Yesterday I did an instagram live with my photographer friend Noah Asanias who is currently based in Vancouver, Canada. Noah is a portrait photographer who was an integral part of our team from The Wrap Magazine’s portrait studio at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival. Together, we managed to set-up, photograph and edit numerous people for a week.   

Anyway, I am really grateful to Noah for the opportunity to speak and share bits and pieces of my experiences as a photographer. One of the things that resonated with me the most from our conversation was the part when he asked about why I celebrate other artists around me.

We’re all in this together. Despite the fact that we are all continuously creating and gunning for the same goals, jobs, aspirations, recognition, etc, we are still a community. And celebrating the success of the people around you lifts you up as well. You can always learn a thing or two from your creative peers.

Having a community of supportive creators around you can help nurture our creative minds and can help put us in a safe space.

I remember mentioning the fact that we all plant different seeds and that there is plenty of opportunities for everyone. I really do believe that. Even though at times you may feel like you are not getting what you desire, or feeling that you should be getting what other people are getting, don’ fret. There’s a lot of things going on that we are actually not aware of. Other people plant their own seeds differently. Now, staying in this line of thought and metaphor, think of it this way- Each person have different, unique types of seeds. Let’s say these seeds are your dreams, aspirations, and goals. Now consider these variables in planting the seeds: environment, the soil, soil type and quality, habits in taking care of the seed as it grows, frequency of tending to the growing plant, other people who can grow the seed, etc.  

So next time you see someone’s seeds growing faster than yours, consider these things: Do you have the same plant type? Did you plant at the same time? Do you know how that person tends to their growing plant? Did the seed grow in the same environment as yours?

Your growth as an individual, as a creative person is relatively different from what you see to those around you. Knowing that, being conscious of that fact can bring a sense of comfort to you. As a creative, I know our minds tend to wander around, entertaining stray voices in our heads, making us always compare ourselves to others. But just reminding ourselves this small simple thing, that each of our own journey, our growth as individuals are all very different from each other, can provide us some sense of peace. In that way, we can evolve to be the best versions of ourselves. And by doing so, you get to be an essential part of your creative community.

-------------------------------------------------------

Our IG live chat may still be available in Noah’s profile.

Check out and follow Noah’s works below:

https://noahasanias.com/

https://www.instagram.com/noahasanias/