Coming Out Of The Shadows?

Thinking Out Loud About Finding My Light

After another week of big strides personally, I’d like to take a moment to share some of my thoughts about some big—to me, anyway—things I’m considering professionally.

Collide Press has been growing in ways that excite and inspire me. The montages I love to make continue finding new audiences, and it’s been incredible to see how many connect with them. But lately, I’ve been thinking about what’s next—new ways to build on their success and create new types of content.

As long as I can remember, I’ve preferred being a behind-the-scenes kinda guy. I’m no supermodel and have few delusions of grandeur. I rather create and curate on my own and share them without drawing too much attention to me, myself, and I.

But as I’ve been busy “turning my light back on” these past few weeks, I’ve heard from so many people who helped me realize there’s an opportunity—and perhaps even a need—for me to step out of the shadows and put a face with a name.

What would that look like? I’m not entirely sure, but here’s what I’m thinking so far:

• Live streams featuring some of our the Collide Press Crew…that means some of you, boo. In case you aren’t aware, this community is full of fabulous and fascinating people I would love to get to know better…for those interested and open to it. No pressure.

• Deep dives and/or interviews about queer artists, creatives, and pioneers.

• Book, film, and photobook reviews.

• Perhaps virtual visits to museums and/or other cultural institutions.

Showing my face could help make the histories and stories I share more personal. While I’m not exactly comfortable with the idea of being on camera, I am excited about expanding the scope of content I create and curate.

(Note: These videos would be in addition to the montages. While those may evolve a bit, they are what I love to do and definitely here to stay!)

I’m still figuring it all out. But I know that growth—real, meaningful growth—has often involved me stepping outside my comfort zone.

As much as I love the work I have been able to do as a faceless content creator, maybe it’s time for me to step out of the shadows? I think I can…

No big promises or changes…yet. For now, I’m just thinking out loud.
But I’d love to hear your thoughts on pulling back the curtain…a little.

Thank you for being a friend!
Clint 🌈✌️

P.S. Comments are open to all subscribers, free and paid. Please be kind…or rewind elsewhere. Questions, special requests, and/or suggestions are welcome!

ON THIS DAY = MARCH 14

BIRTHDAYS

• 1804 = Johann Strauss I = Austrian composer and conductor

• 1833 = Frederic Shields = English painter and illustrator

• 1864 = Alfred Redl = Austrian counter-intelligence officer and spy 🌈

• 1879 = Albert Einstein = German-American physicist and Nobel Prize laureate

• 1898 = Reginald Marsh = French-American painter and illustrator

• 1903 = Adolph Gottlieb = American painter and sculptor

• 1912 = Les Brown = American saxophonist, composer, and bandleader

• 1916 = Horton Foote = American author, playwright, and screenwriter

• 1919 = Max Shulman = American author and screenwriter

• 1920 = Hank Ketcham = American cartoonist and Dennis the Menace creator

• 1923 = Diane Arbus = American photographer 🌈

• 1933 = Michael Caine = English actor

• 1933 = Quincy Jones = American producer

• 1941 = Wolfgang Petersen = German-American filmmaker

• 1948 = Billy Crystal = American actor, comedian, and filmmaker

• 1948 = Theo Jansen = Dutch sculptor

• 1950 = Rick Dees = American actor and radio host

• 1951 = Jerry Greenfield = American Ben & Jerry's co-founder

• 1955 = Jonathan Kaufer = American director and screenwriter

• 1957 = Tad Williams = American author

• 1965 = Billy Sherwood = American guitarist, songwriter, and producer

• 1965 = Kevin Williamson = American actor and filmmaker

• 1970 = Kristian Bush = American singer-songwriter

• 1976 = Daniel Gillies = New Zealand actor and filmmaker

• 1994 = Ansel Elgort = American actor and DJ

• 1997 = Simone Biles = American gymnast

EVENTS

• 1794 = Eli Whitney is granted a patent for the cotton gin.

• 1885 = The Mikado, a light opera by W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, receives its first public performance at the Savoy Theatre in London.

• 1931 = Alam Ara, India's first talking film, is released.

• 1942 = Anne Miller becomes the first American patient to be treated with penicillin, under the care of Orvan Hess and John Bumstead.

HOLIDAYS + OBSERVANCES

• National Pi Day

• National Write Your Story Day

• Pi Day

PORTRAIT + QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Imagine what a harmonious world it could be if every single person, both young and old shared a little of what he is good at doing.”
Quincy Jones

NEW + FEATURED

Summertime Daydreams #2 (NSFW)

K.I.S.S #3 (NSFW)

• Substack = NSFW + Pioneers + Pride + SFW

• YouTube = Playlists + Streams + Videos

LINKS
Bluesky + Ko-Fi + Linktree + YouTube

SHOP
Art Prints + Merch + Pride
On Amazon + On Threadless