We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Isabella Kovar a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Isabella, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I like to think of my creativity as a fire, most likely crackling within a hearth in a cottage someplace nice. My fire has a heart and strong personality–similarly to Calcifer from Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle. I have times when I lose my spark, but all that’s needed for it to come back is adding some extra kindling. I find that this kindling can manifest in many different ways, but it always has to do with learning. Whether this is reading a new book, watching a movie I’ve never seen, finding out new facts about nature like how ravens hold grudges, having an insightful conversation with a close friend or perhaps a stranger…it is always something tangible from my outer world that gives my inner fire something to chew on. I keep my creativity alive by holding my curiosity close and keeping my mind open to finding inspiration anywhere!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I have been writing creatively since I learned to hold a pen. It has always been my goal to write stories and share them with the world. My excitement and passion overcame me once I began dreaming of myself as an author, I remember working on my first fantasy novel in the fourth grade during class time–I got that sacred bundle of loose leaf paper confiscated from me one day since it was considered a distraction. My teacher eventually gave it back after I begged for it with tears in my eyes.
I was so young then, but I still remember exactly how I felt–like there wasn’t a time, even for the brief hours of the school day, that I shouldn’t be writing. I still feel that way especially when I have an idea for a project. When I’m thrilled about an idea I have, I want to work on it all the time. Nowadays, I find myself writing poems on the train ride to work or jotting down ideas in a notebook I keep in my tote bag while going about daily tasks. I also make time for my writing by hosting a poetry workshop with Gut Instinct Media Company.
Growing up, I loved reading and watching movies with characters and themes that I related to; media that made me feel less alone in the world. I drew a lot of inspiration from that feeling of understanding, and realized that my writing and creativity is rooted in catharsis and connection. Over time, I have branched out into different ways of expression. I’ve written three poetry chapbooks that have explored my dealings with depression, unrequited love, growing up, and my relationship with myself as well as the world around me. One of these collections, Is It Over Yet? was published by Bottlecap Press! I currently am in the process of publishing my first full length poetry collection entitled, Best Interest, which is a three part poetic exploration of the human tendency to always chase something better, it captivates audiences through its intimate and magical imagery that invites a universal relatability. I also have finished my first novel, Just for Show, which is also awaiting publication. This story follows Violet Clarence, a young woman riddled with anxiety who must navigate a fake-dating arrangement with the town’s outcast. The catalyst for this book was my desire to write a narrator who finds herself at the command of her irrational anxieties and how she is able to navigate relationships with the difficulty that comes with that.
I am an extremely excitable person and find myself taking on as many projects as I can. A lot of the time I need to remind myself to slow down. On top of Best Interest and Just for Show, I’m trying to write a feature length screenplay to sell. I always want to write and create what is true and authentic to me but there is a lot of trial and error when it comes to reception from agencies and the professional world of writing and filmmaking. These stories are important to me, but I also have come to realize that coming up with a bunch of different ideas and seeing which one resonates the most with people is a good mindset to have. A story is never bad, sometimes it’s just not the right one. I believe surrendering to time and place will aid in finding a good home for a story. For example, my short film that I wrote and directed, The Baudelaire Witch, is a project I worked on with Which Witch Productions. This particular production company, cast and crew, overarching theme was so in tandem it felt magical. I hope to find another circumstance like that soon so I can properly distribute my work. It’s hard holding on close to something you’re proud of and having to wait until the right timing and team presents itself–especially as a young person who wants their creativity to be their career. It has taught me patience which I can only hope will pay off.
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?
This is probably redundant, but I do think that connections are one of the most important aspects of being in a creative field like writing and filmmaking. Having a passionate community near you who are also creative so you can make things with them is useful, that’s why I moved to Chicago. Also, being apart of such communities could connect you with people who are older than you who have navigated similar life circumstances before and can give good advice and maybe potential opportunities.
I also think curiosity is extremely important because you simply cannot go about wanting to tell stories by not asking questions. There could be a certain sect of history or science or literature or music or something that really captivates you and constantly inspires you to grow your knowledge with that specific subject. Then after you’ve learned that particular one, moving on to other subjects will always create a catalyst within you to make something new. Whether this is an image that you found in a book about bugs and want to use in a poem, or a first line of a screenplay is sparked because of a character that you read about in an old book your grandpa gave you…creativity can find you in the strangest nooks and crannies. Curiosity is especially important in a time where filmmaking is being taught as something so calculated. As someone who minored in film at university, I think taking classes about film and any art form can only get you so far because you can be taught the technical parts of it but everything that you create has to come within you and from authentic experience and authentic curiosity.
One more skill that I think is impactful is friendship. I know that this kind of goes back to what I said about connections, but I think that friendship and general human connection is different. Separating those connections in your creative circle vs. those you consider personal and close friends is crucial. Those types of conversations and experiences that you have with loved ones helps you decode who you are as a soul in this world and it also helps you understand another soul in this world who you care about, and who you love as well. Love is the root of everything– so maintaining those deep connections with friends and partners and family members is extremely significant not only so you have needed support on your creative journey but also just support in your regular life. Keeping people who you love close to you will make your work all the more fruitful since deep down you know that you’re writing it for them, or people like them who are out there in the world with similar experiences or perspectives.
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?
The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green has helped fuel my creativity immensely. I think reading this book (and listening to the podcast) back in 2020 was the catalyst for my awakening regarding the importance of curiosity. The book rates a plethora of different inventions or concepts that were started in our anthropocene on a five star scale. Green’s writing talent melds together fact and emotion in such an effective way. A lot of this book is also a reflection on his own life, but he ties it to significant parts of history that informs readers of the indescribable connection we as humans have to the Earth’s past, present, and future. A lot of my work delves into philosophical thought, and Green’s writing is mesmerizing and inspiring to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://isabellakovar.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bellakovar
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bella-kovar-2b71862b1
Image Credits
Athena Merry, Natalia Pfeiffer, and Brianna Ortiz
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
