The Creative Process with Dan Nelken

This week, I sat down with Dan Nelken - a guy I immediately vibed with. Dan is an award-winning advertising creative turned author, speaker, and trainer. He’s the mind behind A Self-Help Guide for Copywriters, a modern classic for creatives trying to build with heart and clarity. With over 20 years in the industry, Dan has worked with powerhouse brands like McDonald’s, Nintendo, and Lululemon. But what really fuels him now is helping creatives create more for themselves - something we talked about at length.

 

What You’ll Learn:

• Why creatives need structure and process, not just passion
• How self-doubt sabotages the creative process - and how Dan's "bucket" method flips the script
• That creativity and business must coexist for long-term fulfillment
• How leaning into discomfort leads to growth and opportunity
• Why it’s okay - and often better - to start before you feel ready
• The power of intentional reflection and thinking in decades, not days
• Tips for taking creative risks without losing your shirt (or your sanity)
• How Dan built confidence through speaking, community, and just doing the thing scared

“The joy comes, the knowing comes, from doing something.” - Dan Nelken

What hit me about this is how often we wait for a lightning bolt of clarity before we act. But Dan reminds us: clarity is the result of movement, not the requirement for it. That big idea you’re waiting on? It’s already brewing - but you have to start building to discover it. Dan’s creative journey wasn’t about being certain, it was about being brave enough to move through the uncertainty.

 

Overview:

This episode felt like a masterclass in creative resilience. Dan and I dug into what it means to build a meaningful career without losing your soul - and how the biggest breakthroughs often come when we stop pretending we have it all figured out. We both reflected on the early career grind, how imposter syndrome creeps in, and the evolution that happens when you start building with intention. Whether you’re freelancing, running your own shop, or working in-house, there’s gold here about trusting your gut, developing systems, and surrounding yourself with the right people. I’m telling you - this conversation is one I’ll be revisiting.