Chaos and Creativity

In this episode, Kimi and Lou talk about their individual experiences through this pandemic + the world opening back up.Diving into the world of extro/introvert personality traits, our two fearless hosts examine what it feels like to experience a year of forced social distancing + what it feels like now that the world is repopening.They also touch upon the cultural changes that are here to stay post-COVID + how maybe some of them aren't that bad!

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.

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.

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.

On this episode of Chaos and Creativity, Lou hosts top producers Elise Connett and Philip Pavliger to unpack the production industry’s response to COVID-19 measures in the workplace. They discuss how to manage risk, keep people safe, and deal with uncharted territory. Listen in to hear how the production realm is moving forward with care for both people and projects.

On this episode of Chaos and Creativity, Kimi + Lou discuss boredom as fuel for the creative process. They explore the different stages of boredom, as well as productivity, routine, and innovation as ways to cope with quarantine. Listen in to hear about how the last several weeks of confusion and dis-order can be the perfect storm for creativity to strike. Article on Teen Creativity and Rebellion: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/04/quarantine-creative-teenagers-genz-coronavirus-covid19-technology/

Lisa Grossman is the founder of The Connection Cure, a nomadic project that seeks to understand human connection. Three years ago, she packed up her Brooklyn apartment and set off on a cross-country road trip to destigmatize loneliness. On this episode of Chaos + Creativity, Lisa talks to Kimi about how micro moments of connection with both friends and strangers can change a person’s life. Lisa’s Connection Cure workshops offer a place for honest conversations about love, radical change, truth, and meaningful relationships.https://www.theconnectioncure.comhttps://www.theconnectioncure.com/about-lisa/

In this episode of Chaos + Creativity, Kimi and Lou invite musician Katharine Blake to the microphone. Blake, founder of the bands Miranda Sex Garden and the Mediæval Bæbes, talks about her journey from classical musician to goth music icon to creator and arranger of film soundtracks. Her unique ethereal sound is both haunting and captivating, inspired in part by what Katharine describes as the “psychedelic vein.” She spoke to C + C from Scotland where she’s sheltering-in-place with her partner and daughters.https://katharineblake.bandcamp.comhttps://www.mediaevalbaebes.com

In this episode of Chaos and Creativity, Kimi + Lou discuss how COVID-19 affects the creative industry. They cover how to adapt to the new world, where to find optimism, and the importance of the arts, especially during this time. https://www.voguebusiness.com/companies/communicating-under-covid-19-coronavirus-china-e-commerce-advertising-livestreamhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/paultalbot/2020/03/19/how-the-coronavirus-pandemic-impacts-marketing-strategy/#451808964dc2https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/22/21190018/att-wifi-broadband-mobile-coronavirus-ceo-randal-stephenson-data-cap-surgehttps://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/technology/coronavirus-how-to-live-online.html

In this episode of Chaos and Creativity, Kimi + Lou chat with Jeff Burkhart, author of Twenty Years Behind Bars, about his life as a bartender and writer. Tune in to hear Jeff's take on how to keep creativity going, the evolution of his career, and his idea of the perfect drink. Jeff's website: https://jeffburkhart.netBooks: https://jeffburkhart.net/books/

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.

In this episode, Kimi and Lou discuss their wellness and brand new format. Listen in to hear thoughts on the Dr. Junger’s book, Clean, as well as Kimi’s strange obsession with office supplies.

Kimi returns from her journey to Europe just as Lou leaves for his.Listen to find out more about why Kimi didn't really like Iceland, what it feels like to return to your childhood home after 17 years, and more on this episode of Chaos and Creativity.

Kimi and Lou discuss how to be a digital nomad.Kimi's jet lag app: Time Shifter.The Electronic Frontier Foundation's Border Security Guide.Panic Software's Transmit.

In this episode, Kimi + Lou catch up after a long week. Take a listen to find out what these two have been up to, their favorite way to waste time, and more.

In this episode, Lou + Kimi tackle the intricacies of being an artist in a world that values stability, financial success and normalcy.

