ABOUT THIS EPISODE
WHAT DOES IT ACTUALLY MEAN TO SHOW UP FOR YOURSELF?
It's a question that sounds simple — until you're in the middle of a deadline spiral, second-guessing every creative decision you've made, or quietly wondering if you even belong in the room.
In the next two episodes of CREATIVE. KIND., host Yuhei Ogawa goes deep on one of the most personal — and most universal — struggles in the creative industry: self-worth.
In Part 1, Yuhei and his cohorts get honest about the many faces of self-doubt. From the quiet whisper of Impostor Syndrome to the louder, trickier pull of ego — how do we stay in our own corner when the creative life makes it feel like the hardest thing in the world?
[Intro] Yuhei and Erica Kung (Head of Production & Creative Operations, Squarespace) commiserate on the pressure to keep up a certain "front" as Asian professionals. Designer/Animator Shutianyi Li on navigating the brutal creative job market of 2023. Simon Clowes (Managing Creative Director, Apple) on using Impostor Syndrome as fuel — without letting comfort kill your drive. And flame Artist Andy Milkis (Founder, Logik.tv) shares his leap of faith moment (12 1/2min)
[Chapter 1 - "Sorry to Bother You"] Networking – is it really as scary as it sounds? Ashley Falls (Managing Director, Clios West Coast) on why it's so much more than just conversations. Ruth Newberry & Amanda Russell (Creative Directors/Founders, CREAM) on the unexpected power of embracing your weird. (11min)
[Chapter 2 - "That Voice In Your Head"] Yuhei & filmmaker Haneol Lee discuss age and Impostor Syndrome. Ruth Newberry (Creative Director/Founder, CREAM) on honing your craft as a way to quiet the noise. Creative director Kara Barnett on not letting your inner critic become the ceiling on your potential. Ryan Summers (Creative Director, Sarofsky) breaks down his philosophy for coexisting with self-doubt. And dancer/Choreographer Ian McKenzie widens the aperture. (12min)
[Chapter 3 - "Ego Ain't Your Amigo"] Film marketing legend Benedict Coulter (Founder, R3BEL) on the complicated feeling that comes with winning. Dancer/Choreographer Ian McKenzie on the fragile ego of a new generation of dancers. (10min)
[Chapter 4 - "The Line You Draw"] Justin Cone (Co-Founder/Head of Community, FrameRate) on a troubling trend he's seeing in younger artists. Creative director Kara Barnett on recognizing — and recovering from —burnout. Stage performer Phillip Attmore on having the clarity & priorities when navigating work/life balance. Web3 entrepreneur Natalie Stone (Founder, StoneWork) on why outside voices matter more than we think. (15min)
[Chapter 5 - "Finding Your Way Back"] Creative director Michael Blackburn on finding the "thing" that brings you back to your creative baseline. Quinnton Harris (Co-founder, Ghost Note Agency) on the practices that keep him creatively centered. Creative director Ryan Summers on why the people around you might be the most underrated ingredient in your creative health. (7 1/2min)
[Outro] Designer/animator Shutianyi Li reflects on what she's gained through self-care. Creative Director Devin Mathews on facing a pivotal moment. (7 1/2min)
It's a conversation about the inner game. And if you've ever questioned whether you're good enough, charging enough, or doing enough — this one's for you.
Main Theme by: Mateo Messina (https://www.mateomessina.com)
Additional Music: Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)
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