Multi-Hyphenate Creatives: You Can Do It All - But Should You?

Multi-Hyphenate Creatives: You Can Do It All - But Should You?

Multi-Hyphenate Creatives: You Can Do It All - But Should You?

You’ve heard the saying “Jack of all trades, master of none”? I’m going to start with something controversial, I hate that quote. This quote has been preached to me on many occasions throughout my career and I can imagine it will continue for the rest of my years.

Why this quote? Because my creativity is hard to grasp, I do many things and can do many things well. Does this sound like you? Your creativity doesn’t fit in the societal norms of occupation, the idea that we decide to be or do one thing in life and that is how we will be labeled and introduced for the rest of time. No, I, like you, am a rare breed, one that has no definition so I decided to make one for us multi-talented humans. Hi, my name is Annisa and I’m Creatively Fluid.

WHAT IS “CREATIVELY FLUID”?

When I was very young I showed a lot of elements of a creative child. My parents put me through ballet and dancing from 5 years old, later I added music to my list, learning piano, clarinet, and music theory, then we had to add drama, painting, and fine art in high school, to film and television studies and music extension.

At university, I studied for a bachelor of photography and included subjects like jewelry making and sculpture. My final graduation project was a series of animations, which I learned how to do myself. Then I went to study acting at drama schools for a few years, made short films (which did well at festivals), and worked as a costume assistant, actor, and camera operator of feature films. I became a fitness instructor, model, and presenter. Got into stand-up, yep comedian, and had sold-out shows in Australia and now I can also add screenwriter to the list, as I’m currently writing tv shows and feature films.

Enough right?

And the crazy thing is, I can and still do all of it.

But I can’t put all of this on a business card, one: it would look ridiculous, and two: people in this industry want to know exactly why they are networking with you and how they could use your skills later.

Producer Director Writer Actor You Can Do it All but Should You

So do I tell people all the things I can do? No! It sounds egocentric and self-absorbed. No one wants to hear all that, and until I get my version of The Truman Show, this industry isn’t about me… yet.

My point is, at first I thought it was just me, all this creativity, all these avenues I enjoyed and found fascinating. I felt so alienated when people, usually those who lacked creative diversity, would say things to me like “You should pick one thing, that’s the thing you should focus on.” It was a dagger to my heart like there was something wrong with me, I can’t pick one thing, they are all my one thing, they are my way of being able to express and communicate.

As I got older I noticed the commentary more and more. “Wow, you do so much”, and “Is there anything you can’t do?” It was enough for me to delve deeper into my research and understanding of the creative and how I could come to terms with and accept my creative diversity.

I read in a book once that said you can effectively define yourself for yourself when you are able to present yourself to others with no confusion. Because I was confused about what it is I did, or do, or wanted to pursue, so were others. So I pulled it, and myself apart, and took it back to brass tacks.

I realized in my creative journey, ideas would come to me and sometimes the skill I had wouldn’t best execute the expression of the story so I would use a different one. As someone with a diverse creative skillset, I realized my mission was to find the right outlet that would give that idea, and story, the greatest form of expression.

To be Creatively Fluid is to use the right skills and tools in your toolbox to express and execute the art at its highest and most beautiful form.

Producer Director Writer Actor You Can Do it All but Should You

HOW TO NAVIGATE BEING “CREATIVELY FLUID”

We all know this industry likes a box, you’re a producer, or writer, or actor, or director. Right? Well, what about those who Act, Produce, Write, and Direct? Amazing!

As someone that can do all those things on a project, it becomes very helpful, especially on small-budget projects or ideas that you are trying to get up and running. You will learn when to share what skills you have available and at your fingertips, and when to keep your mouth shut because it doesn’t serve a purpose to the project.

But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. I have learned to retrain my brain to put my ego aside and ask, ‘What does this project need from me?’ ‘What can I truly give wholeheartedly to this project?’, ’What do I know I can do, but I know someone else will deliver better for this project?’ and most importantly ‘What do I need to improve on, or learn from others?’

Producer Director Writer Actor You Can Do it All but Should You

As a creatively fluid person, you have a lot to give. You have a lot you can offer to a project but also remember there are only so many hours in the day and only so much energy you can expel. You are probably going to be more helpful in being able to assist a producer and you focus on the writing and directing than you are spreading yourself thin and doing it all.

