You asked! My first-ever Substack AMA 🤗

Creative process, money talk, what keeps me inspired & MORE!

Q. Constantly inspired by your videos and art practice ❤️ How do you stay motivated, true to yourself and grounded after posting bits of yourself online for more than a decade?

Also, what are your feelings on social media now as an artist?

A. Thank you so much!!! Well, I stay in my lane. I’ve never been concerned with what’s trending, what others are doing, or my numbers or analytics. I post because I NEED AN OUTLET. The medium doesn’t really matter (I love it all), but I clearly have a soft spot for video/film/editing. And I like that you say “bits,” because yes, I share little bits of my life - I don’t overshare and keep a lot to myself, while of course being open and always honest when I do share. I protect my peace, and maybe that’s the real secret!

To be honest I feel more excited than ever about being on social media! The old power structures are crumbling (i.e. Hollywood, politics, the media, celebrity culture, etc.) and we are amidst a rebirth. Because I’ve stayed true to myself, my values and my morals, have over a decade worth of work under my belt, mixed with a whole lot of creative energy…. Well, I’m really excited for what’s to come and I’m not playing small anymore. IT. FEELS. SO. GOOD.

Q. Do you have any siblings? I never heard you mention that you have (in your videos). If not, how was it growing up as an only child? :)

Also, where does your biggest financial income come from? Is it from content creation, pottery, video making/editing, etc.?

A. I have a younger sister - we are two and a half years apart! ❤️

Me, my sister, & my mom in Italy ❤️ 🇮🇹

I make most of my money through brand deals, but those are super unpredictable as far as consistency goes. When I’m in a pinch, ceramics income does help, but more so commissions. I’ve also gotten paid to shoot weddings on film, shoot and/or edit for brands and bands (behind the camera) - love doing those because it takes the pressure off being in front of the camera lol

Q. Do you have a partner and if so how did you meet and what do they do?

A. I do!!! We met by happenstance through a mutual friend. He’s a comedian and podcast producer :-)

Q. When you can’t feel inspired at the moment what do you do about it?

A. Whatever you do don’t panic. Sometimes all you need is a shift in perspective. When I’m not inspired I think I tend to go inwards - as in meditating, spending more time in nature, staying off social media, reading spiritual/self-help books, etc. Sometimes we just need to get back in tune with ourselves, our thoughts, and our bodies. Also having a bunch of different interests helps, like if I’m not inspired by videos then I’ll focus on ceramics and vice versa. If I’m tired of thinking about my work (AKA me, me, me) it’s nice to focus on others. Get a part-time job, volunteer, etc. And always remembering that this Universe is INFINITE. There is no lack, the ideas and inspiration will come when you’re ready to hear them :-)

Q. How did you become friends with Vansire?

A. I used to go on Bandcamp to find music for my videos (around 2015-2019). I would find bands/artists who had no backing, no following, and whose sound I really liked. I would reach out and ask if I could use their music in my videos and give them credit of course, and more often than not people would say yes! It was a win win. So that’s how we initially met, from me asking to use their music back in 2015. Since then I’ve shot and edited a music video for them, they’ve stayed over a couple of times while on tour, and we’re currently working on something together right now. We’ve been super supportive of one another over the course of a decade (!!!) and I just adore them!

Josh and I last month!

Q. Is Eric Rohmer your biggest inspiration for your filmmaking style; if not, who/what do you consider your biggest influences?

Will you ever direct a longer film with a production team and cast and so on (I hope so)?

A. While I do love Eric Rohmer, I think Tsai-Ming liang might be my biggest inspiration right now as far as film styles go. Others would be Anna Biller, Jacques Demy, Agnes Varda, and Wong-Kar wai.

AND YES, ABSOLUTELY! When the timing is right! :-)

Q. What does a typical work day look like for you if you’re not in the ceramics studio?

A. I might have a shoot day, or if it’s an editing day I’ll go to the library to work. I might go on an adventure with Violet, write for Substack, go on a photo walk, go on a hike, record bird sounds, go to a museum, etc. Technically any of this could turn into a video or Substack post. It’s always random and really just what I’m in the mood for. I am very grateful!!! 🙏

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Thank you for all of your delightful questions! <3333 See you all real soon!

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All my love,

Madelynn