Misty Bradley: Reveling in Creative Energy

What did you use to do during recess?

I loved swinging upside down from the monkey bars as a kid. My other favorite was taking spins on the merry go round.

Did you think of yourself as a creative kid? What does creativity look like for your these days?

Yes. I spent a lot of time writing poetry and songs even as young as 7 years old. I also loved to act. My brother was always embarrassed to go to the store with us because I re-enacted commercials right there in the aisles.

How much time do you get to work on creative projects?

These days not much. My kids have a blended school schedule. I’ve been spending most of my time assisting my kids on their virtual school days. The two days they are at school, I’m working with my creative coaching clients or public education & equity advocacy. I love cooking and baking so most of my creativity has been enjoyed in the kitchen lately. We still have to eat and with everyone at home so much, I’ve been feeding people ALL THE TIME.

How did motherhood change your creative practice?

Other than the obvious change of having so much less time for personal creativity, motherhood has been a huge mirror for me. It has reflected my personal challenges, quirks, and outright flaws. Parenting my children has meant parenting myself. It’s likely more accurate to say motherhood has been a window. Yes, I’ve seen my reflection in it, but it’s also given me a different view of the world. It has heightened my values and desires for the kind of world I want for all of us. I’ve always had a keen sense of justice but being a mother has made me fiercer and softer all at the same time. That has shaped my creative energy.

I can’t help but funnel that energy into creating conversations, drawing attention to issues, and helping my coaching clients create work that fuels their lives instead of consuming them. Personally my creative energy has been spent exploring themes in my music, creating an atmosphere in my home that feels beautiful and meaningful, gardening, feeding people well, fostering creativity in my children, and hopefully more time for painting and music this coming year.

How does art enrich your life? How does being a mother enrich your art?

I’m obsessed with beauty and meaning; I find that in art. However, I’m convinced that art is an approach more than an object. Long before motherhood, I have believed our lives are our greatest piece of art. Motherhood has only increased that belief. The most powerful thing we can create is expansive, glorious lives.

When do you feel most creative?

I feel most creative when I feel like I’m making something more meaningful or intentional and also when I’m finding new ways of doing things.

What helps you make time and space for being creative? How do you avoid burn out?

Honestly, my husband is my enabler. Although he is the bigger breadwinner with a more traditional job, he has always done more than his fair share to allow me to be whoever I am and follow whatever is calling me. He has never let monetary income decide the importance of my work. That has given me freedom and time to give to my work. 

Burn out, ooph! I think this is an adversary that will be with me at least until my kids aren’t. There just isn’t enough time and energy to do all the things I want to do; or even all the things I believe are important. So the biggest key is brutal prioritizing. You MUST cross off important things, even very important things can’t always make the cut. That’s hard but necessary. I’m not always great at it because I don’t like disappointing people.

Who would you love to collaborate with? What’s a dream project for you?

This is really hard to answer because I have so many ideas. I think what would be most fun right now is a musical project. I would love to work with Pharrell. Honestly, I just want to stand in his orb and support his excellence. He seems like an ace human being.

What’s inspiring you outside of your own genre?

Getting to know people beyond surface level inspires me. If I’m talking to you, I want to know your story. Movies and television are also great sources of inspiration for me, they are a delightful mix of story, music, and imagery.

How would you like the world to see artists and mothers?

Clearly. But I think I have more desire around how I wish artists and mothers would see themselves - valuable, powerful, and dynamic. 

How can we support and encourage each other more?

I think if we can stop the scarcity mindset, we can freely support and share each other’s work and influence more. We also need to be understanding of people creating lives that work for them and instead of judging based on whether it would work for us or not, we can celebrate our differences.

If you had a million dollars to make the world a better place, how would you spend it?

I would spend it giving a megaphone to people whose voices need to be heard. If we can help people understand and empathize, we can bring people together.

If there was a movie version of your life, what who would you like to play you and what story do you want her to tell?

I don’t think I have a good answer to this question. I don’t think my story has hit it’s climax yet.

If you could give everyone a small treat, what would it be?

I think everyone needs an epic meal with interesting conversation.

If you had a free hour, how would you spend it? What about a free day?

With an hour, I would get a deep tissue massage. I would spend all day in a spa with the women I love, talking about how to spread great ideas.

What would you bring to a favorites party?

I’m in love with these green slippers.

---

Misty Bradley is a guide + visionary for creatives, helping them navigate their quest to build the life and work of their dreams. She is a multi-passionate creative with experience as a singer/songwriter, photographer, writer and branding strategist, and now as an integrative wellness and life coach. Misty has been married to Randy, who is a creative director and ad exec, for nearly 23 years. They have three kids: Lola, 15; Zeph, 11; and Aven 6. Misty is also a public education and equity advocate and serves as the Vice Chair of the Oklahoma Parent Legislative Action Committee. Connect with her at www.mistybradley.com and on Instagram @mistybradley.

This interview was originally published in 2021.

The Sidewalk Chalk Talks are inspiring interviews with mothers who are making space for creativity and finding ease and joy in the process. The women I admire are bright, visionary creatures who love their work and their families. The different dimensions of their lives enrich each other and the world we share. I hope these conversations will inspire you and your work!