Where I’m from, there’s no creative scene for what I do — no space for world-building, creature design, or cross-media storytelling. It’s not a friendly place for creators, and I’ve dealt with doubt from friends, family, and all around. So I isolate to create. That distance helps me shut out the noise, stay focused, and build the kind of work I believe in. Isolation, doubt, and the lack of a creative scene around me haven’t stopped me — they’ve fueled me. I’ve learned to turn the silence into momentum and use every challenge as energy to create more.
Filmmaking / Directing : July Filmmakers Club – Week 2 Challenge by Dwayne Williams
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I'm glad those things are fueling you, Dwayne Williams! I isolate to create too, unless I'm working with someone/people on a project.
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Maurice Vaughan Ahh, I see why you’re such a great creator now — that focused isolation really does something powerful. This platform has helped me find the right people to build with after searching for years. I hope one day I get to work on something universal and cinematic with someone like you — would be an honor!
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Glad Stage 32 helped you find the right people to build with after searching for years, Dwayne Williams! I'm looking forward to collaborating with you! I think we could create something incredible.
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That means a lot Maurice Vaughan— and I feel the same! I think there’s real potential for something special. Can’t wait to see what we end up building together when the time’s right. Let’s keep creating and letting the work lead the way.
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I definitely agree with this. I have to admit that sometimes it gets to me even when I try to shake it off but I'm glad you didn't let it stop you.
Where I'm from it's always about whether or not I get paid to do what I do. It's never about the fact that I enjoy doing it.
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Don't let others block your creative endeavors. Your staying focused and pushing away from the negative shows your strength and drive for the goals you're reaching for. Keep brainstorming and keep creating.
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I really appreciate you sharing that, Raneisha Marsdon— and I completely get it. That pressure to “prove” your creativity with a paycheck can be draining, especially when all you want is to be seen for the passion and the purpose behind it. I’m glad you’re still holding onto what you love. Keep creating — that joy is valid, with or without validation.
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Appreciate that Kelvin Thornton— seriously. Staying focused hasn’t always been easy, but I’m learning to block out the noise and let the work speak. Thanks for the encouragement — it means a lot.
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You're welcome. It's easily to get distracted sometimes, even when you're trying your hardest to focus.
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Creativity (original thought) and walking your own path, scares the shit out of most people and hence their reaction. It's their reaction to their stuff not you or your stuff.
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This really hit deep—especially as a creative trying to carve a path through all the noise. Where I come from, some people don’t even whisper behind your back—they point with their mouths and say you’ve lost it. “Delusional,” they mutter, like it’s your middle name.
And sure, it’s passion that drives you, not public opinion. You tell yourself, “I don’t care what they think!”—but every now and then, that sneaky little voice creeps in:
“What if I don’t make it? Will they be right? Am I just out here passionately chasing shadows?”
But hey, here’s the thing—if being delusional means believing in a dream no one else can see yet, then maybe that’s your superpower. Keep building. The same mouths that pointed will eventually be asking for interviews. I wrote small notes of encouragement all over the wall , makes me look even more delusion but I guess that's the point.
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Rebecca James I absolutely love what you just said — you’re spot on. That’s beautifully said and deeply true. It really is their reaction to their own fears, not ours. Thank you for putting that into words so perfectly.
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Brightman Majiduh Wow… you just boosted my focus and energy 100 times over. Those were powerful, wise words — and I can tell you’re a deeply humble and passionate creator. That "delusion" you're talking about? That’s vision. And what you wrote hit hard. Keep building, and keep writing on those walls — that’s how futures get shaped.
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Dwayne Williams , your spirit is commendable! The science of the human brain has been proven to be phenomenal in those aspects!
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Well said! I honestly used to hate being alone. Leaning into isolation and channeling it to make momentum has changed everything in my creative process. I don’t view it as isolation anymore, but as the solitude that’s necessary to create anything original. I get excited that I’m working on a dream I’ll see in reality one day. It’s been a game changer.
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Appreciate that, Eon C. Rambally— seriously. I’m just trying to stay grounded and keep showing up for the work. It’s wild how much of this journey is mental — tapping into focus, blocking out noise, and just letting the ideas flow. Thanks for the encouragement!
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Ayanna Anene I feel that so much. I used to wrestle with that feeling too, but once I leaned into the quiet, everything shifted. Solitude really does become fuel when you let it. And yeah, creating a calm, focused environment inside — mentally and physically — has made a huge difference for me too. Love what you said, and I’m glad you’re chasing that dream with full focus. Keep going, it’s inspiring.