Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brooklyn-raye Conley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brooklyn-Raye, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I made one of the biggest, most life-changing decisions of my life when I dropped out of school to pursue a new-found career in film. Picture this: it’s March 2023, and I’m on spring break, feeling the usual relief and anticipation of a brief break from classes. Suddenly, my friends/business partners approached me with a proposition that would turn my world upside down.

“We’re going on a screening tour to showcase our film *When I Wake*!” (*When I Wake* was our first project under Lucid Village Productions, and it was taking off—we had over eight festival selections and were planning an east coast college screening tour). At the time, I was a co-founder of Lucid Village but only part-time. Balancing our business with school was tricky, and now I’ve found myself pulled in two directions.

I was at a crossroads. Should I stay in Chicago, finish school, and play it safe? Or should I leap into the unknown and fully commit to following my dreams? You can probably guess what I chose…

I dropped out.

I said my goodbyes to my friends and professors, and most importantly, I had a deep, soul-searching conversation with my mom. Then, I packed my suitcase, hopped into the back of a Prius, and we (Lucid Village) hit the road, bound for the DMV, where my incredible journey would begin.

Looking back, I realize that was just the start of the wildest, most adventurous chapter of my life, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Brooklyn-Raye, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a multi-faceted artist, healer, and light worker, weaving together various disciplines—filmmaking, music, photography, styling, and creative directing. I proudly wear many hats, often referred to as a jack-of-all-trades, though I prefer to call myself an alchemist or magician. My work is deeply rooted in community, love, and the profound exploration of life’s wonders. I use my art as a means to express my human experience, believing that as creators, we have the freedom to express ourselves in countless forms. This belief is why I embrace multiple mediums to share my art with the world.

Since childhood, I’ve known I was meant to be a co-creator on this earth. Whether I was running around the house scream-singing or cutting up my pajamas (sorry, Mom!), I’ve always been driven by a need for full creative expression. As I’ve grown older and gained a deeper understanding of the world, I’ve come to realize just how sacred art truly is—especially in a society that often tries to limit our expression. This realization led me to seek out new and unconventional ways to explore my identity as an artist, defying the cookie-cutter norms.

This path of self-discovery and artistic freedom eventually led me to meet my best friends and business partners, Brianna Mottey and Julian Thedford. They, too, are creatives navigating life on their own terms. Together, we founded *Lucid Village Productions* —a next-generation production company created by and for artists and storytellers. Inspired by the proverb “It takes a village,” our company serves as a dynamic hub for independent and collaborative work, fostering an ecosystem of support for fellow artists with resources and opportunities from development to production.

Through my work, I seek to inspire, uplift, and connect individuals, weaving together diverse artistic expressions to foster meaningful experiences and connections within my community and beyond. I am an alchemist, a bringer of light, here to reveal, guide, and heal. I embrace my identity as a paradox, a cosmic serpent moving between realities and dimensions. I come from those beyond time, and to them, I will return. But while I’m here, my mission is clear: to restore hope to the people and leave this world better than I found it.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my view, one of the most impactful ways society can support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem is by transforming our public education system to nurture creativity as much as it nurtures intellect. Currently, the framework of our education system often confines young minds, shaping them to fit a single mold rather than encouraging diverse forms of expression. In many classes, children are taught that there is only one correct way to approach a problem or achieve success, and any deviation from this is seen as failure.

This approach overlooks the fact that there are numerous ways to solve a problem or interpret an idea. It’s especially limiting for creatives who don’t naturally fit into this rigid framework. Growing up in a system that prioritizes conformity over innovation stifles their potential, making it difficult to develop or express their unique gifts. For many, it leads to feelings of being misunderstood, and, in some cases, forces them to suppress their creative spirit just to fit in.

If we reimagine our education system to honor multiple ways of thinking and problem-solving, we can better support the diverse minds that enrich our culture and society. By cultivating an environment that encourages experimentation, values creative thinking, and appreciates varied forms of expression, we allow artists and creatives to flourish. This, in turn, can inspire a more vibrant, innovative, and inclusive creative ecosystem that benefits everyone.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Freedom.

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative is freedom. When I fully embraced my creativity and stopped worrying about societal expectations or the opinions of others, I experienced a profound sense of liberation. There’s a freedom in believing my own vision, expressing myself authentically, and creating without limits. This freedom extends to every part of my life—allowing me to live on my own terms and trust my inner guidance.

As an artist, I explore and shape the world in a way that feels true to me. This independence is a gift, as it lets me see and interpret life through my own lens, making every day feel like an opportunity to bring something unique into existence. That sense of boundless potential and sovereignty makes this creative journey deeply fulfilling and continues to be one of the most precious aspects of my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lucidvillageproduction.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/x_raye_/
• Twitter: https://x.com/x_raye_vision
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Brooklyn-Raye

Image Credits

n/a