Could I really make something every day?
Really enjoyed listening to Monday’s Vergecast, which is notable in that it’s the first episode of the new daily format. And it’s a super fun way to start this: David, our wonderful and perpetually self-doubting host, is asking the master of daily creativity, Casey Neistat, for advice.
Casey has inspired me for years. I remember watching his daily vlogs back in the day, and I’m thrilled to see him posting more frequently again. And I think the reason I love watching Casey is that I find his style of filmmaking so impressive; that is, I can’t quite comprehend how it’s possible.
I watch the videos and think, “Hang on, how did he get that shot? Did he literally get into the subway car, put his camera down, get off again, then film himself getting back on? What happens if the door closes and he loses his camera? What if someone takes it? How many takes did he need to do before he got the shot?”
For one thing, Casey is braver than me. He’s not afraid to draw attention to himself in public. He’s not afraid to film his friends and family (within certain boundaries). And he’s not afraid of hard work.
The primary emotion I feel when I watch Casey is jealousy. But in a good, healthy way! I really aspire to be more like him, and I was inspired hearing him talk about how his daily video schedule created a constraint that allowed him to thrive.
There are so many creative projects — making videos, songwriting/arranging, podcasting, writing poetry — on my “someday/maybe” list, but I’m scared that I don’t have the tools or the skills or the talent. Maybe a commitment to making something — anything — every single day could be helpful. But it also sounds stressful as hell.
In situations like this — where I want to do something that someone else does — I have to step back and think about their privileges. Casey can make a video every day because that is his job (or one of them, at least). I already have enough on my plate. But is that also an excuse.
I don’t feel like I’ve come to any conclusions here. But it’s certainly fun to dream about.