We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Heidi Stangeland a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Heidi, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I’ve always been a creative person, and I’ve explored different outlets for it. Still do, honestly. My passion is storytelling – and in particular writing and screenwriting. There is just a way with the way of screenwriting that compels – and I LOVE that art form. It is easy to get dragged into the noise around it – and imposter syndrome is part of it. But I have done this for a while now, so I’ve learned to recognize when I am going into those phases. And writing will kick me out of whatever funk I am in. If I am not moving productively forward on one project, I continue on a second or start a new one that I am excited about. I still have things running in my subconscious, so at some point, I will spark a solution to what I was struggling with. Reading books, watching film/tv is always inspiring – but honestly the biggest thing that allows me to keep my creativity alive is to talk with other creators – listen and observe. Another thing I learned to shed is the need of being perfect – as far as I see it, perfectionism can often restrict the creativity – so by allowing myself to create without boundaries has allowed me to really grow as a storyteller.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Being able to express myself creatively has always been important – and from a very young age I was always intrigued by stories, and how when crossing cultures/borders – you’d have same stories but with certain key elements changed. I listened to stories growing up, and read a ton of books – very early loving the thriller and supernatural genres. So that is a natural element for me to fall back into. I also love giving others a place to express their creativity, exploring and learning as we grow. So when then pandemic hit, and like so many creatives had one of my projects die off and things come to a stop – I recognized the need for still giving creativity and creating a room, which is when Hanè Saga came to. With changes that would influence how things are done – and see them as an opportunity instead of hinderance, and being able to move forward with storytelling (storytelling for the future). In 2021 we gathered industry professionals from big studios and agencies, indie productions and had a conference, in 2022 we were approved as a nonprofit – our 2023 event was postponed due to the strike, and we are excited to get it going again this year in a slightly altered format.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As a storyteller it is important to also have patience, especially as a screenwriter – things take time, so patience is important. Another thing that I feel is important is to let go of perfection – being perfect can sometimes stop creativity from truly flow, so I’ve learned to let perfectionism go – I create, and I improve and I keep learning, adapting, and always improving. Because there will always be opinions and changes to your work, so having thick skin helps as well. Be a good listener! Always! I learn so much by just listening, I feel that as an artist listening and always learning are important tools to being an artist and creating. Be open to everything, and stay humble.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
It is easy to get overwhelmed, and I have learned to recognize when that happens. Nothing good comes from it, and if I don’t take a moment to address it – I make mistakes, rush decisions or stress myself out unnecessarily. What I do is I take a step back. Literally, I will put everything I am working on down – and go outside for a walk while listening to music or an audiobook, or I will do something physical – cleaning, or tidying up. Being physical, allows me to release the energy that stresses me out and it allows – opens up for inspiration once my mind is calmer. I love listening to audiobooks of some of my favorite authors to get inspired and motivated. Be mindful of yourself in the process, do what you need to do to get back in that creative space that is fun, and don’t ever be afraid to give yourself a moment or two.
Contact Info:
- Website: hanesaga.com
- Instagram: @hanesaga
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/heidistangeland
Image Credits
First photo (headshot) photocredit: Phoenix Deveroux The two other photos are private
