“Most artists are told they’ll never make a living from their work. Tim Packer is living proof that’s a lie. A former police officer turned celebrated Canadian artist, Tim walked away from a badge and a pension to chase a dream—and built a thriving art business that’s both creatively fulfilling and financially successful. Today, through his Tim Packer Art Academy and new book You Can Sell Your Art, Tim is mentoring a new wave of artists to do the same.

Tim's Website

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/timpackerfinearts

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timpacker1/

1. From the Badge to the Brush

“Tim, let’s start with your backstory—what was the moment when you realized you had to walk away from police work and fully commit to your art? What fears did you face, and how did you overcome them?”

2. Why Talent is Overrated

“You say that talent is a myth and that success in art isn’t about being ‘born with it.’ What do you believe actually sets successful artists apart—and what are most creatives getting wrong?”

3. The Missing Curriculum

“You’ve said the traditional art school system is broken. What are the most important things you had to learn outside the classroom about building a sustainable career—and how do you teach that in your academy?”

4. The Business Side of the Brush

“Let’s talk dollars. Pricing art is something many creatives struggle with. What’s your philosophy on pricing, and how can artists overcome the fear of ‘asking too much’ or ‘selling out’?”

5. Building a Creative Empire

“From originals and prints to your online academy and now your book, you’ve built a multi-million dollar art business. What’s your advice to artists who want to think bigger and diversify their income streams—while still staying true to their creative voice?”

Sponsor Shout-Out:

“Today’s episode is brought to you by White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Listeners, you can enjoy 10% off your first order with the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com.”

“Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity wherever you get your podcasts—and come back next time as we continue to explore how creative professionals like you bring their ideas to life, and the world!”

Welcome back to Your World of Creativity, where we dive into the minds of creators around the world—those shaping the way we think, live, and leave our mark.

Today’s guest is Chance McClain, a master storyteller and the creative force behind Heritage Films. With over 800 feature-length family documentaries to his name, Chance preserves the essence of individuals and generations. A proud Army veteran, a sports radio pioneer, and even a Broadway musical writer, Chance has done it all—and done it with heart.

Chance's Website

Chance's Facebook page

1: "The Radio Guy Turned Legacy Filmmaker"

You’ve worn so many creative hats—radio host, playwright, filmmaker. Can you walk us through the journey from radio and Broadway to founding Heritage Films?

Follow-up: What was the moment when you realized storytelling through film was your true calling?

2: "Inside the Business of Heritage"

Prompt: Creating personal documentaries isn’t your average gig. What does it take—behind the scenes—to deliver such high-end, deeply personal films? How do you strike the balance between cinematic quality and emotional truth in these projects?

3: "800 Documentaries Later..."

You’ve made over 800 legacy films. That’s incredible. What patterns or lessons have emerged from these hundreds of interviews and stories? What’s one story that surprised you or stuck with you in a profound way?

4: "Legacy, Leadership & Resilience"

Through your lens, you’ve captured themes of courage, loss, love, and purpose. What has making these films taught you about leadership, failure, and resilience? As a veteran and entrepreneur, how do those life experiences shape your creative process?

5: "Future-Proofing Storytelling with Technology"

You’re a traditional storyteller using modern tools. How do you embrace technology to enhance—not dilute—the power of legacy and memory? Where do you see personal documentary filmmaking going in the next 5 to 10 years?

And thanks to our sponsor White Cloud Coffee Roasters—listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at WhiteCloudCoffee.com with the code CREATIVITY.

We’ll see you next time on Your World of Creativity. Until then, subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast app—and keep bringing your ideas to life.

Welcome listeners to Your World of Creativity, where we talk with creative professionals around the globe about how they bring ideas to life.

Our guest today is Jordan Morris—an award-winning producer, director, and screenwriter known for Nintendo Quest and Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe, which won TIFF’s People’s Choice Award for Best Documentary. He’s also the creator of the Life & Death Story Model™ and founder of the Six Months to Screenplay program. Jordan is known as The Writer Igniter—and we’re excited to explore how he helps writers bring emotionally powerful stories to life.

Jordan 's Website

Here's an overview of our conversation:

1. The Story Starts Here

Jordan, your Life & Death Story Model™ is a fascinating framework. What inspired you to rethink traditional narrative structures, and how does it shift the way writers approach their scripts from the start? Can you give us a quick example of this model in action?

2. From Plot to Pulse

You say, ‘Plot grabs attention. Emotion keeps it.’ What does it take for writers to master The Emotional Arc™—and why do so many scripts fall flat in this area? How do you help writers dig deeper emotionally without losing structure?

3. Story Forge & Undercooked Concepts

You’ve coined the term ‘undercooked concepts’—which feels painfully accurate for many writers. What’s your process for Story Forging™, and how can it help pressure-proof a story idea before diving into draft one?

4. The Writer’s Voice & Mindset

Originality isn’t always about ideas—it’s about voice. How do you coach writers to uncover a voice so distinct it can’t be ignored? And what mindset shift must occur for a writer to go from aspiring to producing? How do you balance preserving voice with the demands of marketability or genre?

5. Creativity in a Changing Landscape

You’ve worked across theatre, film, and now community-building with Storytowne. How do you see the creative process evolving today—especially with new tools like AI? Are we witnessing the revolution or the ruin of storytelling? What role does Six Months to Screenplay play in future-proofing storytellers?

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Use the code CREATIVITY at checkout for 10% off your first order at WhiteCloudCoffee.com

Be sure to subscribe to Your World of Creativity, rate us, and leave a review on your favorite podcast app. Join us again for more insights into how creative professionals around the world bring their ideas to life.