Think Piece | Quarantine: Creating in the Midst of a Pandemic

Quarantine Day ???????

Bear with me (yes, it’s “bear”), as I spill the thoughts that I have accumulated over these last several weeks of lockdown.

What can I say here that hasn’t already been said about this pandemic? About the social pressures to create while we sit at home and try to process what’s going on in the world? If you’re not working on your art or mastering your craft, are you really using your time effectively? How can we know if we’re being productive enough? Well, the good news here is that whatever you’re doing now is probably all you need to be doing. If you’re not inspired to create or work, then there is no need to rush your process. If you feel motivated to work, then you should. We are all learning how to work remotely and now is a great time to build your network: follow those artists, make those connections, and prepare yourself for when these restrictions lift. Many of us are coping with being bored in the house (and in the house bored) and if it’s effecting your creativity or leaving you uninspired, that will reflect in your art. Personally, I’ve been working on many different outlets; whether it’s been mixing and mastering songs, mixing a documentary, writing, painting, etcetera. This has been helpful for me because if I get drained doing one, I can transition into the other. Sometimes working one idea will spark other ideas for the other outlets. As I’m typing this, I’m simultaneously watching and mixing this documentary while going over Spotify submission via Twitter. I have spent a lot of this quarantine working on my website; an endeavor that’s proven fruitful with views up 425%. When I shared this news, I had people ask me who’s doing the work behind the scenes, who is pushing my content? And I gave them the answer: me. Does that sound a bit narcissistic? Yes. Yes it does. But as artists, we find ourselves doing the bulk of the work to push our careers. If we don’t support our work and invest in ourselves, who will? Artists wear many hats and in times like these, we really have to be creative in not only our art, but also on the business side of things. How are we going to reach new people? It’s not good enough to simply drop your work and leave it. Sometimes you have to reach back and bring your old work to the forefront. I promise it will be new to someone. That song you dropped in 2016? Yeah, not everyone in the world heard that. That photograph you posted to Tumblr in 2012? That has yet to grace the cover of Vogue. In a world practicing social distancing, the digital artist has a chance to work on the old and the new. I have countless projects saved. Production projects that might only have a kick and snare or a piano track and nothing more. I come back to these every now and then to see if any new ideas happen to get the ball rolling. Many times they don’t. But on occasions like today, I was contacted by producers in an effort to collaborate. A word that seems to be making its rounds during this time of separation. Again, an optional road for those seeking to be creative. I know I’m mentioning a lot of work. Don't feel bad if you haven’t been productive since you’ve been told to stay home. Your process is your own. Don’t let the pressures of others dictate your output. The world will be here when this is all over and I’m sure there will be an even greater market for the arts and entertainment industries (even if concerts are cancelled until 2021). I am excited by what has grown out of this situation and I’m ready to see what the other side looks like. This cocoon (what I’ve been considering it) will produce a lot of blossoming artists. I’ve been spending a fair share of the day listening to local artists and ironically, Tik Tok is making the time go by for most. However you’re spending your time, know it’s enough. If you feel guided to “art”, then “art”. Otherwise, stay safe. Stay home.