Thinking Differently

We asked folks we admire to share one piece of conventional advice that they disagree with.

Arisce Wanzer | TV/Event Host & Model

I don’t believe in following the rules or going the traditional route…especially when it comes to a career in entertainment. All our lives we’re taught to fall in line, not to ruffle any feathers, keep our nose to the grindstone; all trash advice that keeps you in a place lower than you set out to go. There’s an old saying, “You’re boss will never pay you enough to live in the same neighborhood as him.” To that i say rebel, bend the rules, use wit charm, cunning, whatever edge you have on the competition to get out of a stagnant place. Playing it safe has never made headlines. Read more>>

Dr. Rossana Sida | Sex & Relationship Therapist

A lot of people think, “If you need therapy, your relationship is doomed,” or, “Couples therapy is a last resort before breaking up.” Both of these ideas imply that needing therapy is a sign of failure, rather than recognizing it as the proactive measure that it is. Often, couples come to therapy because they have tried everything they could to resolve a conflict (or many) and have not been able to solve them on their own. Read more>>

Ani Harutyunyan | Product Photographer

I disagree with the conventional advice that you shouldn’t work for free when starting out your photography business. In my opinion, it’s a valuable way to build relationships with clients. Once a client sees the quality of your work, your strong work ethic, and the care you put into your projects, they’re likely to pay for your services in the future. Additionally, working for free can help you build a stronger portfolio, and with a polished, more high-end portfolio, it will be easier to attract more paying clients. Read more>>

Janétza Miranda | Singer/ Songwriter/ Musician/ Humanitarian

“Hustle every day”

I must admit that at times I do cringe when I hear humans say this, so adamantly, with such conviction, out loud.
Now, in no way am I saying do not go after your dreams,
our dreams have no limits,
do everything you can to attain them…. that is different. Read more>>

Lily Mehallick | Director & Writer

After talking with several people from various levels in the industry, I hear either “don’t take jobs in other fields in film because you might get stuck there” or “take any job in film because you never know which one will lead you to your destination”. Both parties will insist they’re right, but I think both experiences are totally acceptable. I see merit in staying true and pushing for the specific role you want in film, however, I also see merit in starting somewhere. Read more>> 

Christian Richardson | Jim Orange’s Magical Time

For my editors out there, one topic I heard frequently discussed is editing to music. I’ve heard “Never edit your film to the music you put, you’re making a film, not a music video.” While this is true in many regards, it ignores how closely the music and film are tied together. My process involves using music as the backbone, the two mediums are interconnected, leaving it impossible to successfully ignore one or the other. Far too often, umbrella terms are applied to creative mediums, when the whole point of being creative, is doing it a way that makes sense to yourself. Read more>>