We recently connected with Crystal Davis and have shared our conversation below.
Crystal, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I keep creativity alive by constantly creating, especially in creative droughts. I’ve found that when I am experiencing moments in my life that are forcing change or growth – this is the best time to create. So in some ways, I am disciplined in my craft and I use them as a form of expression as I continue to experience and transform as an artist and an individual.
I am always trying something new, learning about a new art form or type of poetry influences the type of works I create. My creativity is very much inspired by other artists, seeing their work on display or listening to them perform a poem ignites the creative spark in me.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am an artist, poet, author, and social media marketer for artists, non-profits, and for-profit. I am the owner of Crystal Letters LLC where I provide art, writing, and promotional services. I opened my own business in 2017 after working for non-profits for many years and not feeling much growth, as a result, I pushed myself to open my own niche business where I could provide for artists and arts organizations in my community and around the world.
I have had opportunities to exhibit my artwork and perform my poetry on stages across New Jersey, New York, and international virtual stages.
In 2020, I published my first book of art and poetry, Elemental Emotions which can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/Elemental-Emotions-Crystal-Letters-ebook/dp/B0D1HN1YSY, and I am currently finalizing the manuscripts for my upcoming books, Softened by Dew and Dark Matter.
In the next few months, I will be performing for the Hudson County Poetry Festival, the New York Poetry Festival, and the Jersey City Poetry Festival. My artwork will also be featured in the 4th Annual The Art of Femme 2025 at the Brooklyn Art Cave for their digital exhibition and in their The Art of Femme: A Digital Exhibition Ebook: https://brooklynartcave.aflip.in/AOF#page/1
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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?
My ability to create artwork digitally, to write poetry on a whim, and my ability to love. I could live a thousand lives and I would hope that my ability to love would transcend with me – because this is what gives me the constant urge to see beauty in the mundane.
Creating art digitally has served to be such a great skill because I can be on the road, pull out my laptop, and create something inspired by my day-to-day experiences. Being able to write poetry on a whim also falls in line with creating work digitally, I’m thankful knowing that I can write on a napkin or my phone and keep moving.
Stay positive and stay creative, even when life gets hard, you need to be your biggest supporter to help yourself get back up to create. You will never know who your art will impact – sometimes creating the hardest piece can inspire someone to create as well. Aspire to create, no matter what. At the end of the day, create art for yourself and you will find a happy medium between creating works of art and your personal/business life.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely, through my company, Crystal Letters, I am looking to collaborate with artists and writers from all walks of life. My sister company OpenRoad Poetry which I share with my co-founder, RescuePoetix TM, hosts Open Mic events and Poetry and Spoken Word Showcases for all ages in and around Jersey City.
We invite you to join us for one of our events. We love working with artists, and we produce a monthly newsletter that reaches 1000+ contacts, and we feature arts, poetry, theater events, and more, for FREE! Collaborators can reach out to us via the links below if they are interested in collaborating or joining the newsletter!
Stay up to date with Crystal Letters and OpenRoad Poetry at:
www.crystalletters.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Crystalletters
https://www.facebook.com/OpenRoadPoetry
Instagram:
@crystallettersofficial
@openroadpoetry
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crystalletters.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystallettersofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Crystalletters
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalmdavis/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/crystalletters?utm_source=linktree_admin_share
Image Credits
Jennifer Brown
Ameerah Shabazz-Bilal
RescuePoetix
SilencebyKPhotography
Melida Rodas
Buko Media
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
