We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Annet Katan Aka Creative Craziness a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Annet Katan, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I am grateful for the interview invitation and would like to express my sincere appreciation. It’s a great honor for me to be given the opportunity to share my experiences and insights with readers.
When I think about what it means to be the only one in the room, the reality is I am the only me in the room wherever I go. I am the only person who looks like me because there is only one me. This kind of thought is what makes me go through what feels like a challenging but rewarding experience, an opportunity for growth, resilience, and pioneering change.
Sometimes, I treat this situation like starting from scratch, but with a little twist – I begin with experience, and with each new beginning comes new lessons to be learned. It’s a process that can sometimes be overwhelming, but I stay positive and focus on the growth opportunities.
There are a few things I prefer to focus on.
Self-confidence is key to success in these situations. Believing in my abilities and the value of my contributions has empowered me to assert myself in any environment, regardless of how different I may appear from those around me. Confidence breeds credibility, and by owning my expertise and creative vision, I have been able to earn respect and influence despite being in the minority.
Adaptability is also essential. Being open to learning from others, embracing diverse viewpoints, and adapting to various work styles has enabled me to collaborate effectively and thrive in any setting. Instead of seeing differences as barriers, I view them as opportunities for personal and professional enrichment and development.
Resilience has been a guiding force in my journey. Recognizing that setbacks and challenges are inevitable, I have cultivated a resilient mindset that allows me to bounce back from adversity with renewed determination and perseverance. Each obstacle becomes a stepping stone, propelling me toward greater achievements and breakthroughs.
Approval of others does not define me, and I do not rely on whether someone likes me or my work. In my journey as a creative individual, I have learned that being confident in my abilities and staying true to my vision is more important than seeking validation or acceptance from others. Getting caught up in trying to impress or fit in with the crowd is easy. However, embracing my unique perspective and being true to myself has allowed me to create and innovate without limitations.
I focus on the positive feedback and constructive criticism that will help me evolve and improve. I am open to learning from others, but I am not defined by their opinions or expectations. By trusting myself and my creative instincts, I have been able to overcome doubts and insecurities and create authentic and meaningful work.
Being the only one in the room means being a trailblazer, a catalyst for change, and a beacon of inspiration for others who may feel similarly marginalized. By embracing my identity, harnessing my strengths, and staying true to my creative vision, I have found success and paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse creative landscape. So, to my fellow trailblazers, remember that your uniqueness is your superpower; with it, you can shape the world around you in extraordinary ways.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am excited to share with you the journey of Creative Craziness.
What is Creative Craziness? It’s an artist, a dynamic presence in the vibrant Bay Area art scene. Drawing inspiration from lively pop art movements, Creative Craziness specializes in art direction and photography, creating visually compelling pieces that capture attention and ignite the imagination. With a focus on innovation and creativity, Creative Craziness contributes to the rich tapestry of artistic expression, offering fresh insights and bold interpretations that resonate with audiences.
Creative Craziness was born out of a moment of realization amidst the stunning Australian coast in 2016. As I found myself glued to my phone instead of fully immersing in my surroundings, the idea of embracing a “Digital Break Mode” sparked within me, leading to the creation of Creative Craziness on Instagram.
Creative Craziness is not just about capturing moments but also about celebrating the artistry in every aspect of life. It’s about recognizing the extraordinary in the ordinary and breaking free from societal labels. From covering my face with an artistic veil to exploring new places and embracing creativity in every moment, Creative Craziness became my sanctuary – a place where I could authentically express myself.
This journey has been a timeline of creativity and dedication, where I’ve worn multiple hats – from art direction to interviews, photoshoots, styling, and graphic design. Each step has been a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.
As the project evolved, I realized that its essence lies in inspiring and empowering others, just as my grandfather inspired me. With the support of awesome people behind the 1.0 issue, Oleg Burov, Erin LaValle, Flore Morton, Diane Dorrans Saeks, Eberhard, and Lia Larrea, whose support has been invaluable. Their constructive feedback has motivated me to push the boundaries of artistic expression and grow Creative Craziness beyond my imagination.
The first Creative Craziness Meetup at Golden Gate Park was a testament to the community we’ve built—a community fueled by creativity, passion, and a shared love for art in all its forms.