We know this industry is a team effort, it’s why we call it “The Crew.” It's also the reason that places like Stage 32 exist so that you can connect with other incredibly talented individuals and find that team to bring your projects to life. And you can find those people in classes, in the lounges, on the jobs page, at the meet ups, and so much more.

If you do need something just for you, then I encourage you to find that outlet. For me it’s stand-up, I write, direct, produce, and manage those shows and touring currently, but even now that I’ve done that for myself, I’m happy to bring someone in to help collaborate and bring new life to my work. The ego has had its spotlight, so to speak.

Producer Director Writer Actor You Can Do it All but Should You

This brings me to my last thought, sometimes we do need to do something just for us. As creatives, we want to try things, push boundaries, and learn new skills. Sometimes you just want to do it all to see if you can. And I encourage you to do so because you will learn what you think you can handle and what you actually can handle (That's also a life lesson).

You know all the tools in your toolbox, but that doesn’t mean you have to use all of them to get the job done. Be smart in your execution and you will not only create beautiful work, but you will also create relationships and a lifelong career you are proud of.

Thank you for being wonderfully Creatively Fluid.

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About the Author

Annisa Belonogoff

Annisa Belonogoff

Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker

Emerging Australian writer, actor and comedian, Annisa Belonogoff, has made a splash in film, onstage and in Sydney stand-up scene. With sold-out solo shows at the 2019 Sydney Comedy Festival, Annisa recently toured her show, which she both wrote and directed, Dear Future Ex-Husbands, to Brisbane, P...

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24 Comments on Annisa's Article

