Solitude in Moderation

Solitude comes with the territory when pursuing a career in the arts. There are many benefits of spending time alone including opportunity for reflection, silencing the mind, and taking time to evaluate renewed goals and ambitions.

But like anything else, too much solitude can be unfavorable. It's easy to bury ourselves in our work, or hibernate in our homes for days, sometimes weeks on end without any with the outside world.

I'm convinced there's a "sweet spot" that can be attained, or at least pursued. Surrounding ourselves with like-minded people who care about us and support our ambitions can put a much-needed spotlight on what we can improve on. 

Often, just knowing you have a team of concerned people behind you can do wonders for the morale, while reminding you of how far you've already come; something we often fail to recognize in our pursuit of simply wanting more and more. 

Letter to a Discouraged Writer

Hey Michael,

Thanks for the advice. As far as feeling frustrated about your future prospects as a writer is concerned please take solace in knowing you're not alone. In fact, as competitive as the entertainment industry is, feeling the way you do, especially for young, very intelligent, and ambitious people like yourself isn't out of the norm.

From my vantage point you are well on your way. You're driven, you're talented, smart, and a go-getter. And as much as you millennials hate this word, it requires: Patience.

Talent is not enough. What's going to continue to separate you from the others gunning for similar positions is consistency and hard work. You combine those two principles with talent and a good attitude and opportunities will be presented. Remember to focus on the long game.

Now, if you get to a point where you really feel you need to re-strategize, or pivot you'll know. But for now, I would just say continue getting as much experience as possible. Be a sponge. Surround yourself with people who are positive and better at what you do than you are. 

Also, cut yourself some slack. You've made enormous strides. Think of what you accomplished this past year alone. The films you worked on, the people you met, the projects you finished, and the highly competitive festivals you were accepted to. Not too shabby my friend. 

It's important that we take inventory and recognize what we've done, what we can do differently, and what we're grateful for. All have helped me get my bearings as I regroup and head into a new year. 

Happy Holidays my brother. You're already living the dream.

Best,

Nick

Be Happy Where You Are

A close friend of mine is one of the most talented artists I've ever met. She's worked for major theater and opera companies, toured the world, and from the outside seems to live "the life."

Yet, each time we speak she seems to be in a frenzy. She wonders where her next job will come from, why certain directors won't call her back, and seldom seems to acknowledge her accomplishments. 

As a casting reader for Broadway plays, I spent years reading opposite brilliant actors -some famous but most were not. 

What I discovered is no matter where you are in your career you never not have problems. Your obstacles just change. 

As a result, I've learned happiness is not attained through achievement alone. One must first make a concerted effort to be happy wherever they are. And when unexpected events occur, good or bad, you're more likely to show poise because you've already decided to bring your own weather wherever you go.

Lessons Learned Traveling the World

Last summer, I had the great fortune of traveling to several countries in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. It was an opportunity to re-connect with friends, see parts of the world I hadn't visited before, and much needed reflection.

I wrote each day about my journey, while asking someone in each new place for the best piece of advice someone had ever given them. The insights were profound, while refreshingly simple.

http://www.worldambler.com/ 

On the very last day of my journey I found myself in Warsaw, Poland. My final discovery was perhaps the most poignant -- at least at the time:

Living life on your own terms, which is to say, an existence of nonconformity is like any other meaningful pursuit. It takes practice and time to hone your craft. But in time, you slowly get better and better, eventually skilled at shooing away the chatter and noise of those who project their own fears and failures upon you. The notion that you must live a certain type of life wanes in its ability to ruffle you because you have become a master craftsman in living life the way you see fit.

Start Before You're Ready

There's a great interview with actor turned screenwriter, Taylor Sheridan on YouTube. Sheridan recently brought to life the critically acclaimed stories, Sicario and more recently, Hell or High Water.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeySPEcoq4Q

During the interview Sheridan admits he knew nothing about writing a film. Perhaps equally important, he knew how not to.

“I have absolutely no idea how to do this but I know exactly how not to…tell the story I want to tell, be honest…I write movies I want to see about things that interest me," he concluded. 

Not only is it crucial to know the pitfalls of creating something meaningful, but I also gathered from Sheridan's words that it's also okay to start before you feel ready. 

You don't have to have it all together to do something remarkable. Just begin.

Be Part of Something Where It Matters if You Show Up

One of the biggest challenges of being an artist is the solitude. Unless you're consistently working in a collaborative capacity -- rehearsing a play, shooting a film, or showing work in an exhibition there is A LOT of time spent alone.

And it's when we're alone when we find ourselves battling the voices that nudge us to consider more conventional paths or question the meaning of our creative contributions.

What we need is no different from what anybody else yearns for - to be part of a community of like-minded people where we feel we're making an impact. 

Whatever your medium it may help to find a place through volunteer service, or community outreach work where it really does matters if you show up or not; a place where people are counting on you to deliver value and share what you know.

This will do wonders for your morale and likely support your artistry in unexpected ways.

Get Non-Artists Involved in Your Projects

Inspired by the 2015 Sundance Film Festival Premiere of the feature film Tangerine, shot entirely on three iPhone 5s smartphones, I decided to shoot a short on my mobile with a couple of close friends. 

Dan and Bill are medical professionals, not actors. Lured by my assurance, "You just have to be yourselves," and perhaps my promise to buy them dinner, they actually showed up on "set" (a restaurant) at their scheduled "call times." 

I had not clue what to expect, but was soon pleasantly surprised by the quality of their engagement. They both were not only terrific actors, but at times took on the roles of director, cinematographer, production assistant, and even script supervisor. 

What's more, they were insightful, curious, and clearly loved the critical thinking aspect of filmmaking. The three of us stumbled through ways to solve what to do about lighting, sound, and wide shots.

To say my film will not be at Sundance any time soon is possibly the understatement of the century. But it’s already proven a fun project worthy of my time and theirs...I hope.

Just because someone isn't an artist doesn't mean they're not creative. Get your non-artist friends and colleagues on board. They may surprise you.