I am excited to share that while the first batch of self-sponsored softcover books is no longer available, I have plans to release a limited hardcover extended edition later this year. This edition will feature additional artwork and exciting features, promising an even more immersive experience for readers.
However, the challenge lies in the fact that this edition will be exclusively available through print-on-demand. I am committed to ensuring this edition reaches as many passionate readers as possible. I am confident that together, we can overcome this obstacle and continue to spread the message of creativity and inspiration.
Looking ahead, Creative Craziness will continue pushing boundaries and surprising believers with astonishing revelations. It’s not just a publication; it’s a canvas of endless imagination, waiting to inspire and captivate all who dare to explore its depths. Stay inspired! Stay connected!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey were creativity, dedication, and leadership. However, sometimes, support didn’t come in the most critical moment, and things got tough. I knew that figuring out how to move forward is essential during those times.
Surrounding yourself with people who believe in you is crucial, but it doesn’t necessarily mean having a crowd of supporters. Even having one person who believes in you can make a significant difference.
I learned that embracing imperfection and taking action is important rather than waiting for everything to be flawless. Starting with experience is also crucial, even if you need to start again.
My advice for those embarking on their journey is simple: persist and never lose sight of your goals. So many things can go in the opposite direction of what we initially planned, but believe in yourself and your vision, and seek out supportive allies. Dedicate yourself to your craft, and don’t hesitate to seek assistance when needed. Perfection is a journey, so focus on progress and continuous forward motion.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
In 2018, I attended an event in Los Angeles where I met Jess O’Donnell, a Creative Producer and Photographer. During our conversation, Jess recommended “The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity” by Julia Cameron. However, when I received the book, I wasn’t ready and didn’t see how it could help me. I gave it a try, but the book didn’t speak to me.
Last year, I was searching for good omens and found one in the form of “The Alchemist,” a novel by Paulo Coelho. The book was exactly what I needed, and it showed me that we (people/creatives) all need to go through the distance to gain experience, learn lessons, and see that something special we are all looking for (most likely) is right where we are. I wondered what my next good omen would be and remembered the book “The Artist’s Way” that Jess had recommended. I decided to give it another try, and the timing was perfect.
I sought motivation, inspiration, and ways to overcome my perfectionism to finish Creative Craziness – the 1.0 Issue and celebratory meetup/event. “The Artist’s Way” transformed my creative journey by providing 12 weeks of practical exercises to unlock creativity and nourish my artful soul. Coincidentally, the twelfth week was supposed to end on the same day as the meetup. I saw this as a good omen and a sign of guidance throughout my journey.
One of the most impactful concepts from “The Artist’s Way” is the practice of morning pages, which I refer to as Artist’s Pages. This involves writing three pages of stream-of-consciousness thoughts upon waking, which helped me clear my mental clutter, foster self-reflection, and spark creative insights. Through morning pages, I learned to silence my inner critic, embrace vulnerability, and tap into my creativity with newfound clarity and purpose.
Another critical aspect of “The Artist’s Way” is nurturing our inner artist child. This involves reconnecting with the joy and spontaneity of childhood creativity, free from judgment or inhibition. By honoring and nurturing our inner artist child, we reclaim a sense of playfulness, curiosity, and wonder that fuels our creative endeavors and infuses them with authenticity and vitality. The book also emphasizes the importance of cultivating a sense of creative abundance and letting go of scarcity mindsets. By embracing abundance consciousness, we open ourselves to limitless possibilities and invite abundance to flow effortlessly into our lives and creative pursuits. “The Artist’s Way” has been a guiding light on my creative path, offering invaluable insights, tools, and practices for unlocking creativity, overcoming creative blocks, accomplishing one small task at a time, and fulfilling what I started. It has taught me the power of self-expression, the importance of self-care, and the transformative potential of embracing creativity as a spiritual practice.
I hope this story will inspire and empower creatives to unleash their full, innovative potential and live a life of passion, purpose, and creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website:www.creativecraziness.art
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.craziness/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/96615932/admin/feed/posts/
- Other: https://annetkatan.com/ https://www.instagram.com/annet.katan/
Image Credits
Annet Katan
