Keeping It Together + Making It Work
The Hustle/Struggle Is Real, So Let's Make Deals
As creatives, especially queer creatives, we see our full-time job/vocation as challenging norms, creating works, promoting creativity, and pushing boundaries.
The journey, however, is not without its challenges. From Shiny Object Syndrome (S.O.S.) and social media envy to the constant need to hustle and innovate, finding balance becomes an art form in itself.
For us, navigating the complexities of art and design, while maintaining a sense of self and purpose, is an ongoing work-in-progress.
Shiny Object Syndrome: The Last Temptation of Creativity
Collectively and individually, the Collide Press Crew often find themselves drawn to a multitude of ideas, concepts, and mediums. The allure of S.O.S. can be particularly potent. While the syndrome can encourage experimentation and innovation, the FOMO of it all usually leads to delayed/derailed plans and progress.
Keeping It Together: Balancing Artistic Expression & Practicality
Maintaining artistic integrity while navigating lifeās necessities and practicalities is both a balancing act and a delicate dance. Both of which we struggle with, so we tend to look for inspiration. Like this live performance from Madonnaās Truth Or Dare.
For us, finding a balance between artistic expression and practical considerations is key. It's about honoring the unique voice within, while also addressing the external factors that shape one's artistic journey.
Experimentation: The Playground of Creativity
Creativity often thrives in the realm of experimentation. Embracing experimentation allows us, as queer creativea, to challenge societal norms and redefine artistic boundaries. The challenge lies in not letting experimentation become a chaotic force.
Establishing a framework and processes within which to explore helps us find and maintain a sense of direction amidst our sometimes messy dispositions.
While FOMO and S.O.S. can be too tempting to resist some days, most days we can focus on finding the inspiration and working up the perspiration to create new work and market it effectively.
Balancing artistic expression with practical considerations promotes sustainable creative practices.Experimentation is the playground where boundaries are pushed, but a sense of direction is key.
As we continue to shape and strengthen our artistic muscles, we hope our stories and work inspire others to find their own balance in the ever-evolving world of creativity.
Thanks for reading!
Clint
NEWS + VIEWS
CAN L.A.āS MARIA ROSARIO JACKSON USE ART TO HEAL AN ANXIOUS AMERICA? (LOS ANGELES TIMES)
GOOGLEāS NEW AI FEATURE TRANSFORMS YOU INTO A HISTORICAL ART PIECE (CREATIVE BLOQ)
GEORGE CARLIN ESTATE SUES CREATORS OF AI-GENERATED COMEDY SPECIAL(HOLLYWOOD REPORTER)
THE NEW BALLARD BOOKSTORE DEVOTED TO THE ANCIENT ART OF BOOKS (SEATTLE TIMES)
ACES OF TRADES: JESS SPIRES FINDS HER WAY THROUGH PAINTING AND SCULPTING (ZAINESVILLE TIMES RECORDER)
Words of Wisdom
"To create, one must first question everything."
Eileen Gray
"I write for those women who do not speak, for those who do not have a voice because they were so terrified, because we are taught to respect fear more than ourselves. We've been taught that silence would save us, but it won't."
Audre Lorde
"I want to live honestly, not just maintain the appearance of doing so."
Jean-Michel Basquiat
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