An open letter to the creatives of the world
Photo cred: Luke Kritzeck - designer, producer, friend, and fervent chaser of the light
Dear Creatives,
I would ask how you are, but that question feels so loaded these days. It’s been a weird couple of weeks for us all, but especially for you.
As a creative, it is your life’s work to create - to bring the new into existence. These weeks have brought a lot of destruction, and that contrast has to feel particularly jarring. Unfortunately, it seems like the destruction might carry on a little bit longer. But it will end. This will pass.
Creatives, I have to ask - have you mourned yet? Many of you have lost a lot - and I’m not just talking about money and opportunities. You probably had an image of the career you wanted to have next week, next month, next year. You might have had hopes and dreams built around future parameters that felt relatively certain. And today’s world has probably turned that image upside down - at least temporarily. So I’ll ask again, have you mourned? It’s okay to mourn a loss, even if it’s invisible. It doesn’t mean you’re dwelling. It means you’re healing.
We are all still here for you, creatives, even if you don’t see us yet. There is a lot of noise right now, but when the dust settles, we will still be here eagerly awaiting what you have yet to create. The rules may be different. We may not be able to come to your show or be with you in person. But we know you’ll find a way to connect with us. In a world that is notoriously distracted and disconnected from each other, you have always found ways to bring us humans back together. We love that about you.
When the fear of the unknown takes over, please remember that you are magical. Don’t lose sight of that magic you carry - the magic to create, to connect, to imagine, to hope. I get it - the world isn’t always so great at acknowledging or appreciating you for what you bring to the table. But right now the world could use some extra magic in it. Please don’t hide it from us now.
I spent most of my life as a creative. While I’ve since switched careers, the lessons I learned in my musical studies still walk alongside me every day - especially during these times.
Like the time I asked an established trombonist if he ever got nervous when learning a new and difficult piece of music. He replied, “Why would I get nervous? I’ve played all of these notes before many times. They’re just in a different order, that’s all.”
The world is a little different now, but creatives, you have played all of these notes. Try not to be too discouraged by the the specific technologies you have not yet used, the sources of funding you have not yet found, the audience you do not yet know. You’ve created these things before - and you will create them again. Remember: same notes, different order. All it will take is a little practice.
I will leave you with this:
I’ve been thinking a lot about forest fires, and how uncontrollable and destructive they are. However, in the midst of these fires there are seeds, like that of the alpine ash, which can only grow in the bare and ashy earth the fire leaves behind. In the midst of the fire’s destruction, these seeds are preparing to grow a new forest.
Creatives, even at humanity’s most destructive, you have been the ones to keep us growing forward. You see the possibility in ways the rest of us can not see. You dream at heights the rest of us can not reach. It’s a lot to ask right now, but creatives please do not lose hope. You are not forgotten. Even though right now it looks like everything you’ve worked to build is burning down, there is a new forest to grow and we need you.
We can not wait to see what you will create.
If you need support, I’m here for you. You do not need to suffer in silence. Reach out and let’s talk: https://calendly.com/lisa-husseini/covid