We were lucky to catch up with Stephanie Franco recently and have shared our conversation below.
Stephanie, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Growing up in a low-income household with a single parent, I didn’t have the privilege of being in as many creative endeavors as much as I wish I could have. I remember growing up and seeing my peers go to fun summer camps, taking some type of swimming class, or dance classes, art camps, or sports camps. These were really expensive and inaccessible for kids like me who grew up with this type of background. When summer came around, I knew boredom would consume me, and I wanted to be outside doing something creative that would light my soul on fire.
As a kid, I was always such a creative being regardless of being able to participate in these creative endeavors. Whether that was baking new recipes, doing some type of creative writing in my hello kitty journal, reading Nancy Drew books from the public library that would inspire me to write my own mystery stories, making birthday cards from scratch for my loved ones, creating scrap books, and painting at school. All of these were ways that kept my creativity alive and imagination flowing. As a kid, I kept my creativity alive by tapping into what was already available for me. Writing was and has always been an outlet for me to heal, create stories, or express my love for others. As an adult, my creativity has expanded even more because of the financial stability I have gained, and being able to seek those opportunities for myself.
As a Producer and Writer, I keep my creativity alive in many new ways that make my inner child beam with joy. It is a privilege to be able to access creative spaces and invest in myself for those ways that enhance my art and creativity. Whether that’s attending creative writing working shops with some of my favorite poets like Alex Elle, Yesika Salgado, or Elisabet Velasquez. These workshops help me write on a deeper level and heal parts of myself in ways that help me become the highest version of myself. Essentially being in these type of writing communities allows me to learn from others about their learning styles, ways they overcome writers block, and new methods of structuring poetry.
As a producer working at the intersection of audio and film, I watch and listen to a lot of media that will help my ideas flourish. I think creativity is definitely a muscle that needs to be exercised every day in order for it to continue growing and that is what I try to do when I am feeling stuck or running out of ideas. There have been moments in my life where my creativity is stagnant or I am placing too much pressure on myself to produce something exciting, but I have learned to let go of that resistance and allow myself to seek new ways that can inspire me within.
In terms of audio, I will listen to a variation of podcasts and sound design that can help me come up with new ideas on how to edit podcast episodes that can be engaging and fun for people to listen to. I like to think outside of the box, and create space for voices that are not being centered. I also enjoy thinking of new stories and ways we can tell them in order to create meaningful change for Black, Indigenous, POC communities. For films, I keep up with new releases and enjoy analyzing the ways a script comes to life. I enjoy reading scripts while watching a movie, and seeing how writers or directors brought a vision to life. I gain inspiration from one of my favorite shows “Insecure” and movies like Everything Everywhere All At Once, or any of Jordan Peeles work. Feeding my mind these various forms of art allows me to thrive in my creativity and continue planting seeds for my own ideas and visions.
Additionally, I am always looking out for fun creative events where I can meet other like minded individuals. I also keep my creativity alive by tapping into the types of season I am in life. Whatever themes are coming up for me, I channel any type of pain or happiness, into different mediums that will allow me to express myself. Recently, I wrote a short psychological thriller script, that highlighted the ways burn out impacted me emotionally and physically. This is one example of how I have kept my creativity alive, and I hope to inspire others to find ways they can keep it alive for themselves in this lifetime and create in meaningful ways that help us reach liberation.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Stephanie Franco, a writer and producer based in the Bay Area. My work is deeply rooted in my experiences as a first-generation Latina, and I’m passionate about amplifying the voices and lived experiences of my community. As a writer, I craft narratives that explore the complexities of the human experience, aiming to spark conversations and foster empathy. Additionally, I collaborate with platforms like Locatora Radio and My Cultura Network, as well as industry giants like Apple, Warner Brothers, CW, Netflix, Disney Plus, Marvel Entertainment, and iHeart Radio, to bring these stories to life in the digital realm. What excites me most about my work is its potential to make a positive impact by challenging perceptions and advocating for social change.
Looking ahead, I have some exciting projects in the pipeline. I recently was the Producer for a short Bay Are film called “DeVille” – a coming of age story based in San Francisco and set in the early 2000’s. I’m also in the process of bringing my first short horror film to life along with my first poetry book rooted in healing and self-love. Keep an eye out for updates on these projects and more as I continue on this exciting journey of storytelling.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have profoundly shaped my path: resilience, empathy, and adaptability. Resilience has been pivotal in overcoming challenges and setbacks, enabling me to persevere through adversity and progress towards my goals with unwavering determination. Empathy has played a crucial role in my storytelling, allowing me to connect deeply with others, comprehend diverse perspectives, and convey authentic narratives that resonate profoundly with audiences. Lastly, adaptability has been indispensable in navigating the dynamic landscape of creativity, empowering me to embrace change, acquire new skills, and pivot effectively to remain relevant in my craft.
To those at the beginning of their journey, I offer this advice: cultivate these qualities alongside a commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. Build resilience by viewing challenges as opportunities for development, maintaining optimism, and steadfastly pursuing your passions. Foster empathy through active listening, seeking to understand differing viewpoints, and embracing vulnerability in your storytelling. And nurture adaptability by staying receptive to new ideas, remaining curious, and seizing opportunities for learning and growth. Remember, every journey is unique, and success often emerges from embracing the journey itself, with its twists and turns. Trust in your abilities, stay true to your vision, and persist in pursuing your dreams.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Throughout my journey, leaning on my community and collaborating with other creatives has been invaluable in overcoming challenges and developing essential skills. The support and guidance from mentors, peers, and fellow creatives have played a pivotal role in my growth and success.
Mentors have provided advice, sharing their wisdom and experiences to navigate obstacles and refine my craft. They have offered constructive feedback, challenged me to think differently, and encouraged me to push my boundaries and bet on myself during my freelance journey.
Peers and colleagues within my community have been crucial in providing support, encouragement, and camaraderie. Through collaboration and shared experiences, we have learned from each other, exchanged ideas, and inspired one another to innovate and evolve creatively. Instead of waiting for opportunities, I have learned to create my own paths and collaborate with the people next to me.
Engaging with other creatives has also exposed me to diverse perspectives, new techniques, and emerging trends. It has fostered a collaborative spirit where we can brainstorm, problem-solve together, and collectively elevate our work.
Ultimately, the collective strength of my community and the creative partnerships I’ve formed have been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges, acquire essential skills, and continue to grow as a creative professional. Their support has not only enriched my journey but also contributed significantly to my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sfranco510.squarespace.com
- Instagram: stephaneezzyy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniefranco50
Image Credits
Lara Kaur – IG: lara_kaur
