The Creative Independent

What is TCI? The Creative Independent (TCI) serves as an expanding source of both emotional support and practical advice for creative individuals. It is published without advertisements by Kickstarter, which operates as a public-benefit corporation. We share interviews, insights, and helpful guides that shed light on the challenges and rewards of pursuing a creative path, featuring the stories of various artists such as writers, musicians, designers, and visual creators. Our mission is to nurture and strengthen the community of creators.

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Author Henry Oliver on what it takes to find success later in life – The Creative Independent

3 weeks ago | thecreativeindependent.com | Henry Oliver

Prelude Henry Oliver author Henry Oliver is the author of Second Act. He writes the literary Substack The Common Reader,which has been featured in places like the Atlantic, the Sunday Times, and GQ. Conversation On what it takes to find success later in life Author Henry Oliver discusses the difference between motivation and success, navigating a midlife crisis, and learning from your disagreements April 23, 2025 - As told to Denise S. Robbins, 2393 words.
Musician and label founder TOKiMONSTA on leaning into your weirdness – The Creative Independent

3 weeks ago | thecreativeindependent.com | Max Freedman

The Creative Independent New here? Prelude TOKiMONSTA musician, producer, label founder TOKiMONSTA is a Grammy-nominated producer, artist, and label founder. Known for her genre-blending sound and innovative production, her seventh album, Eternal Reverie, explores themes of resilience and joy, capturing the transformative power of music.
Artist and Naturalist Rosie Brand on choosing to collaborate instead of compete – The Creative Independent

1 month ago | thecreativeindependent.com | Diana Ruzova

Prelude Rosie Brand artist, naturalist Rosie Brand is a multidisciplinary artist, writer, and educator living on Tongva land: Los Angeles, CA. Brand’s ceramic sculptures emerge from an intuitive exploration of the natural world, as she transcribes the tactile languages of other-than-human intelligence. Born in the United Kingdom, she moved to Los Angeles in 2016.
Musician and actor Will Oldham on accepting a creative challenge – The Creative Independent

1 month ago | thecreativeindependent.com | Jeffrey Lewis Silverstein

The Creative Independent New here? Prelude Will Oldham musician, actor The human who sings and composes under the name Bonnie “Prince” Billy and acts under the name Will Oldham has, over the past three-plus decades, made an idiosyncratic journey through, and an indelible mark on, the worlds of independent music and cinema.
Photographer Amanda Claire Murphy on leaving your day job behind – The Creative Independent

2 months ago | thecreativeindependent.com | Isa Adney

The Creative Independent New here? The Creative Independent is a vast resource of emotional and practicalguidance. We publish Guides, Focuses, Tips, Interviews,and more to help you thrive as a creative person. Exploreour website to find wisdom that speaks to you and your practice… Prelude Amanda Murphy Photographer Amanda Claire Murphy is a portrait photographer based in Orlando, FL.
DJ and producer Daniel Martin-McCormick (Relaxer) on balancing the line between your self-expression and your audience – The Creative Independent

2 months ago | thecreativeindependent.com | Michelle Kim

Prelude Daniel Martin-McCormick Producer, DJ, singer-songwriter, event producer, label owner Relaxer is the project of Daniel Martin-McCormick (fka Ital), member of Black Eyes and Gaze. Rooted in the US punk/noise underground of the late ’90s and early 2000s, Martin-McCormick’s music embodies a sensual, visceral edge that reflects and extends that legacy.
Comedian, writer, and podcaster Jamie Loftus on why it's cool to care – The Creative Independent

Feb 10, 2025 | thecreativeindependent.com | Max Freedman

Prelude Jamie Loftus comedian, writer, podcaster Jamie Loftus is a comedian, Emmy-nominated TV writer, author, and podcaster in Los Angeles if that’s okay, but from Boston originally, with your permission of course. Her book Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs was published in 2023 and became an NYT and indie bestseller. She is also the host of two weekly podcasts, The Bechdel Cast (since 2016) and Sixteenth Minute (since 2024).
Writer and art critic Emmalea Russo on opening up new ways of thinking

Jan 21, 2025 | thecreativeindependent.com | Emmalea Russo

Writer and art critic Emmalea Russo discusses blurring the lines between reality and fiction, taking inspiration from social media, and deciding who to trust with her work Writing, Collaboration, Inspiration, Creative anxiety Part of: Being online Working collaboratively Putting your work out there Highlights on Vivienne Volker, the fictional protagonist of your debut novel Vivienne, is the widow of Hans Bellmer.
Screenwriter Kirsten “Kiwi” Smith on supporting the next generation

Jan 17, 2025 | thecreativeindependent.com | Kirsten Smith

A writer who happily dabbles in many genres, Kirsten “Kiwi” Smith is best known as the screenwriter of such comedies as , , and . She began pursuing her first love, poetry as a teenager, and published her first book of poems, a novel-in-verse called , in 2006. Smith has been a writer-in-residence at The MacDowell Colony; attended the 1993 Breadloaf Writer’s Conference on fellowship; and received numerous prizes, including “Nimrod’s” Pablo Neruda Prize for Poetry.
Writer, curator, and cultural strategist janera solomon on sustaining an artistic practice over time

Jan 16, 2025 | thecreativeindependent.com | Brandon Stosuy

Writer, curator, and cultural strategist janera solomon discusses finding your work/art balance, the power of financial literacy, and making something useful.