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
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
I don't think you HAVE TO pull back the curtain more than you are but I guess some people might like you to do so. It's totally up to you and what your goals are with your site. If you decide to do some collaborations and interviews I'd be happy to participate. I've been quite an open book on my site!
Exciting stuff, Clint - and I know first hand how *eek* being in front of the camera can be. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised - it's the first time the red light goes on that's the hardest, and after that, it's kinda fun. (*raising both hands to be a guest in whatever format you choose* ✋💛🤚)