Insights: Lucas Beaufort on his Creative Life

An inspirational Creative Exchange session with the visionary French artist and skateboarder.

Insights is my new Looking Sideways section, exclusively for my paid subscribing community.

It’s an absolute treasure trove of the - well - insights and wisdom imparted by over 250 Looking Sideways guests; as well as from the 25 plus years I’ve been pissing about for a living as a journalist, author, podcaster, business owner, mentor and speaker.

It’s where you’ll find exclusive blogs, podcasts, video chats, guest posts and articles all geared towards answering that two fundamental questions:

How can I spend more time doing the things I’m passionate about?

What does a ‘successful’ creative life actually look like?

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The tale of the artistic prodigy, compelled to make things from an early age, is one of our oldest creative tropes.

But the late-starter, for whom the creative calling came relatively late? Not so much.

That’s one reason why I found my recent Creative Exchange video discussion with French artist and skateboarder Lucas Beaufort, which I am sharing today, so insightful.

With over 250 Looking Sideways interviews under my belt, I’m well used to discussing art, community-building and the uniqueness of most creative pathways. Even so, Lucas’s tale stands out from the pack. For a start, he didn’t even pick up a paintbrush until he was 27. Then there’s his completely infectious approach to life and making things, which is on full display during this conversation.

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If you’ve ever wondered if there was another way, or harbour creative ambitions of your own, this one is a must-watch.

Lucas’s wry, humorous and compelling tale of how he created an artistic life completely on his own terms, as well as the way he works with brand on projects today, is completely infectious.

Among other things, we discussed:

Lucas’s transition from Desillusion magazine to artist and creative entrepreneur.

His approach to pitching and working with brands: his emphasis on enthusiasm, making memorable impressions, and believing strongly in your ideas.

The importance of starting small and building gradually

The value of forming connections and building communities when it comes to creative work.

The creative process: starting projects without waiting for permission, embracing spontaneity, and the importance of passion and authenticity in creative work.

The importance of travel and community in Lucas's work: how he spends six months a year traveling, and how this influences his projects and creativity.

Watch our conversation below: