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The Art of Noticing — Arts
The Art of Noticing

**A Bite-Sized Podcast that Teaches You to See and Use the Creative Inspiration That’s Already Around You** Trouble with the muse? Believe me, I get it. Even after 120 books and a show on Hulu, I have as much trouble “finding the magic” as anyone. But the truth is, you don’t need to seek inspiration because it’s already all around you … if you know how to see it. Each 10-minute episode of “The Art of Noticing” contains two parts: something small and almost random I noticed around me, then a creative lesson I made from it, like spinning gold from straw. Whether it’s something in the news, the rhythm of rain against the window, a bit of trivia, word from a friend, or some small tidbit I picked up somewhere, anything can be creative fuel if you can learn to see what’s in front of you. Nothing is ordinary. Everything is art! /// Find show notes, transcriptions, and multi-weekly blog posts at https://www.johnnybtruant.com

johnnybtruant.substack.com

Copyright: © Johnny B. Truant

Latest Episodes:

082 - I Don’t Like Superhero Movies, Except … Feb 16, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed how, although I usually find superhero movies and shows too campy and unrealistic to stand (sorry, Marvel and DC), I actually DO like some superhero franchises. They just need to be grittier, more grounded, and less unrealistic within the suspension of disbelief I’m willing to give. The Boys and especially Logan fall into this category. They’re far a more relatable (and dare I say believable ) approach to superheroes, shifting away from traditional, fantastical portrayals to something more tangible and human. For me personally, that difference is gold.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is the power of grounding fantastical elements in reality to increase relatability and engagement for troublesome viewers like myself. In any writing or storytelling, even the most extraordinary characters or settings can be made more accessible and compelling by infusing them with realistic, human elements. This approach can broaden the appeal of a story, drawing in audiences who might not typically engage with the genre.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

081 - That I Have Old School Cred Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that, at a recent writers’ conference, I still have some "old school credibility" in the indie author community despite my relative absence from it and the fact that I’ve been in a cave for the past few years. Seeing that people still knew me — and sometimes, just my reputation — was pretty cool. It highlit the way that work in a creative field can have lasting impact, and that past good deeds (if I may be so bold as to suggest I’ve done some) stick around.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is the value of building a solid reputation and the surprising longevity of past achievements. Early efforts and established credibility — for any writer or artist — can resonate far beyond their immediate time. For me at least, it underscores the importance of consistent quality and integrity in writing and community building.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

080 - The Patterns in Hotel Rugs Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed how hotel carpets are made with intricate patterns. I think they do it for functional reasons: to conceal stains and wear. However, it could also be about creating an atmosphere of luxury and attention to detail, since complex patterns tend to evoke a sense of sophistication and care in interior design.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is the importance of layering details in writing to serve multiple purposes. Like these crazy carpet designs, details in a story can both conceal flaws and add depth. They can also mask narrative weaknesses (if you were sloppy enough to include any) and enrich the setting, character backgrounds, or plot intricacies.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

079 - That There's a Huge Yellow Face Staring at Me in the Bathroom Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed a massive sphere staring at me through my hotel window in Las Vegas. It’s an entertainment venue, but you can enjoy it from the outside, too: constantly changing in color and content, at one point transforming into a large emoji face that really freaked me out when two mirrors bounced it back at me unexpectedly.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is the impact of dynamic and visually engaging elements in capturing attention and creating memorable experiences. Doing so can turn our work into unforgettable experiences.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

077 - That All the Slots are Video Now Feb 09, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed the evolution of slot machines in Las Vegas from mechanical to digital displays. I have to assume it was because they’re more addictive and easier (read: less expensive) to maintain that way: a transformation aimed at maximizing profits for “the house.”

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is the power of adapting and evolving our creative tools to keep audiences engaged … but it’s also a reminder to balance innovation with ethical considerations, ensuring that we’re enriching rather than exploiting.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

076 - How Weird Las Vegas Is Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed just how surreal Las Vegas is. It’s like some weird fever dream — an almost fantastical world, far removed from everyday life. The streets are a spectacle, with showgirls in extravagant costumes (and their butts hanging out), quirky street performers, and a continuous stream of odd encounters.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is the value of incorporating the extraordinary into our narratives to shake things up. Just like the surreal atmosphere of Las Vegas shocks and amuses visitors, infusing stories with odd stuff can create a captivating experience for audiences and readers, inviting them to explore realms beyond their usual mundane.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

075 - That Being Around Other Writers is Endlessly Inspiring Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed how inspiring it can be to be around other writers. Spending time with people like me in Las Vegas was like pixie dust to my creative energy, highlighting the power of community and shared passions in fueling the creative spirit.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is the value of community and in the creative process. Being around like-minded individuals, especially in a field like writing, can ignite inspiration and motivation.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

074 - That Only Uber is Advertised in the Vegas Airport Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that in the Las Vegas airport's baggage claim area, Uber is overwhelmingly advertised but Lyft isn’t. This singular focus on one rideshare company, without even a nod to the existence of another, felt like a monopoly or an afterthought.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is the impact of selective visibility in shaping perceptions. Focusing exclusively on some details while ignoring others can change audience perception. This technique can be used to steer the narrative, create suspense, or reveal character biases.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

072 - That The Babadook is Thematic Feb 02, 2024

Show notes

Today I learned that the best horror movies are often more than just scary. They also use horror elements as metaphors, with monsters and supernatural phenomena representing internal, psychological struggles of the characters: explorations of deeper, often unspoken human fears and conflicts.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that in storytelling, a cool technique is to use something literal to symbolize things that are actually psychological or emotional.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

071 - That Mr. Ripley Wasn't Who I Thought He Was Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed on revisiting the movie The Talented Mr. Ripley that I’d gotten the message entirely wrong the first time I saw it. What I’d initially thought was a thriller turned out to be closer to a tragic love story: Tom Ripley unable to love others because he couldn’t come to grips with himself … and it leads to murder.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that a story can contain multiple layers and interpretations, often defying easy categorization into a single genre. It also proves that sometimes, the audience won’t get the point and will see art very differently from you.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnybtruant.substack.com

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