We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sophie Gragg. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sophie below.
Sophie, 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?
Maintaining my creativity is a fundamental aspect of my role as the EIC of The Luna Collective. To nurture my creative spirit, try to be an active consumer of just about everything in my life. Whether it’s discovering new music, recognizing emerging talents to feature, or paying attention to the visual art that comes up in my daily life, I draw inspiration from a wide range of sources. It’s not just about being a passive observer but actively seeking out new perspectives and ideas.
From digital advertising trends to viral TikToks and articles, I often find inspiration in ideas and trends that don’t directly relate to my work. This mix allows me to bring fresh and innovative concepts to Luna.
On the end, taking breaks and avoiding burnout has been crucial to staying creative as well. Stepping away from the screen and immersing myself in the outdoors or simply spending quality time with friends really rejuvenates my mental well-being.
As a whole my creativity thrives when I’m an active participant in the world of culture and art.
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’m the editor in chief of The Luna Collective, a print magazine and creative platform. We curate a diverse range of cultural content, from music and visual art and are always working with new creatives. We aim to provide a platform for emerging talents and a space for innovative, cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Luna is here to not only showcase creativity but also fostering it. We create print projects, endless online content, provide microgrants and submission opportunities for creatives, host virtual workshops as well as in person events like concerts and art shows. We are always working on a plethora of projects and it always keeps me busy!
We just released our 21st print issue and are already working on our next issue. We’re mapping out an upcoming event in LA as well as NYC and have a special merch item coming out later this year as well.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Surprisingly, my initial lack of knowledge about the editorial world and the music industry was a blessing in disguise. It allowed me to approach challenges with fresh eyes, unburdened by any preconceived notions. My advice to those starting their journey is to embrace the idea that sometimes, not knowing everything can be an advantage. It encourages creative problem-solving and thinking outside the box.
Good communication and empathy have also been essential skills in my journey. Treating people with kindness and understanding, whether they are collaborators, team members, or artists, is so crucial. It fosters positive relationships and paves the way for meaningful connections in the creative industry. Prioritize these qualities and remember that treating people like humans, with respect and empathy, can open doors and create lasting partnerships.
Lastly just staying organized and on top of my responsibilities has been critical. This industry demands efficiency and attention to detail. Develop strong organizational skills and utilize tools and methods that help you manage your tasks effectively, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
One of my favorite quotes I often come to is “How do you eat an elephant? One bit at a time”
When I’m overwhelmed and feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to get everything done I write everything down and break my tasks into bullet points. I prioritize the list and try to find a balance of tasks I can quickly knock out under 5 minutes alongside more in depth projects.
I have found that just having a visualization of what I need to get done and seeing how so many tasks can translate into small things I can knock out can be really beneficial. I pretty much always try to respect my bedtime and remind myself that most of my work really isn’t that serious and that most things can get pushed back by a day or two.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sophiegragg.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itssophielol/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-gragg/
- Twitter: twitter.com/itssophielol
- Other: https://www.thelunacollective.co/
