referrals * How to turn rejection into creative fuel LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Alejo Porras IG: instagram.com/alejoporrasart/ LI: linkedin.com/in/alejoporras/ STACK: alejoporrasart.substack.com Website: alejoporrasart.com Carly Kerndt and FlyDog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/by.carlybridget/ FlyDog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flydogdigital/ Website: www.flydogdigital.com We also sell some website templates here: www.flydogdesigns.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlykerndt/ FlyDog LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flydogdigital This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alejoporrasart.substack.com

    53 min
  8. Two underrated ways to face your fears - Part 2 | Solo EP | Ep006

    10/29/2025

    Two underrated ways to face your fears - Part 2 | Solo EP | Ep006

    Many creatives don’t live the life they want because they are too scared to pursue it. They want people to pay them better and respect their work, but they are afraid to ask for more money and set boundaries. They refrain from changing because they are afraid the consequences will be worse than their current reality. But you don’t have to make abrupt changes most of the time. In this episode, Alejo shares how to overcome fear by making two small adjustments he’s implemented in his own life and business when he’s faced challenges. On this episode’s menu: * Recap of 3 ways to conquer fear * Thinking of “change” as “adjustments” * How allergic and fear are similar * The most underrated way to be more courageous LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Alejo Porras IG: instagram.com/alejoporrasart/ LI: linkedin.com/in/alejoporras/ Stack: alejoporrasart.substack.com Website: alejoporrasart.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alejoporrasart.substack.com

    32 min
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About

As creative people we geek to about our craft, but if we want a sustainable practice we must add other ingredients in the mix. Every week Alejo Porras chats with experts to learn their recipes for success, so you can apply them to your creative business. Because artists who pair their craft with business knowledge never starve. So, if you're hungry for inspiration, stories, and tips to thrive as a creative professional, you've come to the right place for food for thought. Enjoy! alejoporrasart.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Alejo Porras
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Alejo Porras
  • Show Website
    Fresh Ideas for Creatives