Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ethan Twardosz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ethan, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive by surrounding myself with people and projects that inspire me. Whether I’m engaging with independent artists, reading books, or working as a programmer for Dances with Films, I’m constantly immersed in creative environments. Volunteering at various film festivals and using my computer science skills to mod video games further fuels this passion. Each of these activities sparks new ideas, motivating me to embark on my own creative endeavors.
The apartment where I grew up has become a living testament to this creative energy. The walls are adorned with artwork I’ve created from elementary school through high school, and shelves overflow with thousands of books, some stacked near my desk, always within reach. Handcrafted medieval costumes, weapons, and armor are also on display, adding to the atmosphere of creativity that fills the space. It’s a room where every corner bursts with imagination, encouraging constant inspiration.
Building on my love for medieval fantasy, I’ve written short stories and long adventures that I share with friends, often through games like *Dungeons and Dragons*, which has been a wellspring of inspiration for creators in both film and gaming since the 1970s. These stories, characters, and worlds keep my imagination active, and the act of creating them, whether through writing or gameplay, ensures that my creativity continues to thrive, growing stronger with each project.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Working on independent films allows me to discover inspiring stories and collaborate with creative people who share my passion for storytelling. I thrive in the sense of community that comes with each project and love the excitement of working with new individuals every time. This ever-changing environment continuously fuels my creativity, pushing me to grow. Ultimately, my goal is to become a producer, where I can help bring even more unique stories to life.
I aim to work not only in film and TV but also in the gaming industry, as storytelling is a gift in all forms of media. I want to connect with artists from all walks of life, learning from their experiences and expanding my world view.
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?
Three essential qualities for me are perseverance, thoughtfulness, and a healthy dose of realistic optimism. When starting any project, it’s crucial to push through the initial challenges that many people struggle with for a long time. The best way to strengthen these qualities is by continually applying them until they become second nature.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most important thing my parents have given me is education. Since I was a middle schooler I accompanied my dad to classes and events at USC, major studios like Warner Brothers, and film festivals such as Sundance. Outside the classroom, education consisted of programming classes to write some simple video games and filming short films with my friends. I also watched films from every era and some of my favorites are The Lost World, Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars, and Goonies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://savantartists.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethantwardosz/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-twardosz-1758742a8
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