what if you take another look?
pay attention.
Imagine that your house is a mess. And the only products you have on hand are some cleaning products that seem aight but they’re not your favorite. The mess has grown so much that it’s now urgent to clean - you don’t want it to get too far outta hand.
Would you choose to wait until you can get the exact cleaning line that you want and stand in that growing mess or would you take the imperfect but fully useful cleaning products and get to spraying down the toilet?
Now, what if you treated your creative gifts and talents like that? Not the toilet - like the cleaning products. You may have a goal, a project, or a vision that you’re trying to reach and can’t figure out how you’re gonna do there. No one knows how things will end up, all we can control is the subtle actions we do or don’t take towards something.
You may not have a whole hour to write but you got 20 minutes?
You may not make a lot of time to create but can you write the idea down?
You may not be able to buy the book you want to learn from but can you find it at the library?
That’s not to say that you accept everything - that means you always use what you have to do what you feel like you need to do.
This is something I illustrated for myself earlier, I hope it helps you out.
Take Care,
PS. This week’s newsletter has an updated look, lmk what you think!
Journal Prompt: Carrie Mae Weems References Herself
This one is so good that I had to run it back but with a new angle.
I can’t get over Carrie Mae Weems referencing herself in the Bottega Veneta campaign with A$AP Rocky. One of the most profound living Black artists cites her own work - wishing you that energy for yourself.
Journal Prompt: What’s something you’ve recently learned about your creative approach?
Links that heal: creativity, kindness, safety, integrity
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly and the Meaning of Black Music by Mark Anthony Neal
“Growing up, summers were a time for block parties and barbecues. How is Gen-Z working to keep this vital tradition of community alive?” - Daric L. Cottingham
Marlena Banks-Parks says her Big Idea Food® Bible study guide is easy to digest
For all of my fellow social media strategy nerds, this read about Chilli’s is for you
a note on creative writing via Twitter
Black and elderly neighbors relied on Houston civic club leaders—not government agencies—for ice, water, and food.
Resources + Opportunities
Master Class: How to Carve Out A Creative Life, with Jami Attenberg price: $105
The Nature Conservancy is hiring for a REMOTE Senior Production Manager
Words of Mouth is an excellent resource for creative work, fellowships, and gigs
New_Public is looking for a Research Fellow
‘“Black Bourgeoisie” By E. Franklin Frazier was recommended reading on Twitter