We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Seda Anac a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Seda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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?
Short answer yes. I can’t picture myself in a regular job without dynamics. While I studied engineering in college, I found that I did not fit in that environment and I started working in the creative industry while I was a student. However, those dynamics bring a lot of downsides too as fun as they are. Being an artist and owning a business is not easy, you often work harder for yourself than for anyone else and sometimes you gain anything at the end of the day. But creating something, thinking differently and finding the right elements to put together like a puzzle creates a unique experience. Ultimately, that sense of happiness is something truly worth living for.
Seda, 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 originally from Turkey, and while I was studying, I came to New York and had to extend my college program by one semester. During this gap, I wanted to work, so I started assisting my sister with costume and set design on movie sets. After falling in love with the job, I worked in the film industry for 7-8 years before deciding to return to New York to take a break.
Then, the new chapter of my life began here. For a while, I worked in a restaurant, then moved on to a women’s bag design studio. When that studio closed down, I wanted to pursue something easier and more relaxing, so I found a clay sculpture studio that focused on teaching kids. This led me to dig deeper into clay, and I began working with a ceramist in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I decided to start my own business and create art independently. Now, our studio hosts various events and classes and we work hard to keep the atmosphere warm and welcoming, so everyone feels at home All the artists working with The Mud Brooklyn Studio share a deeper connection to their craft, and we strive to make everyone feel part of every moment.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Yes, I am working to build a creative community and foster connections between artists and creatives. My hope is to expand these ideas internationally in a couple of years, starting a residency program and hosting events in New York and Europe to grow our community even larger.
While working in the arts often involves individual development, the process of growing ideas, sharing knowledge, and learning from new experiences is inherently communal. In today’s world, it’s easy to access information and resources, but we still crave a human touch in our environments. My goal is to cultivate this connection and create a supportive space for collaboration in the future.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being an artist or creative for me is the ability to express myself and connect with others through my work. It’s amazing to create something that resonates with people, whether it’s a piece of art, a design, or a project. When someone tells me how my work made them feel or how it sparked a thought, it’s just incredible.
I also love the creative process—experimenting, figuring things out, and pushing my own boundaries. There’s a real sense of accomplishment that comes with that. And you know what’s really special? Being part of someone’s story. You might not know the details, but you can feel the impact your work has on their life, and that connection is truly meaningful.
Plus, being part of a community of fellow artists and creatives is so fulfilling. Sharing ideas, collaborating, and learning from each other makes the whole journey even richer. It’s all about those connections and the joy of creating together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themudbklyn.com
- Instagram: @themudbklyn
Image Credits
they all are taken by me Seda Anac