- More Than a Filmmaker
- Posts
- WEEK 11
WEEK 11
Jordyn Dunseath
April 23, 2024
TIP OF THE WEEK
Gaff tape. That’s my tip, haha. Every time I haven’t brought gaff tape to a job, I’ve needed it. I’ve always regretted it. So bring tape with you. You may not use it often, but you’ll be so happy when it comes in handy. I like gaff tape because it’s strong but doesn’t leave a gross residue like other tapes.
JORDYN UPDATES
Read below for context
Highs of the week: • I’m seeing people within the online community actually pursuing their goals and taking steps forward in their creative journeys. I couldn’t be more grateful to witness that. | Reality of the week: |
“Trend”. That’s a buzzword in today’s culture - though I feel like lately, we are picky with what we call a trend. If anything is gaining “positive” momentum, we say that it is “trending”. A dance on Instagram that catches momentum and is reproduced by many creators is considered a “trend”. Well, the actual definition of trend is: “a general direction in which something is developing or changing”. With that more general idea in mind, I want you to consider what else is technically “trending”. Behind a lot of content creation, you will find burnt out, anxious, and depressed creators. But would we ever say anxiety or depression is “trending”? No. Because it’s negative and undesirable. Please forgive me for bringing the mood down right away in this week’s newsletter. That’s not my goal at all. I’m just highlighting this as an encouragement for all of us to consider what the big picture trend is. This is one of those moments where you see a child running for a busy road and you run after and grab them in effort to protect them. That is my heart here.
I want to remind you of the natural order of the earth. Let’s consider the days without technology and electricity. Of course we didn’t live during that time to know what unique things that culture did struggle with, but one thing they most likely didn’t struggle with as much as us was rest. When the sun went down, they went down - unless they wanted to do something little by candlelight. What can you not do by candlelight? Run an entire farm. Hunt. Play long toss. Haha, random things. But it’s true, when the light was gone for the day, people probably rested and went to sleep. We don’t do that anymore. Whether it’s work or entertainment, we have the ability to choose not to rest. We can keep light on forever. Honestly, I am SO guilty of this. And you know what…I’m burnt out. That’s the reality.
I feel the call to rest deeper than ever. I absolutely love what I do. I love it. I love it so much. But I am so so tired. So this week, though I’ve been pretty bad at it, I’ve been trying to adopt that practice again. Living at a lower capacity. Even if I can do more and feel like I should, I have been choosing to do less. It’s hard for me. I enjoy productivity but I do not enjoy feeling exhaustion creep around the corner every moment. So if you resonate with this at all, I would encourage you to join me. Join me in finding deep rest. I’m not saying to quit posting on social media if that’s your thing. I am just encouraging you to notice the big picture trend though. Pay attention to what else is happening on the other side of algorithms and endless content creation. Save yourself from some of that anxiety and depression by learning to rest too. Electricity is amazing and a huge blessing - unless you never get the sleep your body needs.
I’m speaking as a guilty party here. I need to be healthier. I want to be healthier. I hope somehow, you feel encouraged to slow down and soak in life a little with me too.
As you can tell, I’ve been seeking more rest. Rest for me this week looked like not making a specific weekly newsletter video. I’ll return with those when they’re actually valuable to you. Instead, here’s another podcast episode. I did record a video of myself talking (though I spent a lot of time looking at the ground deep in my thoughts, haha).
This week’s creative challenge:
Take a piece of cardboard - cut it up in a unique way - and then shine light through it to give texture to a random scene that you film. Get creative and think outside the box. Who cares if it looks good or not. Do it for the sake of trying something different.
AN ONLINE COMMUNITY FOR CREATORS!
 | WHAT’S INSIDE? |
WANT TO CHAT WITH ME ONE-ONE-ONE?
 | Do you have specific questions you want answered and don’t know who to ask? Are you in a creative rut and just need someone who understands to encourage you? It is my favorite thing to connect with you guys! No dumb questions here - just two creatives connecting and learning from one another. 60 Minute Video Call | $250 |
CATCH UP ON CONTENT:
MY TOP RECOMMENDATIONS
CAN I ASK YOU A FAVOR THIS WEEK?
It would mean a lot to me if you participate and it will only help me help you!
If I can request a little vulnerability from you…may you tell me:
what is a question or mindset you struggle with?
Examples: “I don’t feel confident in my pricing”, “I struggle with confidence in general”, “I run into creative block often”, “I don’t think I’ll ever be as good as I want to be”, “I have no support”, “ideas are hard to come up with”…etc. Please share honestly - no judgment from me. We all struggle. I’m asking in an effort to help YOU!
Simply just respond to this email.
THANKS!!
—
Have a great day!
Best, Jordyn
If you were forwarded this email from a friend and want to receive to the “More Than a Filmmaker” Newsletter