Meet Lily Kent

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lily Kent. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Lily, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.

Staring at a blank page can feel like a showdown in a silent room—just me, my thoughts, and the infinite void daring me to make the first move. But I’ve learned to approach creative blocks for what they are: temporary barriers. Instead of letting them stop me, I see them as opportunities to grow, turning what feels like an impenetrable wall into a stepping stone.

Growing up in a household where creativity was constantly encouraged, I filled sketchbooks like clockwork. To this day, I have a huge container under my bed packed with them. Pages filled with ideas, experiments, and so many random doodles. In my early years, I created without fear of criticism, and that freedom gave me the confidence to create consistently. Then puberty arrived, and all the doubt I’d never felt hit me like a ton of bricks. Around the same time, I began attending a Fine Arts Academy for both middle and high school. It was a highly competitive environment for high achievers, and suddenly, my carefree creativity was thrust into a world of unending expectations.

It was intense for someone navigating the chaos of adolescence. I was figuring out who I was while balancing the pressure to perform. High school trained me to be the best artist I could be, but it came with constant deadlines and critiques that loomed over every brushstroke and idea. Exhaustion and stress became regular companions, and creative blocks crept in more often than I liked.

Over time, I developed a system to work through these moments. The first step for me is forgiveness. I realized guilt was a major part of my creative blocks—guilt for not being productive enough or for not living up to this idealized version of a “fountain of creativity.” Letting go of that guilt was freeing. I stopped asking, Why am I not creating? and started asking, What do I need to create? I need to create for me. I need to share my thoughts, tell a story, and express who I am. Of course, that’s not always enough when exhaustion takes the wheel, so I’ve learned to give myself time and patience. Sometimes stepping back, even walking away entirely, is the best thing you can do. Creativity needs room to breathe.

When I feel stuck, reconnecting with nature often helps. A hike or even a quick walk clears my head and reminds me that inspiration doesn’t have to be forced—it can flow naturally when you give yourself space. Another secret to breaking creative blocks? Collaboration. My family, especially my three brothers, has been my greatest source of inspiration. When we’re together—which isn’t often, since I’m off at college—we grab sketchbooks and just draw. No judgment, no rules, no overthinking. These simple sessions have sparked scripts for me, inspired paintings for my youngest brother, and fostered a shared sense of creative confidence in all of us.

These moments are about more than just drawing, they’re about storytelling. Our sketches come together to form something collaborative, offering a glimpse into how we see the world. I’ve tried sharing this process with friends and extended family, but many are hesitant. Fear of judgment holds them back. And while not everyone loves to draw, I believe everyone is an artist in their own way. Sometimes all it takes is a little courage to try something new and uncover inspiration.
At the end of the day, what keeps me creative is being my most authentic self. When I focus on creating for myself—not for an audience, a deadline, or an expectation—it becomes easier to move forward. Creativity isn’t about perfection; it’s about being real, and that’s where I always find my best work.

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’ve always considered myself an artist. My passion for the visual arts started early, and I pursued it seriously in high school. When it came time to choose a major, the answer felt clear: Film. Film? Really? Yes, really. I had been creating art my entire life, but film stood out because it combines all my favorite qualities of art and storytelling in an impactful way. I believe movies not only impact but unite. For me, movies have always been a special bonding connection in my family—acting as a uniting force no matter the circumstances. They’re more than entertainment; they’re a way to inspire, connect, and leave a lasting impact.

I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge, and tackling the film industry, with all its complexity, felt like an impossible feat I wanted to conquer. For as long as I can remember, I’ve gravitated toward the impossible. I’ve always thought, Why not try? You never know what’s on the other side of effort. That mindset has guided me through college and into opportunities I never imagined.

My college years have been about building my skills and seizing opportunities. I began networking and gained hands-on experience by applying my fine art background as a makeup artist for film sets. From special effects to glam, I used my creativity in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. In 2024, I worked on over 13 film sets, soaking in knowledge and sharpening my skills. These experiences gave me a front-row seat to the filmmaking process and solidified my goal: to become a writer and director.

During my time as a makeup artist, there was often downtime on set. I used that time wisely—to create and write. Now, I’m thrilled to say I have three films in the works that I’ll be directing in 2025. It feels surreal to step into this next chapter, bringing my visions to life on screen. What excites me most about filmmaking is the opportunity to tell stories that resonate—stories that linger long after the credits roll. My work is rooted in authenticity, and I aim to create art that feels meaningful and visually compelling.

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?

The three most important qualities that have shaped my journey are curiosity, grit, and the big one: authenticity. They’ve been my compass through challenges and opportunities, and I encourage anyone starting to cultivate these qualities intentionally—they’re invaluable.

Curiosity has been the driving force behind every great thing in my life. I believe curiosity opens doors you didn’t even know existed. It’s about saying yes to the unfamiliar, listening to every stranger like they have something important to share, and exploring beyond the beaten path. You can’t grow without a healthy dose of curiosity, so my advice is simple: go through every open door and see what’s inside.

Grit is what keeps me moving forward. It’s about always getting back up, no matter how many times you fall. My mom’s advice—“Stay humble, stay hungry”—has been my mantra. I know the life I want isn’t out of reach because I trust my ability to adapt to obstacles and keep going.

And finally, authenticity is your superpower. It’s about embracing your truth so fully that there’s no choice but to be yourself. I learned this lesson in high school when honesty brought me forgiveness instead of judgment. Being true to yourself, even when it’s messy or difficult, has never backfired for me. Your unique voice is your greatest asset—no one else can replicate it.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I am absolutely looking for folks to collaborate with! Collaboration has always been a cornerstone of my creative journey, and I’m always eager to connect with people who share a passion for storytelling, artistry, and authenticity. Whether it’s writers, directors, actors, or anyone in the creative space who wants to bring meaningful stories to life, I’m open to building something amazing together.

I’m especially interested in collaborating with individuals who value diverse perspectives and aren’t afraid to think outside the box. I’ve found that some of the best creative sparks come from unexpected partnerships. If you’re someone who loves exploring ideas and pushing creative boundaries, I’d love to hear from you.

For anyone interested in working together, feel free to reach out! You can connect with me through my email lilykent19@gmail.com.

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