Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dean Skinner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dean, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Quite honestly, I still battle it. And that “voice” of the enemy seems to be loudest just as I’m finishing a piece…which means I’m on the right path😉
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Wow…I’ll “try” to make this brief😉 I had what most people would deem as a successful career in advertising and marketing…big global ad agency, fancy C title, company sold to Spotify, and all that. Yet, twelve years ago I was losing my first REALLY ugly battle with depression. As a result, I found God and He “reintroduced” me to the flame He put into my heart as a child but I never thought I was good enough…and that flame was art! Since then I have painted well over 100 large-format portraits, have been in galleries, have been commissioned by superstar athletes, and on and on and on. All WELL BEYOND my expectations, my doing, and ALL through the grace of God…without a doubt and 100%!! Then, just when I thought I “beat” clinical depression, I crashed really hard AGAIN about four to five years ago. Through this trial, God introduced me to writing which I never, EVER considered, nor did I think I was a writer. Since then, I have published four supernatural thrillers that have all made and remained on multiple Amazon Bestseller Lists…and remember…I’m not even a real writer!!😉 Again, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1) Don’t be afraid to fail 2) That voice that whispers, “You’re not good enough. You can’t do this. Everyone will laugh at you,” is a liar
3) Surrender
And, I’ve probably bought and given away (and this is no exaggeration) over two dozen copies of Steven Pressfield’s “The War of Art” and I highly, HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who’s battling “Resistance”…you’ll need to read the book to fully understand and appreciate that reference😉 Why? Well, as Mr. Pressfield states in this gem of a book, “The best and only thing that one artist can do for another is to serve as an example and an inspiration.” And this is just one way that I try to inspire other artists, writers, musicians, photographers, chefs, dreamers, warriors.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Hahaha…well, I think I just answered this in the last question. Ironically…or not😉 Steven Pressfield’s “The War of Art” shook me in a good way. I think I finished the entire book (and it is an easy read) on a flight from Cleveland to California. And my original copy is littered with sticky notes, scribbled notes to myself throughout the pages, and enough highlighter ink to make your eyes squint. Seriously and please…read this book!! You won’t regret it.
And, I already listed what is one of my favorite impactful nuggets in the last question BUT…this one…this one “could be” my very favorite and is very, very close to my heart…
“The warrior and the artist live by the same code of necessity, which dictates that the battle must be fought anew every day.” – Steven Pressfield / The War of Art
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanskinner/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dean.skinner.92
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-skinner-7827b11/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/deanskinner
- Other: Amazon Author’s Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dean-Skinner/author/B07VX5Y4R5?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
