Highwater

Chakka explains why creatives should be mindful of their "inputs." Social media, traditional media, news and even how-to books can hamper the creative process.

Creative Cypher is a non-profit media and creative incubator dedicated to giving Chicago-based creatives opportunities that go way beyond your average networking event. Michael Issac and Troy Pryor discuss how they formed Creative Cypher to address the needs of Chicago-based actors, comedians, film industry professionals, musicians and other creatives who want to build a career without leaving home. Learn more about the Creative Cypher model, how aspiring film and media professionals can approach Hollywood with something to offer, and why it is important for local artists in Chicago and beyond to bring the industry back to their neighborhoods.

Listeners of this episode of the Highwater Podcast can receive a free 5-Day Home Try-On from Warby Parker. Tune in to find out how.

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Chakka talks about asking for mentorship the right way, calling on support from the ancestors and picking avatars to guide your career and creative process.

This episode is brought to you by #BlackGirlMagic and the letter C for COINS. [Janice Bond (@gypsetproper)](http://www.twitter.com/gypsetproper) is an artist, arts advocate and cultural rainmaker. This conversation turned into a masterclass on how artists can make money from art and create sustainable business models. Janice talks about her most recent work, including an art exhibition in Latvia, how and why she started an art curator-for-hire consultancy company, and how she builds fiscal support of other artists into her business model. We also talk about what art funders are looking for, the need for hyperlocal art support, and other art- entrepreneur essentials. As if all this isn't enough, Janice has some of the most diverse and obscure music picks of any guest we've had so far, so be sure to tune in to the very end. Go to http://www.gethighwater.com/podcast to learn more about Janice's work, and for show notes and links.

Good may be the enemy of great, but perfect is definitely the enemy of progress. Some of our favorite artists make us wait for new music, shows, and art because they are waiting for the "right" time to show up. Here are some tips on how to conquer the fear that keeps us from starting, shipping, and growing.

New media artist and educator Nick Briz talks about copying as a key, rather than a threat to creativity. Nick shares his insights on how artists can share their work freely on the web and get over the fear of being ripped off, also known as "Copycat Paranoia." Nick also talks about the evolution of the term "genius" and how artists can copy without appropriating.

Why working for free is better than working at a discount, and more tips for how creatives and artists can make free work work to our advantage. BONUS: Check out gethighwater.com for a copy of the Definitive Working for Free Checklist.

Are we in a TV golden age, or is there too much TV? What role does the web series have in increasing diversity in media? How does one gain an audience for their web series? Based on his research, including interviews with the creators of over 100 web series, Dr. Aymar Jean Christian shares his findings about the future of TV, both on and offline. Dr. Christian is also the founder of OpenTV, a web platform that promotes indie series by queer, trans, cis-women and artists of color.

Prince is gone, Beyonce is reborn, and we can all learn from both. How can you keep your work authentic without sacrificing your privacy?

How do you decide when a career move is the right one? Perhaps no artist needs to be as careful about career decisions as actors do, whose choices are not only recorded forever, but as in the case of Zoe Sandaña, become fodder for larger conversations about culture and identity. Actor, Director, Writer and Producer Johnny Ray Gill (BrainDead, Underground, Rectify) shares his creative career visioning process in this hilarious, honesty and powerful inaugural episode.