Anyone who charts their own course is my inspiration.
Amanda Seales
Amanda Seales spoke at the UofM as part of their 2023 Black History Month programming, and she also kicked off my birthday weekend festivities. Okay she didn’t come for my birthday exactly, but let’s just roll with it. Cool?
So, I’ve followed her work since she joined the Insecure cast, from her various interviews to her Small Doses podcast. Funny enough I used to love Floetry, but was too young to know anything about the dynamics between group members so I didn’t know that Amanda was in it. Keep in mind, I was also too young to really understand what I was singing in Say Yes, but you live and learn right?
During her talk I took a few notes and jotted down things that really resonated with me, so I wanted to share them with you (whoever you are). 🙂
On her Artistic Process
I personally love when people get into their process bag and talk about the things they do and the habits they cultivate. Like yes, please… Tell me more about how you love walking around your table five times before you can get started painting. Tell me about how you organize your stuffed animals before you write your grammy winning songs. Tell. Me. More.
While talking about her process, Amanda shared these (paraphrased) words that really resonated with me.
The big thing about process for a creative is that it allows you to call onto your gift when you need it. If you want to be a creative and make money from it, you need to be able to access it. Process is so important. It’s a practice. It helps you develop your style. Your process is going to be the key to you being able to survive as an artist.
Raise your hand if you’ve been personally victimized or called out by Amanda Seales’ truth? *Raises hand*
I’ve always felt that my creativity comes in spurts and when I’m here, I’m all in. “Creative Consistency” hasn’t been my jam, truthfully speaking. So yes, I felt called out and I’m not ashamed to say it. But, reflecting on this and having let this sit for a few months I get it. I get it all. To get the results we/you/I want, doing the work isn’t enough. But consistently being able to do the work and call upon your gift when you need it, is enough. Because what is a process, if nothing more than a series of steps that you’ve practiced and repeated? We often ask about process and systems as if they’re some magical tricks, but maybe the key is just figuring out what works for you and sticking with it? (tuh)
What is it about me that makes me happy to be me? That’s what affirmations are.
Amanda Seales
On Confidence
Amanda spoke on confidence and how to build up your confidence by doing the work and trying things. It’s something I’ve been dealing with a lot over these past few years in my career. I even wrote about Imposter Syndrome for Muse By Clio (pretty cool read, in my super biased opinion) last year and hearing her echo my sentiments served as validation that I’m on the right path. *pats self on back*
You service confidence from facts. When you try something, you can see what went well and what didn’t go well. Good for me. Good for me that I tried it.
Amanda Seales
Advice To Her Younger Self
I think this question has popped up at every panel or discussion that I’ve attended. So I think it’s the perfect way to end this recap, right?
“What advice would you give your younger self on how to navigate through life?”
- Don’t build your world around men.
- Being yourself is your greatest asset.
- Betting on me is the best bet I can make.
One Last Thing…
And if you take nothing away from this, take this: I believe in you. You should believe in you. You’re worth believing in.
Do not abandon yourself.
Amanda Seales
Songs I’m Listening to Right Now
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