We were lucky to catch up with Biz Hyzy recently and have shared our conversation below.
Biz, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
As I get older, the more I appreciate how I was raised. My family is quick to see the humor in situations others might find frustrating and to find the silver lining when things don’t go the way you want. Because of that, I approach most projects with a can-do attitude and with the knowledge that, even if something falls apart, I’ll at least have learned a worthwhile lesson (or even have a funny story to tell later!).
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
After working for ten years as an editor and writer at a book-review magazine, I’ve decided to take my verve for storytelling from the page to in-person, interactive environments. I love books, art, theater, and games, and I think Themed Entertainment (the discipline dedicated to the design of theme parks, museums, escapes rooms, and other location-based, story-forward spaces) amalgamates those interests together in such an exciting way, which is why I’m pursuing my MFA in Themed Entertainment Design at SCAD. I’m interested in pursuing show writing, concept design, or research & development in this field.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Critical Thinking: When I read, I like to analyze what I think the author is trying to say, how they’re saying it, why they’re saying it, and if I agree. As a book reviewer who reviews books before they’ve been published, I can’t Google these answers because they’re not out on the internet yet! I have to examine the word choice, imagery, emotions, etc. and suss out that information myself (which I find fun, by the way!). I used to be a tutor, so if you struggle with this type of thinking but want to work on it, here’s advice that I know has worked for others: Read a passage. Even if you THINK you don’t understand it, pause and ask yourself what your first impression of it was. Re-read the passage, now searching for evidence for WHY that was your first impression. You’ll probably find a line that jumps out at you, validating that instinct. If you do that enough times, you’ll get better at it each time and start to analyze the writing AS you’re reading instead of having to take those breaks.
Writing: I know it’s not for everyone, but writing allows me to express my thoughts and feelings in a tangible way, which I find satisfying. The best way to improve your writing, of course, is to read!
Imagination: This one, I was born with, as I believe we all are. If you haven’t been feeling especially creative or imaginative lately, then my advice is to allow yourself to be bored. The best artwork, writing, and other ideas I’ve produced have come when I’ve given myself permission to stare at a blank wall and let my imagination take flight. I know it’s easy to scroll through your phone when you’re bored (I’m guilty of it too!) or to Google an answer instead of thinking through it independently first, but it’s worth taking the time to give your brain a chance to sift through new ideas by itself.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Even though I tend to be a confident person, I’ve definitely struggled with doubt since pursuing my MFA. Grad school is expensive, and I upended my happy life in Chicago to be here and to try to break into a highly competitive industry filled with wildly talented people. Will it have been worth it? Only time will tell. Thankfully, I have a supportive group of friends and family rooting for me (and a wonderful partner that moved here with me!), and I’ve had many opportunities to network with industry professionals through SCAD.
I’m a planner by nature, so not knowing what’s coming next is difficult for me. I keep telling myself to stay open to opportunities, however. Whenever I enter a contest or reach out to a mentor, I tell myself that I’m “sprinkling seeds”; I’m curious to see which ones will end up taking root!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bizhyzy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showbizzin/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biz-hyzy-41008911b/
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