We were lucky to catch up with Sadie Tate recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sadie, 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?
Allow me to introduce myself, I’m Sadie Tate! I am an actress, model, burlesque performer, and owner of a small business, Stoned by Tate (where I embellish VHS covers, vinyl record covers, and laserdiscs with rhinestones).
Movies have always been my biggest inspiration, and I’ve wanted to be an actress since I was three years old. Cinema is the ultimate escape for me. I like to think that the characters don’t end once you turn the TV off. I spend the rest of my day thinking about what they might do next or instead. And they’re waiting for me until the next time I watch the film. * Fun fact, my husband and I turned our basement into an old school video store, complete with niche categories and cardboard standees!
Whenever I’m experiencing creative blockage I immerse myself in the cinematic universe of a favorite movie. Just last night I was watching Candy (1968) for the 14th time and now I want to create a burlesque routine to the music, I want to do a photoshoot after the movie cover, and I’d love to find an additional VHS of it to rhinestone!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Stoned by Tate is really where I find relaxation. I’ll sit for hours at my kitchen table, listening to podcasts or watching something, placing teeny tiny rhinestones individually onto a VHS cover. It sounds tedious, but it’s incredibly therapeutic.
Every tape or record that I make is completely one of a kind. Even if I find another copy with the exact same cover art, the rhinestone hue may change based on what’s available from my supplier.
While I choose covers that inspire me, personally, to work on, I am ALWAYS accepting commissions! Send me a copy of something to work on!
I do also work closely with my husband, Brian Papandrea, on his film company Rock Bottom Video. He makes independent horror comedies and tours the midwest horror convention scene with his films. Check us out sometime!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1: Listen to your gut! If you feel uncomfortable working on or with someone, back away for a moment. Reassess, tell someone, or walk away. Take care of yourself.
2: Practice! It’s not always perfect the first time. And it’s not always going to be perfect the third, fourth, or 19th time. Don’t beat yourself up over that, though. Practice your art when you can.
3: Have fun! If you’re not enjoying yourself, it’s going to show. If it stops being fun, take a break! I often work on 3 different things at a time because one becomes boring, so I leave it for a few days or a month. Work on things that bring you fulfillment.
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?
IMPOSTER SYNDROME IS REAL. Believe me, I’m feeling this in every aspect of my creativity. It’s hard not to compare myself to others.
I try to remember that we’re all on a journey. That person I’m comparing myself to is probably comparing themself to someone else. It sounds corny, but I also surround myself with positive people. Spilling tea is fun, but it attaches itself to you quickly.
Stay hydrated, too. I can get a little salty if I don’t drink enough water!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sadietate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Stoned-by-Tate/100069571422385/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7596626/
Image Credits
Psychedelic Showgirl photo by ArtBox Creations Inc Last photo (me holding two records) by ArtBox Creations Inc