In this episode, Kimi and Lou discuss the merits of having a routine + how creating a plan for your day can inspire your creativity.

In this episode Lou tries and fails at beatnik poetry. Kimi reveals a star crossed coincidence. And the duo discuss how to survive embarassing moments. As always this episode brought to you by BlinkBid bidding and producing software.

In this episode of Chaos and Creativity, Kimi and Lou discuss Taylor Swift's record deal debacle, and weigh in on the state of the music business, and the creative industries in general.Listen in to find out the difference between owning your master vs owning your publishing, and why we are in a prime time for a new state of normal.Follow us on Instagram.

In this episode, Kimi and Lou discuss the pitfalls of absolutism, Moby's Mishap and more.Listen carefully to see if you can spot the Easter Egg that will win you a bottle of free Bourbon!

In the episode, Kimi and Lou discuss unrealistic expectations, and how they can be detrimental to your life, career, and well-being.

In this episode, Kimi and Lou discuss the merits of being a good observer and how this can serve you in your career as a photojournalist.Here is the Celeste Headlee TED talk Kimi references in the episode.

Kimi is back from her European travels. In this episode, Kimi and Lou talk about traveling, uprooting your life, and the importance of making small sacrifices.In this episode, Lou references the Abigail Disney interview on The Cut.

In this episode, Kimi and Lou talk about the downfall of talking about something you want to do before you actually do it- and why jumping the gun can actually keep you from doing anything at all.Check out Lou's amazing short story, The Ghost of Communism.

In this special episode of Chaos and Creativity, Kimi and Lou chat with renowned agent Heather Elder about finding talent via social media, the future of the photography business and why creativity isn't just for artists.To see some of Heather's work, visit her website.Heather also has a super insightful blog called Notes from a Rep's Journal + has recently launched a podcast called Dear Art Producer.

In this somewhat two-subject episode Lou and Kimi return to the topic of the pitfalls of success in the modern world of socials media, as well as discussing the effect relationship drama can have on your art.

In the day and age of the internet, many young artists think the way up is by gathering hundreds of thousands of followers, no matter what they have to concede artistically.But like everything, there's a price to pay. In this episode of Chaos and Creativity, Lou and Kimi discuss why building an online brand is not the same as building street cred, and how doing great work is still the best currency as an artist.Here are some of the articles mentioned in this podcast:Patti Smith's Advice to the YoungThe Value of Free: Part One & Part TwoThis podcast is brought to you by BlinkBid.

Have you ever made a mistake that was so big, you didn't think you could come back from it? In this episode, Kimi and Lou discuss some of the wrong turns they took in their careers and what helped them bounce back.

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.

Ever walk into a meeting and feel like you're super unprepared? In this episode Kimi and Lou discuss the art of the meeting and the perfect pitch.

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.

In this episode Lou + Kimi tackle the topic of booze and business. How many glasses of wine make you a creative genius? How does one tackle social situations that mix networking + boozing? Find the answers to this (and life perhaps) on this weeks episode of Chaos and Creativity.

The generation gap breaks wide open in this episode of Chaos and Creativity. Things get slightly heated between Lou and Kimi as they discuss shades of feminism particularly around the use of the word “girly.” As easy as it is for them to raise to aggressive bouts and arguments, they demonstrate how important it is to bridge the age gap through conversation, comprehension and respect. This episode is as much about feminism and respect as it is about the importance of having a conversation with someone who doesn’t share your view point. Not every conversation needs to convert someone’s opinion, and not every argument needs to end in tears.

In this episode of Chaos and Creativity , Lou interviews Kimi about her band ( DREAMINGS), how she got started in music, and what advice she has to give to aspiring artists.

In this episode of Chaos + Creativity, Kimi interviews Lou about his 20-year career in photography, his venture into the tech entrepreneur world, and his advice for aspiring photographers.

A podcast for people who make a living being creative. In Episode One, Kimi + Lou tackle the notion that creative careers are glamorous while sitting in a car overlooking Mt. Tamalpais. www.chaosandcreativity.com