The Cost of Playing It Safe

The Cost of Playing It Safe

From Object Subject Form by Simon Clowes

November 24, 2025 · 1h 22m · Season 2 · Episode 11

About this episode

Marko Pfann discusses the importance of taking risks and redefining identity in the creative landscape.

“Stepping out of your old identity will feel scary. But choosing who you want to be is the bravest risk you can take.” — Marko Pfann Playing it safe can feel logical in an unpredictable market, but in this current creative landscape, safe work is quietly making creatives replaceable. It keeps your work familiar, your opportunities limited, and your identity tied to who you were instead of who you have the potential to become. In this episode of Object Subject Form, creative coach and Paradiso co-founder Marko Pfann joins Simon for a conversation about risk, identity, and the real work behind being seen as an artist. They explore why creatives fall into the safety trap, how imitation dilutes your voice, and why standing out now requires choosing who you want to be long before the world validates you. Marko has spent years helping creatives and studios break out of the patterns that keep them stuck. He once had everything creatives are told to want: seven-figure revenue, huge teams, worldwide branding work, and a stack of awards. On paper he had “made it,” but inside, he felt empty. So he sold his studio and walked away from the safety everyone else expected him to hold onto…

People in this episode

Host: Simon Clowes

Guest: Marko Pfann

Topics covered

  • risk
  • identity
  • creativity
  • imitation
  • artistic expression

Keywords

  • creativity
  • identity
  • risk-taking
  • imitation
  • artistic voice

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Paradiso

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