Following up from my previous blogs, “Finding Your Creative Tribe” and “Building Safe Spaces”, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the very individual process a professional creative must go through in order to be present for their “tribe” or be strong enough to lead a team. Especially since doing the work for yourself, BY yourself is essential. It is the foundation of everything else we create.

Consider for a moment when you visit a doctor. It is certainly their job to help analyze what ails you and suggest a plan to heal you, expecting them to do all of the work is ineffective at best. While it is tempting to relinquish all responsibility and ask your doctor to simply “fix” you, consider how much more effective their analysis is when you come prepared. Perhaps you offer observations, read up on the symptoms, even prepare specific questions. When you focus on what you can contribute in the relationship, the work you do together improves.

‘But why a spiral, Kay-dawg? Shouldn’t I be able to deliver this information and receive what I need in return? Bing, bang, boom?’

While receiving a service for money is a transaction, the collaboration necessary to solve any problem is hardly transactional. That is to say, much like any other problem-solving process, the creative process is not linear. If you keep working at it, however, then it can feel like a cycle toward a pointed goal. Not a hamster on a wheel waiting to pass out, but a runner on a path around a mountain top, steadily spiraling upward. In today’s blog, we’ll be exploring four guideposts for keeping you active and involved as a professional creative so you can show up and do your best work on your way to the top of your game!

The Craft: Do the Work

We all start here as creatives. The surprising revelation about working in the industry, whether in a remote part of the world or in the heart of Los Angeles, is that the work is the same. If you do the work, then you have indeed begun your process of improving as a professional creative. Whether novice, intermediate, or expert, we take every opportunity to make our art. Sometimes our individual art can be done alone, but sometimes it requires communicating your vision.

One of the greatest advantages of having an entire community of artists is that you do not need to polish your work before sharing it with your Stage 32 peers - we’re here to help you on your journey, not just witness its results! Of course, you are always welcome to share your victories as well, but it all starts with putting in the hours.

The Business: Know Where Your Skills Fits In

When it comes to bridging the gap between making something and selling something, it could be as simple as shaking hands. Often, however, there is a mountain of steps to get you to that place. As the Founder and CEO of Stage 32, Richard “RB” Botto, often recommends, it starts with reading “the trades”, or the industry news sources (The Wire, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Deadline). Keeping up to date with industry news helps you, the creative, switch away from thinking only of selling your project and into how what you do fills a real need for someone else. It also allows you to understand the changes in the industry so you can adjust to the demands.

Make no mistake - what you contribute helps other people in this industry. Are you selling a script? It would be helpful to understand what a producer does and the risks they take when purchasing your script. Trying to work in a writer’s room? Why not learn about the complicated role of a showrunner to better work with one. Shopping your feature around for a distribution deal? Best to learn the different platforms available before you accept offers.

It sounds complicated at first, but you’d be surprised how many successful professionals in the industry are simply the people who took the time to do research. They listen, compile information, and create opportunities by learning more than “how to”. They look for the ever elusive “why for”.

The People: Grow Networks, Build Relationships

This is likely the reason you’ve sought out the Stage 32 platform - to grow your network. When we “network”, we’re making friends and confirming our common interests. The truth is, you can increase your network anywhere because a network is a numbers game. A network of a hundred easily accessible professionals is absolutely desirable. When you reach out to them with a request, however, you may only render 10% responses. Why? Because a network is based on shared interests, but not necessarily on shared values.

When you know you share even one value with someone else, you begin to form a relationship. Take a moment to think of the professional relationships that mean the most to you. What values do you have in common? Now consider that same pool of one hundred easily accessible professional relationships with those shared values - do you see them stepping up when you make a request? A 50% response rate is easy. In layman’s terms, relationships have a greater quality of connection than a network and thus are more likely to have a greater impact.

The Process: Receive Feedback, Invite Discourse

This is the final stage of creative progress, and for obvious reasons, it is also the most important. We all must share our work with others. Early in the process, it’s required to improve our craft. Later in the process, it’s important to ensure we’re delivering what our collaborators need. In final delivery, it’s essential to ensure we showcase the craftsmanship.

Sharing is part of the equation, but not all of it. Discourse stimulates creativity, as does reflecting on the effect of our work. We all want the accolades and audience appreciation, but to truly improve our craft - where it all began - we must be willing to have hard conversations with peers and mentors. You’d be surprised how unpacking a shared issue can naturally elevate our position on the spiral to the top!

Now it’s back to one! Get back to the work and start all over again - just elevated! What stage do you struggle with? How can the Stage 32 community help you?

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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