Chaos and Creativity

Happy New Year!We took the rest of 2020 off to rest, digest and figure out how to move forward with a podcast about being creative for a living during a time when half the world is stuck at home.In this episode Lou + Kimi talk about their personal experiences with pandemic-related creative blocks, and how they've both made progress.Kimi explains how she uses the following productivity hacks to be creative rather than productive:Monday Hour 1The Pomodoro MethodTime BoundariesIn 2021  expect more tips, tricks and musings from your favorite creative duo.Oh, and make sure to check out our new website, www.chaosandcreativity.com. 

Last week, Hannah Soto, founder of Grey House Productions, and Lou Lesko talked about The Future of Virtual Production: the two distinct meanings of virtual production, what you need to know about them, and how they are going to change your future as a creative professional.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More info:Grey House Productions  (https://www.greyhouseproductions.com​)BlinkBid (https://www.blinkbid.com​)Watch the webinar here.

In the inaugural episode of Chaos and Creativity Season 3, Lou tackles the tough (and often taboo) subject of pricing yourself as a photographer. He discusses why  there are no rules on pricing your photographic skills and how this offers a distinct opportunity to advance to your career. This is a great look at the photography industry + assigning worth to your work. A must-listen for aspiring and working photographers alike.

In this special mini-episode, Kimi and Lou discuss Kimi's venture into the "Minimalist Challenge" and the very real feeling of consumer burnout.If you want to learn more about this challenge visit www.theminimalists.com.

In this episode, Lou interviews director of photography Jaron Presant. The two talk about the process of transforming a script into a movie, the future of cinematography, and how it feels to get "the shot."

In this episode of Chaos and Creativity, Lou interviews Joone- formerly of Digital Playground.Listen as the two discuss the creativity behind porn, and how the evolution of the internet changed the business model forever.

Lou and Kimi debate over the merits of self-help books, agree on the rules of creativity (hint: there are none) and talk about the downfall of the artist.The meditation book Kimi talks about is called 10% Happier by Dan Harris.

It's a New Year, and Kimi and Lou have lots to catch up on post-vacation.Topics range everywhere from decluttering via Marie Kondo to why it's important to start saving, even if you're nihilistic and think the world will end tomorrow.

Is being productive, actually productive? Does more equal more?Kimi and Lou discuss the ins and outs of the productivity myth, and what actually feels productive vs. what society tells us IS productive.

On the surface, YouTube and other social media channels appear to be an extraordinary opportunity for artists with entrepreneurial ambition. What are the hidden costs of keeping up with the tacit demands of the algorithmic engines that run social media? In this episode, Kimi and Lou discuss the pitfalls of social media and living in the age of content.

DISCLAIMER: This episode was actually recorded before  Dangers of Feeding the Machine, but due to an upload error is getting uploaded just now. Yay technology:).In this episode, Lou and Kimi discuss the importance of self-care, especially for those who freelance and own small businesses.

Kimi and Lou wrap up Season 1 of Chaos & Creativity by talking about the pitfalls and mistakes they made in the first season, and how they want to improve in Season 2.

In this episode Kimi and Lou talk about when to pull the plug on your own work. The evolution of creative skills. And why oh why are some your first attempts at an art-form better than your sophomore efforts after you start learning technique.

Kimi and Lou fill each other in on the progress they've made with breaking their bad habits. Here are some tools Kimi used to try and break her social media addiction:  Books: How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life (Catherine Price) Bored and Brilliant (Manoush Zomorodi) Articles: This article from Tristan Harris:  http://www.tristanharris.com/2016/01/distracted-in-2016-welcome-to-mindfulness-bootcamp-for-your-iphone/ And the Moment app to track how much to use your phone.   Lou recommeds the book, The Shallows, by Nicholas Carr.

In this episode Kimi and Lou discuss some of their bad habits, and come up with a plan to break them. Kimi decides to try and face her social media addiction head on, using techniques from author Catherine Price, and app philosopher Tristan Harris. Lou vows to spend less time reading useless content and getting rid of digital distraction. Check back in two weeks to see how this little experiment goes and how well our two heroes fare in their quest to slay their bad habit.

In this episode, Kimi and Lou discuss finances, budgeting, and some of their past financial mishaps. Here are some of the apps Kimi uses to maintain her finances: www.creditkarma.com www.mint.com www.acorns.com

In this episode, Kimi and Lou discuss day jobs.  Referencing author Sara Benincasa's incredible essay, "Real Artist have Day Jobs", Kimi talks about her experience of always having the safety net of a day job to support her, and how it keeps her from feeling any pressure on her art.  There's even ways to make your day job work for you. Listen to this episode to get tips, tricks and find out why there's no shame in working a day job.

In today's episode, Kimi and Lou discuss the dreaded CREATIVE BURNOUT and how to combat it.  If you have any questions or stories for us, you can email us at  ask@chaosandcreativity.com  Follow us on instagram at @chaosandcreativity Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/chaosandcreativity

You got the big job, you're gearing up for the day, and all of the sudden you feel a tickle in your throat. Next thing you know you have the full blown flu/cold/food poisoning. You can't control things like this but you can prepare for them. In this episode Kimi and Lou share some of their experiences in dealing with sickness during important jobs + their tips for getting through it.SHOW NOTES: Here are some tips from Kimi + Lou on how to keep your cool when you're not feeling so hot.From Lou:Don't eat spicy, raw, or other stomach challenging foods the night before traveling, or doing a gig.Don't get drunk the night before. Sleep is the best way to keep your mind sharp and maintain a cool disposition to manage the inevitable chaos that comes with every job.Speaking of sleep. If you do get sick on the job, get as much as you can. It's how the body fixes itself.Wash your hands often, there's no better transmitter of sickness than shaking hand then touching your nose or rubbing your eyes.Everyone should always carry the following in their travel/gig bag: AdvilMotrin (anti inflammatory - good for hangovers)Pepcid AC (antacid)Imodium (diarrhea)Antihistamine (Claritin-D good for itchiness or other histamine reactions like stings.)Decongestant (one with pseudoephedrine like Sudafed that will dry you out so you can work.)Tampons (even if you're male, you will be asked one day, trust me on this)Mints (if you do vomit on location and you can't brush your teeth, swish, spit, and mint.)From Kimi:If you feel a cold/flu coming on, start eating raw garlic like it's no one's business. Crush a clove and let it sit for 15 seconds + then swallow it whole, or cover in honey if you can handle the taste.Make sure you drink a lot of water If you have food poisoning, activated charcoal is going to be your best friend. You can by tablets at any CVS/Walgreens sort of store.Sleep, sleep, sleep. Many a times, you can get through a gig on pure adrenaline. Just make sure you sleep as much as you can before and after.Gargle with salt water if you feel a tickle in your throat.Know when to call it. Sometimes you're going to be too sick to power through and that's alright too.

In this weeks episode, Lou and Kimi discuss when it's time to break free from your influences and follow your own artistic voice.