Q1. Tell us about a side project that has meant a lot to you. 

I'd consider FAR NEAR a side project, since I have to work on it outside of the work I do for a living. It means a lot to me because I'm able to connect to people around the world and in my own city who have such unique perspectives and beautiful ways of translating those perspectives into art. It also allows me to give back to people who help better their communities and helps me form my own. Sometimes I feel like it's hard to find like-minded people unless you actually put an effort into searching and organizing time for you and others to connect. If there's something you want to see in the world, maybe it's up to you to create it. The book series was something I wanted to exist, and in a way I use it to force myself to document the amazing work I see out in the world and share it with others in a more meaningful way. 

Q2. Why is it important to have ownership of, and to pursue your own ideas?

In the world we live and have to function in, I think it depends on what you are using those ideas for. Ideally, yes, it is important to have ownership and pursue your own ideas, because that's the purest way of translating your thoughts into reality, although it does sometimes put more pressure on the creator. FAR NEAR operates without advertising and sponsorship, so I have ownership over what goes into the book, but the artists who contribute ultimately have ownership over their own work, and I prefer it that way.

At the same time, I think if you are working on a commercial job, where it's very difficult to have ownership and control over the entire process, you sometimes have to learn to detach and think of the project through multiple lenses aside from your own. To me, this is a way to both protect your heart from the watering down or diversion of your ideas, as well as a good challenge to expand your knowledge, style, and techniques, by loosening up on the exact ways this idea can come to fruition. Sometimes I enjoy seeing how others can bounce off my ideas and create something I never thought of before. That being said, if I have an idea I can clearly picture and have a desire to create, then it's important I hold onto that one for myself and see it through. 

Q3. What would you say to individuals trying and struggling to move their own side projects forward? 

I wish there was more transparency in these industries to understand just how much work, resources, luck, and connections you need to make a side project happen. I want to say never give up, surround yourself with people who inspire and support you, whether it be monetarily or creatively. Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice, don't be afraid to take your time with it either. You don't always need a deadline. I think it's also ok to start small if you don't have the resources, make lots of outlines and to do lists with small and bigger picture tasks so you can tackle whichever you are able to in the moment. And I think it's ok to accept commercial work that can help pay for the projects you really want to do yourself. Lastly, when you start building a team or crew on a small or nonexistent budget, be respectful of everyone's time and effort, and make sure you feed them well :) 

< BY >