Never give up. It’s advice that is thrown around daily – but is it always right? We asked some folks we admire about their thoughts around how to know when to give up and when to keep trying

Mike Racanelli

Continuing on and giving up is a forever evolving cycle. I’ve definitely soldiered on through every possible rejection and also completely collapsed and given up. I originally began my creative career in music, and more than a decade in, quit in a very abrupt fashion. That led me into film, and ultimately it was the pandemic that shifted my life once again. I think that happened for a lot of people. It put me into a spiral of existential thought, which led me into painting, one of the things I was always afraid to tackle. Read more>>

Jiarong Lu

When faced with moments of uncertainty, I firmly believe in reflecting on the driving force behind embarking on this journey. I maintain a journal where I meticulously document my experiences as a personal practice. It’s fascinating to revisit the pages and stumble upon those captivating moments that once brought laughter to my lips. Those instances instantly transport me back to the day they occurred, allowing me to relive the emotions and experiences again. Consequently, whenever I encounter weariness or find myself questioning my path, I remind myself of the unwavering mindset that led me to choose this course and how each step I took has brought me to where I am today. For myself, I don’t think I will ever give up. filmmaking is life to me and I enjoy creating a life different from mine. Read more>>

Jacqi Lee

Something I am continually practicing is letting go of tangible, external outcomes as indicators of whether or not to keep going in any effort and instead trusting the intangible, internal feelings that are often difficult to find words for and sometimes deeply uncomfortable and confusing, which tell me I am doing something aligned with my core values and important for my growth as a person, and therefore as an artist. Read more>>