Who Gets to Be an Artist? (Issue #42)
This week’s theme is creative processes – a behind-the-scenes look on what we make, how we make it, and why.
Hi friends!
Throughout my life, I’ve always had a complicated relationship with the label of “artist.” I grew up singing and acting, but to actually be an Artist felt elusive. Out of reach. And even when I took up photography and built an entire business around it, calling myself an artist still felt fraudulent – like a special club for people with incredible technical ability, for things like drawing and painting and fiber arts. And while I know now that the term means something far more expansive, somewhere along the way a more limited definition had wormed its way through my self-concept.
“Creator” was always the label I’d stick onto myself. It felt less bold because anyone could create. To be a creator didn’t require a certain level of talent, you just had to make things. For someone like me, who is multi-passionate, often found blowing with the wind of whatever I’m into at any given moment, the title fit. It could describe me as a middle schooler writing college application essays for fun, as a business owner pursuing wedding photography, and as a writer and podcast lover who’d eventually host her own show. The identity was flexible, and felt like the perfect cover to allow me to explore lots of different interests.
But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come around to calling myself an “artist,” especially when the title is viewed more expansively. There isn’t one way to make art and I love learning about the processes of other creatives. It’s the reason I love On Fire: The Official Survivor Podcast and the book Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. In both cases, you get to deeply explore the behind-the-scenes process of creators making things they LOVE.
So for this week’s theme, we’re going to explore recommendations all about the creative process. Enjoy!
A round-up of things to watch, read, and listen to as you head into the weekend.
I know how frustrating paywalls are! When possible, I’ll try to offer gift links through my subscriptions to support access to high-quality journalism.
The Washington Post: Norman Lear, who brought social commentary to the sitcom, dies at 101 (gift link) by Louis Bayard.
I’d never heard of Norman Lear before his passing, but as tributes to him began dotting their way through my newsfeeds, I realized just how influential he’d been in my own life. In case you (like me) were unfamiliar, Norman Lear was the creative mind behind several staples of Black television, including Good Times, Sanford and Son, and The Jeffersons. In this touching and thorough obituary, Louis Bayard explores what led Lear to create many of his now-iconic shows. For a more personal account of Norman Lear in light of his passing, I also loved this post by @isabella.gomez:
The New York Times: The Fine Art of the Paperback Makeover (gift link) by Scott Heller and Miguel Salazar.
This article highlights a rare second chance offered to book publishers – the paperback editions. When a paperback is released, it is often given a new cover, which can be an opportunity to expand the book’s appeal and reach new audiences. In this piece, Heller and Salazar take you behind the scenes on several paperback makeovers. It’s a super fun read and a peek into an industry process I’d never really thought about before!
Teen Vogue: What a Palestinian-American Wants You To Know About Dehumanization by Hala Alyan.
This is a beautiful op-ed interrogating the ways media narratives around Palestinians are created, and the impact they have on real cultural attitudes and policies. It’s a pressing reminder of our responsibility as consumers to be intentional and critical of our beliefs, especially within the context of the narratives we’ve been exposed to.
Featuring someone I’m obsessed with (talking about what they’re obsessed with).
Megan Berray-Larsen is a Minneapolis-based, self-taught bagel maker and owner of Mogi Bagel. I first found Mogi Bagel on Instagram, and was so excited to give them a try! I’ve since ordered from Mogi a few times and absolutely LOVE them!!
When Megan first launched Mogi Bagel in January 2023, she was working a full-time job as a graphic designer and making a few dozen bagels on the side, selling them to friends and family on Instagram. After only a month and a half, she had a 2-week-long waitlist for bagels and was getting press from local news like Racket & Eater Twin Cities. She quit her design job, moved her business into a commercial kitchen, and started selling her bagels at local farmer’s markets, where it was common to see a block-long line forming an hour before market start. A year later, Megan has 4 employees, has been featured in the Star Tribune, Fox 9, and KSTP, and sells around 200 dozen bagels a week at various pop-ups around the Twin Cities. She hopes to continue growing and open a storefront within the next year or two! You can order her delicious NY-style bagels on mogibagel.com—orders open every Sunday at noon!
And now for Megan’s recommendations!!
I found out about these on TikTok. I never wear makeup anymore working in the kitchen, but these lashes make me feel cute and put together. They are super easy to put on and last about 5 days. My favorite is the Natural Minis—they look really nice and natural!
Three Podcasts: Otherworld, Spooked, & Radio Rental
All three podcasts include stories told by people who’ve experienced something paranormal. I've never had a paranormal experience but I love hearing about them! There's definitely more to our world than meets the eye.
This Inflatable Hot Tub From Costco
I splurged on this 2 years ago and I do NOT regret it! It was $400 in-store and I even saw it on sale for less once. Since I live in Minnesota I can only have it out Spring–Fall but that's enough for me. It's the perfect baby step towards a real hot tub for way less $$, and it was worth every penny. (Editor's note: for those without a Costco membership, I’ve heard AMAZING things about this version as well – and it’s often on sale for under $500)
Just-Keeps-Getting-Better Lentil Salad Recipe from Bon Appetit
I can't even count how many times I've made it the past few years. It's a super delicious way to get greens & fiber in! I recommend microplaning the garlic & lemon zest, I think it's better that way. And sometimes I'll use chili-seasoned almonds or pistachios instead—so yummy!
Massages, Naps, and Rest
Building my business this past year, I've had to learn how to take time to relax because I always feel like there are more productive things I should be doing. It's okay to be lazy or take time to rest & recover, and it's essential to avoid burnout. It can be hard to let yourself "do nothing" but sometimes it's what your brain & body needs! (Editor's Note: seems like a good moment to plug @thenapministry!)
Things to try + share in the group chat.
Note: Links preceded by an asterisk (*) are affiliate links that allow me to collect a small commission when you purchase something I’ve recommended. That said, I can promise I’ll only ever share items I love. Buying through these links is one way to support me and my small biz. ❤️
A niche TikTok interest of mine is the videos of Montessori kids clumsily learning how to cook at really young ages (see video example here). My best friend Jordan loves to cook, so I really wanted to give her son the tools he’d need to learn alongside her. For Christmas, I bought him *this Montessori kitchen tools set and I can’t wait to claim responsibility for his cooking skills when he’s older, haha.
Andrew and I followed this mocha recipe a few weeks ago, and I’m soooo proud of the delicious (and aesthetic) drinks we made! While there are no doubt tons of mocha recipes on the web, I loved the ease and simplicity of this one.
I watched the movie Rustin a few months ago and loved it! The story follows the true life of Bayard Rustin, a gay civil rights leader who was a trusted advisor and dear friend of Martin Luther King. The movie is fantastic, and I loved learning about Rustin’s contributions to the civil rights movement. If audio is more your style, or you’re hoping to dive deeper, Netflix made a Rustin companion podcast that delves into the making of the movie. The first episode features Toni-Leslie James, Rustin’s costume designer. I loved hearing her perspective on Black fashion during the time of the Civil Rights Movement, and the ways historical knowledge shaped her choices in dressing the actors for the film. Highly recommend both the movie and the podcast!
This past Monday I did a round-up of my faaaave household products and want to make sure you didn’t miss it! From magical drain cleaners and the perfect closet lights, I’m sharing the best of the best. Check it out here!
Have a great weekend!
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