soulsight®

I didn’t realize until more recently in my life that it is okay to be a man and be sensitive. I spent most of my childhood wondering why certain things made me upset and emotional. How come my brothers or buddies didn’t seem to be rattled or moved in the same way I was? I’ve been told that it has a lot to do with being a creative thinker.

I wasn’t totally convinced that this was true or socially acceptable until I met my father-in-law. A man who I admire not only for his intelligence and kindness, but his ability to be proud of his sensitivity. It’s a quality and personality trait that allows others to really feel his genuine soul and spirit. I have witnessed that, by allowing others to see his sensitivity, he is perceived as more approachable and genuine. People trust him.

As a creative, we put ourselves in situations that force us to tap into our souls in order to create, define, invent and deliver. I’m convinced this requires a great amount of sensitivity. It’s as if you put a piece of yourself into everything you create. That output is then critiqued, criticized and also admired over and over again. Wow, what a roller coaster that can be.

I’ve come to the realization that if more of us (men) embraced sensitivity and not try to hide it behind ego or defensiveness, we could open ourselves up to connect to design and creativity in a new dimension.

I know this sounds like a self-help rant, but, really, if more creative design guys could dig deep and, like my father-in-law, lay it all out there, we could inspire each other in a new way. (Although if my brothers or buddies read this, I’m in for a real hazing.)

As a partner in a creative agency, I know that in order to run a profitable, efficient business you can’t always react with emotion. However, you can use your sensitivity to connect with others in a way that help them understand your passion. That passion and sensitivity that we put in our work should be celebrated, and I’m finally PROUD of it. It becomes magnetic and contagious.

It’s so important for me and many other people who are in the creative industry to surround ourselves with people who play nice in the sandbox, let down their guard, and open up to really be honest. Sincerity, kindness, and respect are three values I have always wanted people to remember me by someday. I now have come to the conclusion that, yes, I‘d like to add one more to that list and that is that I am sensitive. Guys, just imagine the possibilities...