creative maverick

I’m currently writing a book called “Screw Work, Let’s Play” for Pearson in the UK. It’s due for publication in March 2010. It’s based on my experience as a careers and business consultant helping creative people to find work that they love and make it pay (see my other site freestylesuccess.com).

What’s the book about?

The book is about how to play and get paid for it. That means to do whatever creative, fun stuff you love doing, to have oodles of variety and freedom, and to make good money doing it. I’ve found myself that the more I play the more successful I am.

I’ve noticed that the most creative people in the world today have a playful attitude to their work - they experiment and explore, they bring humour and irreverence to their work, they follow their instincts on which project to take on next, they do the work that they love and that comes naturally to them, and they focus on creating a life they enjoy in the present rather than hoping some future goal will bring them happiness.

You can read more in this post on what I call the player mindset.

Who am I interviewing?

I’m interested in interviewing a wide range of people from comedians and artists to employees and entrepreneurs. I’m talking to the very successful and also those just starting out.

I’ve already interviewed Tim Smit, Creator of the Eden Project, Leslie Scott, creator of the game Jenga, Derek Sivers, founder of CD Baby, Mike Southon, serial entrepreneur and author of the Beermat Entrepreneur series of books, and Nic Roope, founder of Poke, one of the most respected digital agencies in the UK and creator of the Holger brand.

How do the interviews work?

We meet in London or over the phone at the interviewee’s convenience. I will ask them questions about their work and their attitude to it. If they have an hour free, that’s great. If not, I’ll fit whatever time they do have - even 10 minutes.

I’ll record the interview and may get it in transcribed. If it’s easier for the interviewee I can conduct the interview by email, instant messenger, or twitter.

What happens to the interview?

I will take inspiration from the interviews in writing the book and may quote from them directly. I will also make the recordings and possibly the transcripts available as a bonus to people who pre-order the book.

Interviewees will feature in the credits of the book and I will also link to their website from the website for the book.

Can you help?

Do you know someone who you think would a great interview subject? Please leave a comment and let me know. If you know how to get in touch with them or have a connection with them, please email me.

And if you think you are a “player” yourself, let me know!

If you’re reading this because I’ve approached you about an interview, thanks for giving me some of your time. Do let me know if you have any questions, concerns or reservations so I can address them.

My email address is john [[at]] creativemaverick [[dot]] com and I am on twitter as johnsw.