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

Samantha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I have constantly pursued “regular jobs” since I was 15. There was a part of me that was drawn to the security and predictability of a 9-5. I would romanticize the office life. I worked several service industry jobs, on and off, and I even went to Italy as an au pair. I saw a regular job as something to aspire to, because it felt professional and adult. I even longed to complain about “the grind” with coworkers. But each time I would sign on for a job like this- cashier, pharmacy technician, working at the Chamber of Commerce- I would start with such excitement, only to slowly begin to feel …weird. I would become restless and start looking for ways to reimagine what I was doing. Then I would begin to look for reasons to leave. And I would do this over 18 months, more or less, like following a story line, but I didn’t see it. It wasn’t until my mental health was challenged at my last job, even though I enjoyed the work and I loved the people. I took notice of the pattern. I decided then that would be my last “regular job” as long as I could help it. The idea of surviving as a creative is thrilling and terrifying; but for the sake of my sanity, I have to try.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have been a creative my entire life, I just didn’t know that’s what it was. Over the last year to year-and-a-half, I have watched as I tried to fit myself into a mold that never felt quite right, but I wanted to feel safe so I kept trying. I didn’t know I could embrace something else, I’m not sure I was ever given permission. I thought I wasn’t creative and that I was simply a flake, or overly emotional. But one day, letting the thought sit in my mind and in my spirit, and it started to feel possible. I didn’t have to be “good” to be a creative. Creativity could be a spectrum. So I leaned into it, moving as I felt lead. Words are a part of me. Writing is how I make sense of the world. When I take photos, I am trying to capture moments and feelings for myself. When I sketch, I am trying to scratch an itch nothing else will scratch. I am just at the beginning of my creative journey, and it feels like a wave pushing me forward, occasionally spilling out all over the place. I’m still trying to catch up, but I feel myself getting closer every day.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I read the book Rich Dad Poor Dad at the recommendation of a friend. The biggest lesson I took from that book was “never be the smartest person in the room”, and “if someone else can help you do it better, pay them.” If I think I am the smartest person in any given room, then I am missing an opportunity to learn and grow. I can be better at one thing, where someone else is better at another, and we can learn from each other. And when we are still learning, but someone else already has the knowledge, I have the opportunity to pay them for the work they have already done. This isn’t an excuse to say “I don’t want to learn”, but what I needed to hear out from this idea is: Don’t let your own stubbornness hold you back.

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

I think if we expanded our view of what “art” is, we would see many more people finding ways to express themselves creatively. Art that speaks to me doesn’t have to speak to the person next to me; there can be something for each of us. But if we close off the definition of “art”, we cut off whole groups of people who need another form of expression or connection. Art should be accessible to all- financially, intellectually, emotionally, and physically.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @_samwritesthings

Image Credits
Photos by: Samantha Rose McRae