Meet Sam The Woo

We were lucky to catch up with Sam The Woo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam The, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is not something to overcome in my world. It is a necessary step in growth, and I see that experience as both a tool and a sign of stretching myself into new forms. So much of the artistic work I do is not something I’m officially trained in or have experience with. The act of creating these things is a result of an innate curiosity I have for them, and in a sense its an honor to be an imposter. I’m honoring my curiosity foremost by even attempting to do that thing. Whether or not I “should” be there becomes secondary to the importance of me having a human experience of curiosity and attempt. Also, I almost always can do more that I believed. It’s not important how that compares to the best people on earth that do this thing. By simply exceeding my own expectations of myself and understanding of my previous limits, I have achieved something.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a composer, singer and musical artist based in New York City. I originally moved to New York to study Musical Theatre and recently completed my degree. During my time in college I fell in love with writing music, which began as simple pop songs has now turned into a pop rock orchestra and composing for film. Generally, I just like creating. I often paint, write poetry, and was a competitive swing dancer for a long time. I just released my first full EP of music, and am working on a pop orchestral album that is an interpolation of a popular fantasy novel series. My hope is to evolve into an artist deeply incorporated in the community of fantasy!

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

The willingness to create something and “fail” is huge. Because you’re gonna suck at any new craft when you first start, even if you’re naturally talented. I’ve produced and directed 6 music video now, and three of them have never seen the light of day. I created them to the best of my ability at the time, and the product fell short of my standards. Its one thing to have that natural creative vision, it’s another thing to execute it. You have to understand the difference between the two, otherwise the first things you make will convince you that your artistry sucks, when in truth you just lacked the tools to execute. I wasn’t crushed when I spent thousands of dollars on three trash music videos, because I was able to make the three successful videos because of what I learned in those experiences.

Other than that, I would say the ability to ask questions and seek mentors/advice are the other skills that have helped me the most.

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?

There is a book called the Third Door that I think everyone should read. It’s about the fact that there is always another creative option to achieve your goals. You’re usually given the front door and the back door but there is ALWAYS a way to engineer yourself a new entrance. I think this way when I’m problem solving, aspiring to get somewhere, or reflecting on things that worked.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

@roseshootz @theawiener @aby.hav
Shani Hadjian

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