Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Avgoustina Papadopoulou. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Avgoustina, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
For me, creative blocks often arise from low confidence or feeling I lack original ideas. Instead of focusing on perfectionism, I’ve created a safe space for myself as an artist. I’ve learned not to expect greatness from the first draft. I embrace the process of continuous editing, gradually refining my work until it reflects my voice and my artistic vision. This mindset allows me to keep writing and creating without the pressure of immediate perfection, fostering a more productive creative practice.
Moreover, it helped me a lot when I’ve came in terms with the idea that external factors, such as stress, can impact creativity in a major way and that’s okay. I’ve accepted that not every moment will be filled with brilliant ideas or any ideas as matter of fact. Embracing the ups and downs of creativity has allowed me to maintain a consistent, productive creative practice.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m an individual who thrives on exploring various facets of storytelling. It excites me. As a storyteller, I find immense joy in crafting narratives and then bringing them to life on the screen. The ability to have full control over the creative outcome is what drew me to directing mostly – it’s the art of translating words into a visual language.
Currently, I’m working into new and exciting projects that merges my love for poetry and filmmaking. I’m working on transforming my collection of poems into short films that delve into profound themes such as depression, addiction, and societal issues. This venture is not just about artistic expression but also a means to raise awareness on topics often overlooked. I’m approaching these narratives in a surrealistic manner. I believe this unconventional approach adds an extra layer of impact and emotion to those narratives.
Looking ahead, 2024 promises to be an exceptionally creative year for me. I’m planning exciting projects and will be collaborating with new talented artists. I can’t wait to share these projects with the world.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Being resilient as an artist is crucial, especially in the challenging creative industry. There were times when self-doubt almost made me quit, but learning to bounce back mentally became a skill I had to build. I realized that failure is essential for learning and growth.
Another key factor was stepping out of my comfort zone. If I hadn’t done that, I’d still be where I was a few years ago. Embracing discomfort has been my way of growing as an artist.
Additionally, seeking feedback from others has played a vital role. The skill of receiving constructive feedback has helped me gain new perspectives and continuously improve my work.
In a nutshell, my advice for those starting their creative journey is to build resilience, welcome discomfort for personal growth, and see failure as a path to learning. Learn to bounce back from self-doubt, regularly step out of your comfort zone to broaden your artistic horizons. Remember, failure isn’t personal; it’s a way to keep moving forward.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was giving constant and strong support on my creative journey. I think having a supportive family is super important; there are times when I doubt myself, and having people, especially family, who believe in you is priceless. My parents never limited me to a specific role or expectation. They cheered me on to explore my creative side without judging the results or when things didn’t go well. This kind of backing is what keeps me determined to keep going, and I am thankful for it. I always strive to make them proud.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avgoustina_p/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avgoustina-papadopoulou-618b46156/
Image Credits
Savvas C. Christou
