Liz Griffin, of Griffin Creative is passionate about people, growth and making change happen. She has a strategic mind for creating solutions, and big vision concepts. Liz and I have gotten to work together a bit this year on some dynamic client projects, and when two creatives (graphic designer & writer) get together and bring their insight and expertise to the table it's a win, win. Partnering together with other professionals in the same industry, or similar industries, often elevates the work created and the customer experience you are able to offer.
Among the many creative avenues Liz finds herself involved with, one of those avenues is her newsletter "Baller Status". Once a month she will interview one of her followers, so I thought it was time to turn the mic around and interview the interviewer. Liz was kind enough to let me ask her a few questions, so lets see what the Baller herself has to say...
Let's start with ... your 3 second commercial - tell us who is The Liz Griffin?
I am a writer, pep talk giver, creative and justice seeker. I believe that people's imaginations are meant to change the world for good. I work with an anti-trafficking organization called UnBound and have a creative agency called The Griffin Creative. In addition to that I write over at thelizgriffin.com. Coffee is my drug of choice, London is my favorite city and unicorns are one of my favorite things. Not cats though. I really don't like cats very much.
How would you describe "abolitionist" and "ideation strategist" to second graders?
I would describe an abolitionist as someone who works for the rights and freedoms of others. And I'd have to explain an ideation strategist as a person who comes up with ideas and ways to make them happen.
In your field, what 2 or 3 things would you consider to be your expertise?
Oh gosh. Well I guess it would be brand strategy and messaging. I love working with people to create a clear identity and path of growth for their business or project. Messaging would probably be my main area of expertise. Words are my jam and stringing them together to create the right message for the target audience is my favorite thing I do.
What is your favorite meal to cook for your family?
My favorite meal to cook for my family has to be maple roasted chicken, sweet potatoes and fruit salad. Hands down.
Being out in the creative work force as a self-employed entrepreneur, what is your strategy for making the "thing you do" an actual business and not just a hobby or a good idea?
Over time my strategy has shifted as I really narrowed what the "thing I do" is. Growth is a very important thing to leave room for. Each time I decide to take a step forward in my career I try it out for awhile as a hobby and see if I am actually good at it. Plus getting experience doing it gives me time to clarify exactly what it is I am wanting to build. Having like-minded people around me that are also entrepreneurs is really valuable too. A community of people who are aiming for the same things have been a constant source of help. I tend to "soft launch" my idea and then get that community's feedback. It has saved me lots of time and money getting as much clarity on the front end as possible. I think that is the reason most people stay stuck in the "dreaming" stage. They have ideas but not enough clarity to act. Trouble is usually you don't get that needed clarity until you kind of test drive the idea for a while.
What are 3 of your favorite books?
Love Does by Bob Goff
If You Find This Letter by Hannah Brencher
The Portrait of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
At the end of the day what 5 things matter to you?
Oh gosh. Thats hard to narrow down. Guess it would be :
- growing closer to God
- loving my family well
- influencing my generation
- living bravely
- helping people in a profound way
Most of us gleam from the wisdom and advice from those who have gone ahead. Among many things, YOU HAVE :
• lived in a couple different cultures
• had to pioneer hard ground to start different ventures out of nothing
• children of your own, and are in the process of adopting
• started your own business and still make time for rich community
• you have stayed on top of and in-tune to the global, technical, and
relational world around you...
What gives? What bit of wisdom or advice can you share?
What gives? I guess I am a bit insane! I started traveling the world in kindergarten and have been blessed to hear the stories of people in over twenty nations. I think when you engage the "bigger picture" in that way it allows you to see what really matters to you. I aim to accomplish a lot in my life and that means that I say "no" to a lot of things. I don't go to every social event or participate in every professional opportunity. I am very focused on who I want to become as a person and as a business. Plus, I don't believe in being insanely busy. If I don't have time to enjoy the life I am living, then I need to cut things out. So my advice would be to decide what really matters and not give in the the pressure to do or be more than that. Fight for clarity in your relationships and goals both. But always say "yes" to impromptu road trips. Those are the best.
