Mindful Creative with Radim Malinic: Episode Summary – "Creative Leadership and Authentic Storytelling" featuring Kerry Laster

Introduction

In the December 9, 2024 episode of Mindful Creative with Radim Malinic, host Radim welcomes Kerry Laster, an award-winning director, designer, and writer with nearly two decades of experience. Kerry, the creative force behind Abruptly Now and Ashiba, shares his insights on creative leadership, authentic storytelling, and the personal journey that shaped his career. This episode delves deep into the essence of authentic creativity, the importance of embracing failure, and building a resilient mindset in the dynamic landscape of the 21st-century creative industry.

Background and Journey into Creativity

Kerry begins by recounting his humble beginnings in Valdosta, Georgia, a town renowned for its high school football legacy. His early exposure to storytelling through his family's rich narratives and his passion for journalism and film laid the foundation for his multifaceted creative career.

• Inspiration from Gordon Parks
  At [04:59], Kerry shares a pivotal moment:

  "I watched the Gordon Parks documentary Half Past Autumn, and it changed my life. I had no idea that it was possible to be a photographer, make films, and write all at once. Seeing someone like me from a small town breaking into the arts inspired me to pursue a multifaceted creative path."

Transition to Design and Self-Education

Facing the challenge of entering the creative industry with limited resources, Kerry pivoted to design as a feasible entry point. He meticulously taught himself Photoshop and Illustrator, dedicating six months to each program despite financial constraints and technical limitations.

• Commitment to Self-Learning
  At [08:18], Kerry explains his disciplined approach:

  "I gave myself six months with each program, learning the buttons and functions before moving on to creating something from scratch. This rigorous self-education was crucial in building my portfolio and getting 'in the room.'"

Embracing Failure and Experimentation

Kerry emphasizes the value of failure as a critical component of growth. During his self-taught journey, he allowed himself to experiment and fail privately, which fostered resilience and honed his creative skills without external pressure.

• Learning Through Failure
  At [11:55], Kerry reflects:

  "The fortunate thing was I had time to go through a lot of failure and experimentation. This process helped me gain wisdom and improve without the fear of external judgment."

Authentic Storytelling and Leadership

Drawing parallels between sports coaching and creative leadership, Kerry highlights the importance of motivating each team member individually and setting the right environment for creativity to flourish. His leadership philosophy centers on humility and a collective pursuit of excellence.

• Leadership Without Ego
  At [00:50], Kerry states:

  "When I got to the place of being a creative lead, the first thing is I don't have an ego. I'm not the smartest person in the room. I am interested in making the best work possible."

• Pursuit of Truth in Creativity
  At [22:31], Kerry underscores his core principle:

  "My goal is to get to the truth. Let me get to the truth. What are we really trying to say?"

The Power of Quiet Reflection and Curation

Kerry advocates for starting the creative process in solitude to uncover the authentic truth of a project. He maintains a curated folder of inspirations, allowing him to draw from a well of pre-selected ideas without the distraction of the vast internet.

• Structured Inspiration
  At [36:24], Kerry explains his method:

  "I curate my folder to include only things that really speak to me and spark inspiration. This intentional collection helps me stay focused and inspired without getting overwhelmed by external noise."

Launching the Creative Safe Space Podcast

Frustrated by the lack of platforms addressing the mental and emotional struggles of creatives, Kerry launched his podcast to provide a judgment-free space for artists to share their challenges and find solidarity. This initiative aligns with Radim’s mission, creating a supportive community for those navigating the highs and lows of creative careers.

• Creating a Supportive Community
  At [25:00], Kerry shares his motivation:

  "I wanted to bounce ideas off with friends who understand the struggles of being a creative. It was about building a judgment-free space where creatives can share and find encouragement."

Advice for Aspiring Creatives

Reflecting on his journey, Kerry offers heartfelt advice to his younger self and aspiring creatives: embrace failure, believe in oneself, and understand that no one has all the answers. This mindset fosters continuous growth and resilience in the face of challenges.

• Embracing Failure and Self-Belief
  At [55:18], Kerry advises:

  "Embrace the failure. You will survive it. Your ideas have just as much chance of being successful as anyone else's. Believe in yourself because the you today is not the you tomorrow. So don't quit."

Personal Passions and Recharge Rituals

Kerry shares his love for movies as a means of escape and inspiration. Visiting movie theaters allows him to immerse himself in different worlds, fueling his creativity and providing a necessary respite from the pressures of his professional life.

• Finding Solace in Movies
  At [52:16], Kerry describes:

  "When you go to the movie theater, you are forced to ignore everything else. I can go anywhere through the films, experiencing stories from different perspectives, which enriches my creative process."

Conclusion

Kerry Laster’s insights offer a profound understanding of the intersection between authentic storytelling and effective creative leadership. His journey from a small town in Georgia to leading successful creative projects underscores the importance of humility, resilience, and continuous self-improvement. By fostering a truth-driven approach and creating supportive communities, Kerry exemplifies mindful creativity that not only advances individual careers but also enriches the cultural landscape.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Creative Leadership Without Ego
  [00:50]

  "When I got to the place of being a creative lead, the first thing is I don't have an ego. I'm not the smartest person in the room. I. I am interested in making the best work possible."

• Power of Execution Over Taste
  [13:45]

  "Your taste level never changes. What you're chasing is your ability to execute on the taste."

• Finding Truth in Creativity
  [22:31]

  "My goal is to get to the truth. Let me get to the truth. What are we really trying to say?"

• Embracing Failure
  [47:05]

  "Your ideas have just as much chance of being successful as anyone else's. It's okay that you're going to fuck up."

• Leadership Through Solving Problems
  [42:12]

  "I'm not here for it if you're ready to do that and you're ready to get better and you're ready to grow as a person and you're ready to dive in on creating something that's powerful and interesting, let's go."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Mindful Creative with Radim Malinic masterfully intertwines personal anecdotes with professional insights, offering listeners a comprehensive guide to nurturing authentic creativity and effective leadership. Kerry Laster's candid reflections serve as a beacon for creatives seeking to navigate their careers with integrity and resilience.