Dare to Make it Difficult: Danaé Gossett's Journey to Resilient Creativity
Introduction
In the episode titled "Dare to Make it Difficult," Radim Malinic welcomes Danaé Gossett, the founder and creative director of Pencil TV, to the Daring Creativity podcast. Danaé's multidisciplinary creative studio specializes in animation, production, and graphic design, blending thorough aesthetics with dreamlike imagery to evoke emotions. Her unique approach emphasizes handmade processes and a fusion of analog and physical techniques, striving to embrace challenges in both her creative endeavors and life decisions.
Early Life and Educational Challenges
Danaé’s journey into the creative world was anything but straightforward. She recounts her tumultuous school years, marked by anxiety, hyperactivity, and multiple expulsions from educational institutions in France. Reflecting on her struggles, Danaé shares:
"[...] I was very anxious. I had a really hard time at school. I could not concentrate, I was very hyperactive. I was not grounded whatsoever and I was getting kicked out of school."
[10:04] Danaé Gossett
At the age of 16, after being expelled from her tenth school, Danaé found herself at a crossroads with no direction. Her turning point came thanks to a compassionate French teacher who took her under his wing, helping her secure her high school diploma and encouraging her to pursue studies in the United States. This pivotal support allowed her to enroll in the New York Institute of Technology, where an unexpected shift led her toward television production instead of her initial focus on public relations.
Creative Beginnings and Building Resilience
Once in the United States, Danaé delved into animation, inspired by her fascination with the subconscious mind and dreams. She describes how a semester-long, open-ended animation assignment became the foundation of her creative practice:
"I wanted to animate the dream I had the night before. And so it became sort of this exploration of my own mind, plus gaining some technical skills and also really feeling my creativity."
[04:52] Danaé Gossett
This rigorous daily practice not only honed her technical skills but also instilled a profound sense of resilience. Danaé explains how this period was akin to building a muscle, fostering a consistent creative routine that allowed her to push through fatigue and doubt.
Career Development and Collaborative Success
Danaé's commitment to embracing difficult challenges led to significant opportunities early in her career. After graduating, she collaborated with Saad, a talented 3D artist, to create the music video for Mitski's "A Pearl." This project garnered widespread acclaim in both the animation and music video spheres, marking a strong entry into the professional world.
"We made the music video 'A Pearl' by the artist Mitski. And the video got really well received within the animation world and the music video sphere."
[35:16] Danaé Gossett
Her subsequent role at Segmestering Walsh, where she worked closely with Jessica Walsh, provided her with invaluable insights into studio operations and creative collaboration. Danaé reflects on this experience as instrumental in shaping her professional ethos:
"Working with Jessica, I mean, I think she's a genius. Just being in her presence and seeing how she works was incredible."
[38:37] Danaé Gossett
Embracing Silence and Personal Healing
A recurring theme in Danaé's narrative is the importance of silent retreats for creative rejuvenation. She shares how spending time alone in nature, away from digital distractions, allows her to reconnect with herself and replenish her creative energy.
"I don't miss my phone at all when I don't have it. It's such a relief... I'm just alone with myself."
[28:04] Danaé Gossett
During these retreats, Danaé engages in activities like painting, free from the need for perfection or productivity. This practice serves as a form of self-care, akin to exercising, enabling her to maintain mental clarity and creative flow in her professional work.
Balancing Personal and Commercial Creative Work
Danaé adeptly balances personal creative projects with commercial demands. She emphasizes that her personal work fuels her professional endeavors, allowing her to stay authentic while meeting client needs.
"I find that the more you put something personal, then brands will approach you for that specific work."
[44:34] Danaé Gossett
She believes that maintaining a strong personal style not only distinguishes her work but also attracts clients who resonate with her unique aesthetic. Danaé underscores the importance of flexibility and adaptability in client projects while preserving her signature creativity.
Overcoming Modern Challenges and Future Aspirations
Navigating creativity in adulthood presents different challenges compared to her earlier academic pursuits. Danaé discusses the necessity of creating rituals and habits to maintain creative momentum amidst the distractions and responsibilities of adult life.
"Creating space for it actually takes work. And I used to not have to think about that when I was in college."
[19:31] Danaé Gossett
Looking forward, Danaé is preparing for a significant move to Los Angeles, driven by her desire to immerse herself in a vibrant creative community and expand her professional network. She approaches this transition with a blend of excitement and practicality, viewing it as another challenging yet rewarding chapter in her creative journey.
"I think I will land on my feet... I will go there with a plan and a purpose."
[34:20] Danaé Gossett
Conclusion
Danaé Gossett’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of embracing challenges, and the profound impact of personal healing on creative success. Through her journey—from overcoming educational setbacks to establishing a thriving creative studio—Danaé exemplifies the essence of Daring Creativity: showing up with all doubts and imperfections and transforming them into creative gold.
"When the student is ready, the teacher shows up."
[51:23] Danaé Gossett
Her experiences highlight that creativity thrives not in the pursuit of perfection, but in the willingness to navigate and embrace the difficult paths that lead to authentic and impactful work.