Nicole "NK" Kelly is a writer, etc, based in Los Angeles and Mexico City. She received an MFA from the Programs In Writing at UC Irvine after writing a book about slutty girls who like to travel. For several years she was the programming director at a feminist art space in LA, and produced and hosted bitchface, an experimental audio series about art and power.

Nicole shares her journey from the South to Mexico City and her experiences in the creative industry. She discusses her romantic outlook on life and how it influenced her career choices. Nicole reflects on her upbringing and the lack of artistic role models in her community. She also highlights the missing pieces in her education and the importance of setting goals and networking. Charla, the host, shares her own journey to TV writing and the challenges she faced in traditional employment. In this conversation, NK and Charla discuss the fear of being a slow creator and the pressure to release perfect work. They share their experiences of overcoming perfectionism and the fear of failure. They also discuss the importance of setting intentions and goals, and the fear of submitting work that is not perfect. They explore the concept of ego death and the process of embracing wonder and playfulness in creative work.

Takeaways

• Having a romantic outlook on life can influence career choices and lead to unique experiences.
• Growing up without artistic role models can make pursuing a creative career challenging.
• Setting goals and learning how to finish projects are essential for success in the creative industry.
• Networking is not just about connecting with powerful individuals, but also building genuine relationships with peers. Don't let the fear of being a slow creator hold you back. Embrace your own pace and focus on the quality of your work.
• Put your work out into the world before it's perfect. You can always improve and refine it later.
• Don't let the fear of judgment stop you from sharing your work. Remember that everyone has their own journey and experiences with imperfection.
• Overcome perfectionism and the fear of failure by setting intentions and goals. Focus on the enjoyment and fulfillment of the creative process.
• Don't be afraid to submit your work, even if it's not perfect. Take risks and embrace the opportunities that come your way.
• Get out of your own way and stop self-sabotaging. Recognize and challenge the limiting beliefs and fears that hold you back.
• Seek out resources and ask for help. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and growth.
• Experience ego death by letting go of old identities and scripts that no longer serve you. Embrace a more authentic and playful version of yourself.
• Find wonder and joy in the creative process. Embrace the childlike curiosity and playfulness that fuels creativity.

Episode Credits:

Produced and hosted by Charla Lauriston

Theme song and Segment Jingles composed and produced by Brendan Byrnes

Canva Artwork by Daiana Cordo

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