Letter 20: The Creative Process
When we keep going
Molly and Emily are so excited to welcome Jazmin Ramirez, a photographer and content creator based in Fort Worth, Texas. She also works at Gifted with Esther!
When I (Emily) reached out to ask Jaz if she would like to contribute to The Learning Curve, I knew she would put her own spin on our format. But I was absolutely thrilled when she sent a video essay detailing a bit of her creative process and how she seeks out inspiration. Few of us are photographers or at Jaz’s level of creativity; however, her process of persevering through a creative dry spell applies to us all.
As I watched Jaz’s video, I was reminded of Austin Kleon’s talk “How To Keep Going” from 2018 at the Bond conference in San Francisco, which turned into his third book, Keep Going. In his talk, Kleon expands on this “perpetual question” of how to keep going when it seems difficult or even impossible to do so. When I first listened in 2018, it was so applicable to me as a teacher facing the final quarter of the school year. But in 2020 and beyond I find his advice even more imperative, especially as his first point references the movie Groundhog Day. As Kleon says, “There is just the day and what you can do with it.”
It is refreshing to hear Jaz mention that it was difficult for her to create during the pandemic, a time of social and emotional turmoil. It seems that our culture is obsessed with always being productive, seeking out and putting forth content. It’s a system that is simply unsustainable, especially if we want to create something of worth. But because of that hiatus, Jaz was able to tap into a renewed and revitalized source of inspiration.
Susan L. Taylor, the editor-in-chief of Essence magazine from 1981-2000, once said,
“We need quiet time to examine our lives openly and honestly — spending quiet time alone gives your mind an opportunity to renew itself and create order.”
We know you will be inspired by Jaz’s photography and process! You can watch Jaz’s video on her TikTok account, by clicking on the images above, or on The Learning Curve Instagram account. (Also, it must be said: We are absolutely incredulous and despondent that Substack doesn’t have a feature that allows us to embed Jazmin’s video. Come on, Substack!)
Jazmin’s 5 Favorites
(Each week our writers share their current favorite things)
Korean dramas, better known as K dramas. My friend Esther wholeheartedly recommended When the Camellia Blooms on Netflix, which opened up an entirely new genre of amazing shows.
My Sootheez™, especially after work. My friend got them for my twin sister and me for Christmas and now they’re the first thing I wear once I’m home. My feet thank me every day!
My Olympus film camera captures candid moments in a slightly grainy, vintage-y way that my DSLR never could.
Obsessed with Mac Ayres’ music at the moment. It’s lo-fi and groovy with a bit of 90s R&B influence.
Oatmilk Apple Crisp Macchiato from Sbux 😅 (This is a bit controversial since I am a barista at a local coffee shop!)
With gratitude,
Jazmin Ramirez
P.S. What have you been inspired by lately? Share with us below in the comments.
