Find Your Creative Tribe With These 3 Easy Tips

Written by Crystal Joy

IG: @imcrystaljoy & @_inthebluroom

A lot is happening in the world right now.

In these times, we must lean on our family and friends for support. Self-quarantining as a result of COVID-19 may be challenging for extroverts and those that see socialization as fuel. However, for creatives who are used to isolation, this might be a piece of cake. 

Or is it? 

Isolation for a lot of creatives is a choice. We (including myself) have the ability to step away from society when we need to focus on our work and freely tap back in when a break is needed. But now that social distancing is imposed, it might feel different. How do we handle this enforced isolation and maintain our creativity? How do we stay connected and fueled with limited face to face interaction? Here are a few ideas that came to mind.

Get active on social media

Social media has always been a great way to stay connected with family and friends in faraway places, promote and share work, and even get opportunities. Simultaneously, it has left a trail of negatives and its benefits will always remain debatable. Fortunately, now is an ideal time to use it as a source of entertainment and a way to check on others. Whether it’s with people in your neighborhood or folks on the other side of the world, social media is currently the best medium for camaraderie. Follow people and pages that make you feel good about yourself, encourage open dialogue, incite your imagination, and most importantly, make you laugh.

Join or create an online group

Technology provides a lot of access to many different things. Over the last few days, I’ve received several newsletters for online yoga sessions, virtual events, e-meet ups, and support groups. We are all going through the same thing right now, so utilize this opportunity to cultivate new relationships. If you don’t see a group that matches your vibe, simply create your own and spread the word. If it benefits you, it will benefit someone else.

Pick up the phone

I remember when we talked on the phone. When we had to finger through an address book for someone's number, or, simply memorize it. It feels different when you can hear the sound of a voice on the other end of the phone. Texting provides no clarity or context and technology has advanced to Facetime, Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, and now you can video chat on Instagram. Though texting serves as a convenience, this recent pandemic has put our busy schedules to a complete halt. So pick up the phone and call that person you’ve been “meaning to connect with.” People have more than just the coronavirus disrupting their lives -- a simple “how are you” goes a long way. 

Some of our most creative moments can come through overwhelming obstacles -- rather than working around them, we should collaborate with them. Put in the extra effort to not only take care of yourself, but check in on your community, family, and friends. Most importantly, use whatever you’re feeling and channel it. 

Your creativity will thank you later.

Writer Bio

Crystal Joy moved to New York City from Chicago, IL with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Marketing from Loyola University Chicago-shortly after her move she immediately began acting classes at HB Studios and expanded to Stella Adler, Lucid Body, and joined the theater company, Theater of A New Generation. Her love of storytelling has given her access to work not only as an actress but as a writer and producer. Some of Crystal’s theater credits include the Off-Broadway productions Dead End, The Cherry Orchard, and 12 Angry People. Her film endeavors include Era, Revolt, Dog Days, and the dramatic feature The Dirty Kind. She also wrote, starred in and executive produced Crumble, The Woe Chronicles, and Behind The Silence which she co-directed. Additionally, Ms. Joy received her first TV credit on the Investigation Discovery channel’s re-enactment crime show, Shadow of Doubt. Crystal has a shared love for acting, producing and writing and as she progresses in her work she continues to excel in her versatility with a range of character roles as well as finding new platforms to deliver her projects.