Meet Katusha Jin

We were lucky to catch up with Katusha Jin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Katusha, 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?

Creativity, to me, is almost like a living being. It requires mindful nurturing and is always evolving. Something that I’ve recently found to be incredibly rewarding is the act of “playing”. As children, we had play time where we were given free reign to run around on the playground and explore, create, and build whatever came to mind. Our minds were free to conjure up any sort of fantastic reality, there was no formulaic answer sheet we needed to follow, and the rules were often as simple as being mindful of the safety of ourselves and those around us. I feel that as adults, the older we get, the more we lose that playful exploration. We feel there are more rules that we have to follow, more masks we need to put on, and less time for the things we want to do.
I have started trying to mindfully give myself time to daydream and play. Often underestimated, daydreaming allows my mind to wander freely, exploring uncharted territories without the constraints of structured thought processes. This mental freedom sparks inspiration and often leads to innovative ideas. By allowing myself moments of daydreaming, I create a mental space where creativity can flourish. This also encourages a constant process of learning. Just as a living being needs nourishment, creativity thrives on new experiences and knowledge. Whenever I feel myself getting rigid in one artistic medium, I make it a point to jump to a different artistic medium, whether it’s painting, writing, music, or improvisational comedy. I started a YouTube channel and have also been trying to create more music. These have taught me very different sets of skills, and have helped contribute to a more holistic creative mindset. I believe that the cross-pollination of ideas from various fields often results in unexpected and exciting creative outcomes.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

In essence, my professional focus is on storytelling through the medium of directing. I feel incredibly lucky because, as a director and a creative, I have the privilege of crafting worlds and breathing life into characters that once existed only in the realm of imagination. This realization struck me deeply: I get to create characters out of nothing, giving them entire stories and personalities. These characters then continue to live on in the minds of others, much like a beloved book that leaves a lasting impression for a lifetime.

One of the most exhilarating aspects of my work is this process of creation. There is something profoundly magical about starting with a blank slate and, through various sources of inspiration and daydreaming, watching a character emerge, develop, and evolve. Each character becomes a living entity with their own experiences, emotions, and journeys. This process is not only creatively fulfilling but also deeply humbling, knowing that these stories can touch and resonate with people in meaningful ways.

What truly enhances this experience is the collaboration with fellow creatives. Bringing a character to life is a collective effort that involves actors, writers, designers, and countless other talented individuals. Each person adds their unique touch, enriching the character and the story. This collaborative spirit fosters a sense of community and shared purpose, making the creative process even more rewarding.

The most special part of this field, however, is the impact it has on people. Knowing that a story I’ve helped create can affect someone’s life, provide solace, or inspire change is incredibly gratifying. Much like the books and films that have left an indelible mark on my own life, I hope, one day, that my work will be able to do the same and spark something positive in the hearts and minds of the audience.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey thus far, the three qualities that have been particularly impactful for me have been: discipline, understanding my personal priorities, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Firstly, getting to know how to toe the line between discipline and the freedom of creativity has been a cornerstone in my growth. The creative process requires a great deal of forgiveness and understanding, but it also needs perseverance and dedication. There are countless hours spent refining a script, rehearsing scenes, and coordinating with a team. Setting clear goals and developing a routine that supports consistent progress has been key for me. Secondly, understanding and honoring personal priorities has been crucial. Knowing what matters most to me—whether it’s health, family, or work—has dictated how I allocate my time and energy. This clarity helps develop a healthier work-life balance and ensures that I am fully present in each aspect of my life. Lastly, the importance of continuous learning cannot be overstated. The creative field is always changing, and staying curious and open to new knowledge is essential. Whether it’s learning new techniques, exploring different genres, or understanding emerging technologies, this commitment to growth keeps my work fresh and innovative. I started to take improvisational comedy classes because I wanted a chance to explore a new medium and see how it could influence my writing. It has been one of the best things I’ve done as an adult! I believe that the more you open yourself up to learning new things, the more tools you’ll have to enhance your craft.

At its core, I think the first step is to figure out who you are, what you want out of your life, and what works best for you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Experiment with different routines, reflect on your experiences, and be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. This self-discovery process is invaluable and will help you tailor your path to suit your unique needs and aspirations.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

The biggest takeaway I’ve had is to learn how to value my own time more. When I first started working, I would find myself saying yes to almost everything because I felt that I needed to do as much as I could and feared the feeling of regret if I decided to not take part in a project. Nowadays when I feel overwhelmed, the first step I take is to establish clear boundaries. It’s essential to recognize my limits and communicate them effectively to ensure that I don’t overextend myself. This might involve setting specific work hours, saying more “no”s than “yes”s, or delegating tasks when necessary.

Next, I try to take a moment to reflect and ask myself, “what is it that’s causing me to feel overwhelmed?” This introspection helps me identify the root cause of my stress, whether it’s a particular project, an aspect of my personal life, or an external pressure. By pinpointing the source, I can address it more effectively and develop a strategy to manage or mitigate it.

I also remind myself of the reason behind what I’m doing and the choices I make. Reflecting on my motivations and goals helps me reconnect with my purpose and passion. Asking myself, “why am I doing this?” reinforces the value and importance of my work. If I struggle to find a compelling reason, it’s a signal that I may need to re-evaluate my commitments. This process ensures that my efforts are aligned with my core values and long-term objectives.

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Nathan, Raven

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