/the preface cont’d
Previously from /the preface:
[We open on a blank canvas.]
Short breaths, fast heartbeat, and sweaty, SWEATY palms…
…(and feet)! Yeah, you CANNOT forget the sweaty feet…
As a creative, developing ads, writing music, and making artwork, the ‘draft and revisions’ part of the creative process feels ominous and daunting. I don’t want to make a mistake, even in the beginning. An addict to perfectionism. Yet, I know revisions are a crucial part of the process… So, let’s push through the ominous rollercoaster, ride the wave of uncertainty, and start diving in.
Hey, I’m Olivia
[Insert thinking emoji…]
It’s been a minute since I’ve really used my voice. Seems weird to say, but it’s true. I haven’t been me in a while and so here I am ready to say things and make things, but it’s uncomfortable. VERY uncomfortable.
I’m a creative. I’d say I’m a Creative in advertising but I feel like that pigeon-holes me into one specific industry and I feel strongly about intersecting media AND entertainment. I’m a creative who’s starting a blog and working on developing her crafts and processes. I’ll be getting my hands dirty loving obstacles, problem-solving, and finding out where I land. I hope to start building things from scratch: Messy, stressful, drama-filled, scratch and finding a masterpiece (or a shitty, very shitty throw-away piece, [insert winking emoji]).
It’s intimidating… sharing on a public domain.
It’s so intimidating to me that I decided to use an entirely different name than the one everyone in my ether knows me as.
In other words, yes. I’m hiding behind Olivia as it’s so much easier to make mistakes and be embarrassing, cringy, and dare I say, risky. Does this make me a traitor to my true self and identity? MAYBE (and I get that thought process), however, I’m still me. I’m still me with the same experiences, the same values, and the same stories that are itching to escape me…
“Okay Slim Shady. Or shall I say Eminem? Or better yet, Mashall?”
LOL, Babe. I can only dream of being that talented. But yes. Great example.
When I think about it more… I’m just trying to make people feel things that I’m feeling. You don’t have to know me — just know my work and what I stand for. Maybe I say some crazy, insane, cold-hearted, loving, or cringy thing… Maybe I don’t. All that matters is that it’s there should you want to hear, see, or smell it.
“Smell it???”
Yeah, smell it. Idk, like a perfume, a candle, or something like that amazing smell that pumps through the Fountainebleau in Miami and hits you upon walking into the lobby.
“Interesting… Okay… [Babe pauses a moment…] I’m here for it.
What if it’s like an amazing scent that transfers through the computer to the other end of the screen?”
Babe… [Olivia says in the condescending tone one might use when saying, “you cannot be serious right now.”]
If you can find a way to make that work… then I’m game. But good luck.
“Well damn. It would be cool.”
It would be, but back to me hiding behind a name that isn’t my real name.
It feels good hiding and it feels good sharing. So it’s a weird dichotomy that I was working through until I finally said “f it” and just leaned right in instead. I hope to create for others to enjoy and connect to. That’s what this whole thing is about 1. Working on my art and finding my voice again. 2. Feeling better about who I was, am, and becoming. And YES, 3. Feeding you entertainment of some sort. (Although we’re still working on this part I can only HOPE it’ll be something good and worth your time [Insert deep red heart emoji].)
What I promise is this…
…I’ll be downright honest and allow my past to pull up beside me, (in a 1965 Porsche 356C Speedster, of course).
I’ll let my past show off—shimmying, booty dancing, and all, which I have NEVER, ever, done before. Not the booty dancing and shimmying part—that’s a frequent activity. I’m talking about being honest and open about my past, that part I don’t do often. But, I’ll try it out. And let me tell you. My past, it’s quite spicy.
And let me also tell you…NEVER in a bagillion years would I think that I’d be one to publicly share, expose, word vomit, “express”, “let-go”, [insert WHATEVER foo-foo little girl, emotionally relieving action-word you can think of here].
And yet, “Hey, Hi [insert waving emoji],” here I am.
It’s been a journey, for sure, and here I am, still on it. Living it and loving it.
So, if there’s anyone else out there, in the dark and creepy world of the “www dot com”, overcoming some crazy shit, then we’re in it together because so am I.
You, me, and Babe. Us two are with you.
I’ll be right here, the loudest cheerleader in the room supporting you in whatever it is you’re working out, just don’t do the whole kumbaya hand-holding thing. Babe might. Well, she probably won’t, but she’s 100% my ride-or-die when I need the support and can’t get it from anyone else so I don’t see why she can’t be yours too. Soon you’ll start to see that and hopefully understand her role in my life and how she makes it all a little bit better.
And finally, in conclusion.
What’s in store for you on this page is art, music, design, craft, creative inspiration, short stories, real stories, creative conversation, and more…
So, grab a blank sheet of paper, a blank canvas, a comfy sweatshirt, a candle, a glass of wine, a cup of tea, a late-night cappuccino, a pillow, a blanket, and whatever else makes you feel like you have a place on this earth and inspired, and let’s get going!
Welcome to Olivia Babe’s creative social club, the beginnings of Renaissance Room (still working out the name here, not sure it’s right yet but until then…)
I hope to see you again soon.
Love, Yours truly,
Olivia Babe.
Xx