We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mikey Jay a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mikey, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever head any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
I’m probably not the best guy to be giving advice on this, considering I’ve spent over two years working on a comedy special that I grew extremely fatigued with. Although, I’ll say that I try my best to stay inspired. When it comes to writing, if I feel I’m about to hit a wall, I tell myself to chill and watch a movie, especially if the movie is in the genre of the thing I’m writing. Sometimes it’s best to get away from the work and let your mind soak up something similar because it could encourage you to change the work or even add something to it.
A lot of the time, you just have to remember why you’re doing it. And if that doesn’t work, retrace your steps. What got you here? Why did you start this thing in the first place? What fueled you? All you have to do is refuel. Our minds are like cars, if your mind is telling you that it’s on low fuel, listen to it, or you’re going to be left stranded and on empty. Take a break, stretch those legs, and refuel.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As of right now, my sole focus is to finish my one man standup special. No one tells you the tremendous difficulty of seeing to every single position and how time consuming it is. I thought when I started this special, back in June of 2021, that I’d whip it out later that January. How naive was I? I had to write it. Then, I’ve had to purchase the wardrobes, lighting, etc. And since it’s got animation sequences, I’ve had to animate it too, which is so tedious. Then, I still have to film it, act it, direct it, and do all the post production editing. So, yeah, I’ve got a lot on my plate.
I’m hoping to have this finished beginning of 2024, but I’m not holding my breath. It’s not something I can rush and it’s not something I can give my all to because I still have to pay the rent. The goal for this special is just to get some recognition. Since this business only seems to hire nepo babies and influencers, I have to do something that can go viral. I want Hollywood to see me as a force that they would like to do business with. I’ve got screenplays I’m ready to negotiate deals with, I’ve got a memoir I’m ready to publish. I just don’t know nobody, so that’s the reason behind this special.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Number 1, focus on what sets you apart from the majority. You can read all the self-help books, listen to all the podcasts, interviews, etc, but you’re not going to get where anyone is by how they did it. Everyone’s “how I got here” story is different, therefore yours has to be too. Don’t compare yourself to others, ask yourself what can you do that will stand out from all the other’s pursuing the same dream you are.
Number 2, be vulnerable and authentic. Vulnerability is the key to success, especially if you’re an actor. If you’re truly passionate about what you want, then those who might connect you to grow will see that. Tell people your story, speak up about your plans, but make moves in the silence. You have to really expose yourself to the possibility of either praise or criticism. Be humble if you’re praised, welcome the criticism and take notes.
Number 3, make mistakes, especially if you’re young. That is the primetime to make as many mistakes as possible. I think I speak for everyone that when something comes easy, we don’t really learn anything, but when something is difficult, we make mistakes that we learn from tremendously. Mistakes are the key to your growth and the knowledge you receive after making a mistake sticks with you. When you’re stomping the pavement to success, you need to know that you’re going to fall on your face, a lot, just remember to have the courage to get back up. Get that dirt off your shoulder and grow from the lesson that made you fall in the first place.
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?
One of my favorite books is a memoir called “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed. A story about a twenty-six year old woman who had nothing left to lose, so she made the impulsive decision to hike over a thousand miles, from California to Washington, all alone with no experience. She takes you on this journey that makes her lose her sanity, but later realizes how it strengthens her, and ultimately heals her aching heart that brought her to the Pacific Crest Trail.
It’s a book I really relate to from the aspect of resilience. Your twenties are truly the most difficult years because you’ve just left the nest and are now getting familiar with yourself while life is throwing shit at you, repeatedly. I was twenty-one and homeless. Twenty-four and terribly suicidal. Twenty-seven, unemployed, broke, and living under my father’s roof. I’ve often reread Wild, because it reminds me that the trail you’re blazing can have obstacles that you have to get around, and sometimes it’s going to take time to overcome it. Just remember to keep walking.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: bitchwiththehighpitch
- Facebook: bishwiththehighpitch
Image Credits
Mikey Jay