Sherri ZImmerman
Art Director, Author, Craft Services, Graphic Designer, Screenwriter, Songwriter, Translator
"Creatively Fluid"... You might want to coin that... LOL I think YOU ARE JUST REALLY "TUNED IN" TO YOUR DEEPER INTUITIVE SELF ~ you obviouly follow your gut, and therefore, anything is possible for you.... simple as that. Excellent! often have I've thought, "I have just "too many" talents!" THIS idea of highly creative ties into the idea of "madness" - which we ALL KNOW is just another word for "genius"... (depending on the level of it all). The book Touched by Fire (by author Kay Redfield Jamison), tried to bringing this "radical behavior" to a understanding relating to the condition of the Bipolar Disorder... HOWEVER, I have to "agree to disagree" with some of her thoughts on this... since I am GREATLY experienced to DO SO. There is FAR MORE GOING ON, then what was covered in her book... which is WHY the movie Success After Insanity, (story of my life - in early stages of development with great promise), will show a traumatic difference between the" ideology" of this KIND OF ENERGY, and the "labels" that most in the field desire to BOX it into... I WAS a licensed BARBER (NOT BEAUTY)... owned a few barbershops. Became licensed CNA taking care of the elderly in home health work (23 years)... attended college ON AND OFF for 30 years LOL, writer, artist, creator of board games, so much more... Comments such as "you might be confused as to what you really want to do" or references to being "too scattered" (surely won't deny that... LOL but often IT IS A PART OF THE CREATIVE PROCESS for many!! Great topic and referred by Eon Rambally... thanks Friend!
a year ago
Annisa Belonogoff
Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker
Thank you Sherri for taking the time to read my words! 
a year ago
Sherri ZImmerman
Art Director, Author, Craft Services, Graphic Designer, Screenwriter, Songwriter, Translator
Another note... but short, promise. ISN'T THAT WHAT ACTING IS ALL ABOUT?! The ability to have MANY DIVERSE ABILITIES... ? The ability to wear MANY HATS? And IS why we often say, THERE IS A METHOD TO MY MADNESS. LOL such an oxymoron. Definition: “organized chaos.” GREAT TOPIC and needs more in-depth exploring for MANY that are still locked away.
a year ago
Sherri ZImmerman
Art Director, Author, Craft Services, Graphic Designer, Screenwriter, Songwriter, Translator
Thank you, Annisa
a year ago
Hossam Hussien Alakwah
Director, Screenwriter, Publisher
This is the speech of the artist, who has the artistic sense, talent and creativity since childhood. He has fed and breathed art, creativity and taste. You are our voice, Anisa.
2 years ago
Hossam Hussien Alakwah
Director, Screenwriter, Publisher
Thank you . anisa, You made me breathe from your words of art and creativity. You are our voice. I apologize for the delay in responding to you
2 years ago
Annisa Belonogoff
Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker
Thank you Hossam for such kind words. 
2 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Great blog, Annisa! Yeah, a lot of times the industry likes to put creatives in a box, which is fine if you want to be put in a box (Example: If you’re a writer who wants to be known as an Action writer), but sometimes you want to be free to express yourself in as many ways as possible. Like you said: “As someone with a diverse creative skillset, I realized my mission was to find the right outlet that would give that idea, and story, the greatest form of expression.”
2 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
You're welcome. I love quoting people. :) I also think quoting people is a great way to get people interested in things.
2 years ago
Annisa Belonogoff
Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker
hehehe I love the quoting, thank you Maurice! 
2 years ago
Adam Hansen
Data Wrangler, Screenwriter, Creative Executive
Thank you, Annisa. Very well put.
2 years ago
Annisa Belonogoff
Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker
Thank you
2 years ago
Leonardo Ramirez
Screenwriter, Author, Voice Actor
Love this. Embrace all that you are!
2 years ago
Annisa Belonogoff
Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker
Amen
2 years ago
Steve Guglielmo
Editor, Motion Graphic Design, Producer
Thank you Annisa, this blog hit me at my core! I've been struggling with this issue my whole life. Proud of being creatively multi-faceted as a kid until a demo reel I sent right out of college (in the early 90's) got a nasty response on the phone; "You can't be more than one thing, it's confusing that you shoot, edit, act, storyboard and make props & costumes! Focus on one thing only!" I started hiding things & missed out on working on a lot of independent films because I didn't know what to say I could do. So I focused on video editing (at the end of analog & start of digital video). But later on, my ability to create graphics, understand sound mixing & music became required skills for all digital video editors years later. I tried calling myself a "Cinematic Craftsman" hoping that was a broad term that would cover everything I could do, but it was mostly criticized as a weird term. I've been at a crossroads for the last year tired of just being an editor. Seeing your blog and the responses here gives me hope that I can be proud of my toolbox and use the right tools at the right time and get more involved in bringing other creatives' visions to life.
2 years ago
Annisa Belonogoff
Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker
YESSSS Steve I love this, thank you for sharing your story! 
2 years ago
Marcel Nault Jr.
Host/Presenter, Screenwriter, Author, Agency Assistant
I can breathe a huge sigh of relief now. I'm relieved that I'm not alone in this. I've always considered myself as a "jack-of-all-trades" whether professionally or creatively. I don't like to limit myself or put myself in a box. However, the biggest problem with me was starting something, and never finishing it. With this screenwriting gig, I don't know. I feel like I can stick myself with it for as long as I'm able. I'm publishing my first book on August that has nothing to do with screenwriting. I have many projects going on in my life right now and I wouldn't see it any other way, as I long as I can breathe in between and go to the beat of my own drum. Extremely helpful article. Thank you, Annisa!
2 years ago
Annisa Belonogoff
Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker
Most welcome Marcel and Welcome to the club! 
2 years ago
Penny LeLeux
Content Creator, Editor, Film/Theatre Journalist, Filmmaker, Location Scout, Marketing/PR, Photographer (Still)
