The Importance of Community in a Creative Practice

"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." – Coretta Scott King

Reflecting back on the 24 years of my life, I have to say that every moment where I needed help I always had a community around me to support me. Here are some of those moments

• Stepping on to a college campus for the first time as a first-generation student 

• Feared losing my DACA status in the change of a presidential administration 

• Transitioning into a post-college world

• Deciding to go all-in on art and design 

• Navigating a global pandemic

• Starting my own business 

I can look back at each one of these pivotal moments in my life and say that 

the community around me was what kept me going in good times and in bad. 

Look around you! What does the community feel like? Sound Like? Smell like?

Having community can look like:

• Family support system

• Friend group that you care about and care for you 

• Online community of friends that support you

• Work community that you can go to 

• Professional community 

Community Can be anything you define!

For me community is a pillar in which my life is built around. A pillar that has grown stronger as time went on and I know that wherever life takes me I want to create a community that builds itself up. 

1. Support System 

   1. I know I don't have to tell you that life can suck sometimes. Life can really be a journey of complicated questions with little to no answers. That is really where a community can step in to help you with life's mysteries 

1. Venting 

   1. No one in this life goes without yelling here from time to time. While I know Venting is not the same as yelling, yelling can be metaphorical, getting things off your chest is a great way to express your truth and make sure that you are heard. Having a community there alongside you can make it easy to have a sounding board and a place to go to when you need to get that off your chest. 

1. Inspiration and Motivation 

   1. This one might be personal but I am constantly inspired by my community! As a person that holds many identities, I am constantly inspired by the many stories, nuances, and differences within my community. If you look around you can find a lot of ways to get inspired and motivated by your community.  

1. Network 

   1. Community Can also serve as a great way to get to your next opportunity. Community means that you are with like-minded individuals that know who you are and what you do. Meaning you are more likely to find an opportunity from a person that is in your community. Vice versa you could be the gateway to someone else’s nest opportunity. 

No matter what it is, the community is sure to make a resounding effect on your life and possible creative practice.  If you’re looking to make more community or don’t know where to start reaching out to me on Instagram. I am more than happy to help you.

Peace Love and YAMZ AKA Brayan