We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brittanie Goldsby a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Brittanie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve been into creative things and the arts in general for as long as I can remember, even back when I was a little kid. I used to mess around with watercolors and draw flowers, mostly to cheer up my great grandma. Seeing how much joy those little drawings brought her was awesome. It made me realize how cool it is to make people feel good with art. That’s kinda when I thought, ‘Hey, maybe I could do this for real.’ So yeah, that’s how I knew I wanted to dive into the creative world professionally.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a filmmaker and creative director born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. Since I was young, I’ve felt this urge to tell stories that resonate with people from the Midwest. I’ve always wanted my voice to be heard, you know?

My journey into independent cinema started with some early experimenting with storytelling. It lit a creative spark in me that’s been burning ever since. For me, every moment, every face, every place is a potential scene waiting to be captured.

I’m also the proud founder of Speaker Leaks, a platform I launched back in 2016. Speaker Leaks is a space for artists of all disciplines to shine. It’s my passion project, aimed at providing a platform where diverse voices can thrive and where aspiring creatives can find the support and resources they need to succeed

In 2019, I released my debut feature film, “Word Play.” It’s a documentary that dives into the lyrical skill needed to thrive in the world of rap. The film did pretty well at indie film festivals, scoring first place in Cinema at Citygarden and getting selected for the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase. It was a real boost for me as an up-and-coming filmmaker.

Right now, I’m knee-deep in the production of my latest project, “Soundcheck.” It’s a documentary that puts the spotlight on the crucial role of audio engineers in the world of sound production. From live performances to recording sessions, audio engineering touches everything. With “Soundcheck,” I’m aiming to show just how important skilled audio engineers are in delivering top-notch sound experiences across different industries.

Through my work, I want to highlight the diverse roles within the field of audio engineering and emphasize the impact these professionals have on our auditory experiences. Whether it’s enhancing communication, fostering artistic expression, or ensuring technical excellence, audio engineers are the unsung heroes behind the scenes. And with “Soundcheck,” I’m determined to give them the recognition they deserve.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Supporting artists and fostering a vibrant creative ecosystem involves a few key things. First off, we need to make sure arts education is front and center in schools and communities, so kids can explore their creativity from the get-go. Then, artists need to be fairly compensated for their work—fair wages, royalties, and funding opportunities can make a huge difference. We also gotta make sure there are plenty of spaces and resources available for artists to do their thing, whether it’s studios, galleries, or mentorship programs.

But it’s not just about the money and the spaces—it’s also about getting the word out. Society should be actively promoting artists and their work through exhibitions, festivals, and online platforms. And let’s not forget about policies that support artists’ rights and diversity in the arts scene. Collaboration and networking are key too—artists thrive when they can connect, share ideas, and collaborate on projects.

Lastly, celebrating diversity and inclusion is super important. We need to support artists from all backgrounds and make sure everyone’s voice is heard. When we do all this, we create an environment where artists feel valued, empowered, and inspired to keep creating amazing stuff. And that’s how we build a kick-ass creative community that enriches all of our lives.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Yeah, definitely. One thing that non-creatives might struggle to grasp about the creative journey is the constant battle with self-doubt and uncertainty. Creating something from scratch, whether it’s a painting, a story, or a piece of music, often involves a lot of trial and error. There are moments of inspiration and flow, but there are also times when you hit roadblocks and wonder if what you’re making is any good at all. It’s this rollercoaster of emotions that non-creatives might find hard to relate to.

Plus, there’s the whole aspect of putting yourself out there and being vulnerable. Sharing your art with the world can be scary because you’re essentially putting a piece of yourself out for judgment. It takes a lot of courage to keep creating despite the fear of rejection or criticism.

Another thing non-creatives might not fully understand is the unconventional nature of the creative process. It’s not always linear or logical; sometimes the best ideas come when you least expect them, and creativity doesn’t always follow a set schedule. This flexibility and willingness to embrace chaos can be hard to grasp for those who thrive on structure and predictability.

Overall, the journey as a creative is a unique blend of passion, perseverance, and vulnerability that non-creatives may struggle to fully comprehend. But despite the challenges, it’s a journey filled with moments of beauty, growth, and self-discovery that make it all worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.speakerleaks.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrittanieann/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakerleaks/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/1Phoenix_Blazin
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQohTN44J37B7XCNOdY5FBA
• Other: Please Include Business Social Media Links as well: https://twitter.com/SpeakerLeaks https://www.instagram.com/speakerleaks/?hl=en

Image Credits
Dmytro O. Baumann Lauren Middleton