The creative world sees itself as progressive and liberal. The beliefs that make up this mindset are easy to understand on a theoretical level, but they don't always translate directly into practice. Each life is a collection of unique experiences: a combination of our background, our history, and our culture. Taking that complexity and simplifying it into an easy-to-follow line of progress can be difficult. Good decisions, just as much as the bad decisions, are a culmination of everything that got us to this particular point in time.

The democratization of creative culture through tools and platforms has been a game-changer in the modern era. Those who carefully plied their trade have now seen the pool of capable (as well as incapable, but charismatic) adversaries grow rapidly. The natural initial reaction is to protect what's yours, what you've dedicated a whole life to building. The defense of this knee-jerk behavior is that it was your blood, sweat, and tears that helped build the environment as it is today. We've seen attitudes form in the fashion and creative industries that are dismissive of the next generation that dares see itself as capable of assuming positions as Creative Directors, Art Directors, or Heads of Marketing without paying dues in the lengthy and rigorous process that built so many careers.

When work produces results and even achievements, creatives feel owed respect and territory. Some see their progress as a by-product of their own hard work and efforts, which are by no means meant to be discounted. Beyond that though, progress is also made by invisible forces exerting themselves. Opportunities are not always provided equally, but unless you're on the less fortunate side of the tracks, you may never recognize that.

Hosted by Eugene Kan
Audio by Elphick Wo
Photography by Rog Walker

See the whole story here.

What is MAEKAN?

MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a deeper level that social media just doesn't provide. We're defining the future of creative culture.

We don't have all the answers, but our curiosity ensures we never stop looking.

Sign-Up Today

If you've enjoyed this story from the archives and want to see what else MAEKAN has to offer, sign-up for your membership at MAEKAN.com. You'll unlock exclusive stories, be given exclusive member-only-access to our Slack community, and have the opportunity to participate in our monthly digital panel discussions.

maekan.com

Follow Us

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Email