I love it. All my life I've been all over the place like Billy's path to the store in a Family Circus cartoon. Several years ago I so a TED talk referring to multi-potentialites. Wow, that was eye opening. Last year someone called me a multi-hyphenate and I had to look up the term. I just say I'm kinda handy to have around sometimes. When you work in indie films in an area that is not known for filmmaking, it's good to be able to wear a lot of hats. Great article! Yes, you are not alone!
2 years ago
Annisa Belonogoff
Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker
Thank you Penny, welcome to the club! :) 
2 years ago
Stephan Foley
Screenwriter
Interesting. I'm good at a lot of things. Not math. Only if it serves what I'm needing it for. I am an award-winning screenwriter, my script got me in the room with Stan Winston. I love writing anything, though comedy and horror are what I'm drawn to. Self-taught artist, musician and writer. I picked up lead guitar pretty quick without lessons. Thanks for helping me understand myself better. Creatively fluid is a great title for what I have. My superpower is imaginative creativity. Anyhow, feeling more normal now. Thanks Annisa.
2 years ago
Annisa Belonogoff
Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker
Most Welcome 
2 years ago
Allison Johnson
Screenwriter, Director, Actor, Dancer, Singer
Hi Annisa:) Nice article! Have you ever heard the end of that quote? “Jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” I only recently heard that ever-important second half and it made me like the quote far more;) From a fellow multi-hyphenate.
2 years ago
Annisa Belonogoff
Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker
Yes! that second half has gotten lost hasn't it. Thank you Allison, love the reminder 
2 years ago
MB Stevens
3D Animator, Screenwriter, Voice Actor
Amen, Annisa. Onward and upward.
2 years ago
Annisa Belonogoff
Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker
Cheers MB
2 years ago
Myescha Joell
Script Consultant, Producer, Researcher, Story Analyst
Annisa! This resonated with me so much. I've just emerged out of that phase of having to go back to the drawing board because I realized people were confused by me...maybe I was confused as well OR they were just overwhelmed with all that I have to offer. I'm now in a space, similar to you, where I've talked to my ego about taking a passenger seat or back seat, so I can commit to giving my best tools to ensure a project's success. Now I customize how I present and what I present based on the project in question. Even here on Stage 32, I've chosen not to go overboard with my creative fluidity. This was such a helpful reminder!
2 years ago
Annisa Belonogoff
Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker
AHHH I love this Myescha! 
2 years ago
Leonardo Ramirez
Screenwriter, Author, Voice Actor
Thank you, Annisa
2 years ago
Annisa Belonogoff
Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker
Most welcome 
2 years ago
Linwood Bell
Composer
Love this, Annisa! I totally relate. I have to be a one man band so often and the engineer/bottlewasher. I actually like wearing all those hats, but I would sure prefer a room full of musicians and money to pay them well. :)
2 years ago
Annisa Belonogoff
Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker
Put it out there Linwood, you never know what will happen. 
2 years ago
Deborah Jennings
Author, Content Creator, Producer, Researcher
Applause for all you multi-talented people out there!
2 years ago
Annisa Belonogoff
Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker
WOO! 
2 years ago
Haley Mary
Actor, Songwriter, Comedian
Love this blog! I was good at playing alto saxophone when I was in 6th grade, I took drama classes in high school and excelled at that as well as creative writing and write lyrics and songs with a friend. One time my friend called me a jack of all trades. I never knew the term creatively fluid before now. The term seems to fit, though. Thanks for writing this blog, Annisa.
2 years ago
Annisa Belonogoff
Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker
Gosh Haley! I'm here with you, played the piano and clarinet for YEARS, thought I was going to do music... who knows I still might. :) 
2 years ago
Niki Hayes
Actor, Producer, Acting Teacher, Script Supervisor
Be smart in your execution! Absolutely. So well put.
2 years ago
Annisa Belonogoff
Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker
Thank you Niki
2 years ago
Eon C. Rambally
Animator, Director, Producer, Screenwriter
We shouldn't limit ourselves, as human beings! However!!! Annisa Belonogoff, I'm so pleased to see this blog. "Multi-Hyphenates"! Is this evidence of a leap in human evolution, sensitivities to technical beliefs in mind! To what extent are we capable of utilizing that untapped portion of our brain? A question that has been asked many times in the past, by great minds! I'm Writer-Director and Producer of three short films, one was cancelled, due to technicalities, the other two were entered for official competition and presently extending one for feature length. I did the screen-writing, story-boarding, artwork and graphics, which includes the poster artwork, animations, editing, and more (check my bio and profile). I'm a "different form of evolution" and was compelled to prove it, years ago now starting filmmaking, when did not have much relevant support, had to "lead" the way by demonstration. then eventually got on stage 32, support was "achieved", thanks to "multi-talent capabilities", which has now as said, produced amongst many things, two official short films, one in process for a feature. Remember, when given capabilities, it's for a "purpose" and responsibilities, however, wisely give room for support, when it comes! Wish everyone the best!
2 years ago
Annisa Belonogoff
Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker
Thank you for sharing these thoughts Eon
2 years ago
Quinceé Kaya Dill
Actor, Voice Actor, Producer, Screenwriter
Thankful for this post Annisa! I'm currently at a time with myself where the following is wholly accurate; "sometimes we do need to do something just for us. As creatives, we want to try things, push boundaries, and learn new skills." I face a good bit of doubt at times, but I keep pushing even if it's an inch at a time. Thank you for this blog post and your creative fluidity!
2 years ago
Annisa Belonogoff
Screenwriter, Producer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Filmmaker
Most welcome! Thank you so much for taking the time to read it. 
2 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Love it!
2 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
This inspired me.
2 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Thank you, Annisa
2 years ago
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