In the weeks following the roll-out of shelter-in-place mandates toward flattening the curve against COVID-19, the practice of self-care has become an increasingly important tool for creatives in combating stress and strengthening immunity against the virus—as they continue to retool their platforms to virtually engage with audiences. The state-mandated social-distancing and self-isolation protective measures have also presented an unexpected opportunity for introspection and

The concept of leveling up within pop culture is contextually tied to a win-against-the-odds underdog narrative, mostly celebrated by spectators and embraced by few. From an outside perspective, grind and hustle are often touted as the keys to achieving elevation and satisfaction in the form of stature and prominence, regardless of profession—despite the evidence of natural laws, as expressed through the force of gravity, which guarantee a leveling and return to start. For ar

When markets become unstable, the resulting domino-effect immediately prompts a reassessment of inventory and resources by businesses and consumers, informing their behavior amidst economic turmoil and uncertainty. As artists and creatives work to adapt to the economic ebb tide resulting from the global spread of coronavirus, they are also faced with reassessing the ratio of their creative and financial reserves against the realities of the marketplace in reevaluating their p

The memory of this particular leap year will be framed by great and unexpected loss--heightened by the economic effects of COVID-19 in the dismantling of livelihoods and streams of income due to social distancing mandates. In the shock and panic from news coverage and the growing restlessness from self-isolation efforts, there has been an urgency to return to business as usual. Despite the disruption and unease, however, for many artists and creatives, self-isolation has serv

Isolation is intrinsic to the creative process and journey, as experienced through the haphazardness of business and tour travel, market downturns or the voluntary solitude that allows for the requisite focus and study needed to strengthen performance and technique. Regardless of circumstance, isolation also provides an opportunity towards the strengthening of morale and quarantine of the mind against destructive environments, influences and distractions that hamper creative

When navigating the current of the creative career, strategic planning is intrinsic to the successful realization of artistic and commercial goals. Although time is a necessary component in the execution and actualization of each career goal point, there will inevitably be personal or professional challenges that confront even the most fortified strategy, requiring decisive action in the form of patient perseverance, acknowledgment and acceptance of unexpected detours, or a w

Although professional and marketplace criticism are unavoidable realities of the creative career, it is easy to become distracted by them, given the basic human desire for acceptance and approval by others. For artists and creatives, criticism, whether constructive or unwarranted, is never really anticipated at the release of their work—as the sharing of it in the marketplace is an indicator of its perceived value and worthiness. In today’s viral digital climate, the offense

The road of an independent artist is often romanticized for its bureaucratic freedoms and creative control, but it is a difficult and complex path of intersectional responsibility that requires a high level of discernment and personal accountability—carrying a greater level of liability and risk than creatives whose careers may benefit from the financial strength of corporate or privatized support. However, regardless of the absence or presence of corporate sponsorships or be

When we begin walking out our commitment to our craft, it usually originates from a photo-capture of our ideal self, performing at the height of our conceived creative capacity—an empowering image that provides context, meaning, and a sense of purpose to our lives and the sacrifices required along the road to success. As time progresses, a certain level of courage becomes mandatory to continue forward—To execute on the belief in the equity of your voice as an artist. To conti

As artists and creatives, we all want to be thought of as autonomous and in control of our talent and the inherent power in its expression. To that end, every effort is taken to hone our individual talent into its highest form through daily practice and disciplines—however, our best attempts to obey the calling to create can only yield so much, given that we are not the author or originator of the gifts that we work so hard to cultivate. In answering the call to create, what

Relationships are highly valued commodities—particularly within the entertainment and art worlds, where having connections is generally regarded as a necessity for career mobility and success, and a metric of industry equity. A trusted confidant can provide the encouragement and support we need in our darkest hour of perspective—while a betrayal can serve as a mentorship tool towards self-actualization as an artist, providing a window into our greatest strengths and weaknesse