Dare to be violently yourself - Oliver Jeffers Artwork

Daring Creativity. Daring Forever.

Daring Creativity is your backstage pass to the minds that shape our creative world. A podcast series inspired by the upcoming book by Radim Malinic, helping people start and grow life-changing careers and businesses.

Over the coming episodes, I will sit down with a broad range of guests: artists, musicians, designers, actors, technologists, and entrepreneurs who've discovered something powerful: that creativity isn't about perfection. It's about showing up with all your doubts, insecurities, and imperfections—and making them count.

Are you ready to discover what happens when you dare to create?

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Daring Creativity. Daring Forever.

Dare to be violently yourself - Oliver Jeffers

June 22, 2025 • Radim Malinic • Season 3 • Episode 3

In this deeply personal conversation, acclaimed artist and author Oliver Jeffers shares his unconventional journey from aspiring fine artist to internationally recognised creator of picture books and public art. Known for works like "How to Catch a Star" and the profound "The Fate of Fausto," Jeffers discusses the challenges of working across multiple disciplines in a world that often demands specialisation.

The conversation reveals the reality behind creative success—the constant self-doubt, the struggle to balance artmaking with parenthood, and the evolution from seeking external validation to finding internal purpose. Jeffers speaks candidly about operating between two studios (Northern Ireland and Brooklyn), the exhaustion of juggling multiple projects, and the precious window of time spent with young children.

Throughout, Jeffers emphasises the importance of persistence, the power of simple communication, and the courage to be "violently yourself" in a noisy world. His insights on creativity, from the technical aspects of bookmaking to the philosophical underpinnings of artistic practice, offer both practical wisdom and profound reflection on what it means to be a creator in the 21st century.

oliverjeffers.com

Key Takeaways

Persistence over perfection: "Be the river, not the rock"—find alternative paths when faced with rejection rather than remaining rigid
Self-reliance is essential: The greatest secret to creativity is "you only get out what you put in"—nobody will do the work for you
Embrace the unexpected: No artwork ever turns out exactly as envisioned—use this as conversation and opportunity rather than disappointment
Multi-disciplinary careers are possible: Despite industry pressure to specialise, Jeffers successfully operates across fine art, children's books, and public sculpture
External validation is a trap: Moving from seeking approval to internal motivation is crucial for authentic creative expression
Simplicity communicates powerfully: If you can explain something to both a child and grandmother, you've found the communication sweet spot
Self-doubt never disappears: Even successful artists "marinate in existential self-doubt"—it's part of the creative process, not a sign of failure
Protect time for thinking: Mental space is as valuable as studio time—sometimes sitting and thinking is more important than producing
Parenthood changes everything: Balancing creativity with family requires accepting different rhythms and shorter, more focused work periods
Be "violently yourself": Authentic self-expression eliminates competition and comparison—your unique perspective is your greatest asset
Communication over craft: Understanding whether you're creating for personal expression or to communicate with others fundamentally shapes your approach
Children are sophisticated audiences: Never unde