In Conversation With Zane Carter: Creativity, Art and Inspiration

What role does feedback and criticism play in your growth as an artist?

I believe it plays an extremely important role. You should always be seeking to learn and grow as an artist. It’s a career you never really stop being a student in honestly. There will always be more to learn. Now who you accept that criticism from also matters. Of course we’re all (very unluckily) given the ability to judge someone’s work, however everything shouldn’t be taken absolutely. You should use your own discernment on if it’s a difference of style, a genuine technique critic, or just somebody having a bad day.

How do you incorporate your personal experiences into your creative process?

I think when it comes to acting and music, it’s almost impossible to not put your own artistic take on your work. Whether it’s the character you play or the story you tell in your song. Obviously not every situation will come straight from your own character but it’s just a fact that every person would give at least a little different of a performance, or a little different of a song. That’s what makes art so important though, it gives us an opportunity to use sometimes even the worst experiences to create something splendid.

What mediums do you enjoy working with the most, and why?

My personal favorites would be through a character in a film, lyrically in a song, or performance wise in both of those. Being an actor requires you to be a sort of emotional athlete. The amazing thing about that though is all that range of emotion you experience is right at the cusps of your imagination. It’s allowed me to take ownership and control of some of the worst experiences in my life then use them as a fuel for performance and art. Then with lyrics, that came from my love of journaling. My whole life even before I started song writing I put my feelings into words on paper. Songwriting then even the performance of it lights up my brain in a way now other passion has.

How do you find inspiration when facing creative blocks?

With something like this I genuinely believe it’s good to take a step back and really be intentional about trying to relax. I think a lot of creative blocks stem from a worry of how people will perceive your art. You need (or at least I need) to step back and understand you’re only offering an experience for people to enjoy, that matters so much more than just a product for someone to consume.

Can you discuss the significance of art in today’s society?

Artists are or create the escape from the monotony or harshness of every day life we all need. On top of that it captures the joy and emotion we all feel, then puts it in to something tangible. Which is more important than I think most people realize. The frustration that builds up from not being able to express how you feel is immeasurable. Art is just the pathway for everyone to take part in that.

How do you navigate the balance between staying true to your vision and meeting audience expectations?

This is a touchy and very thin line for me. It takes like I said previously, always being a student. I think there’s a lot of duality when it comes to being a creative. In one hand you need to stay true to your vision, but on the other it’s good to humble yourself and take other opinions into actual consideration. The good thing is we were blessed with rational minds to discern what to apply and what to disregard. I think the way to really balance it is by being a rational and ever growing student.

How do you handle self-doubt or imposter syndrome as an artist?

Self doubt (very sadly) is something that creeps in with everyone, whether an artist or not. The best way to deal with it is to understand everyone goes through it. To understand everyone who has ever accomplished anything great has went through the same exact feelings you have. Then to know that it’s fully within your capabilities to take hold of it, then execute and perform anyways. How do you see the future of storytelling in film/theater/television evolving, and what role do you hope to play in it? I see it ever changing, constantly evolving. I think that’s the art itself is better to be experienced rather than predicted.

Can you discuss any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?

I don’t think I can give too much away but I can definitely tell you I have a certain brand in the works. One that will be my own personal take on fashion itself, allowing me to step into a world I’ve adored my entire life. Then be able to really put my own art into it.

What do you hope viewers take away from experiencing your art?

I think these changes specifically with each project, however there are a few things I hope people take away from all of them. One is that they’re able to see themselves in it at some capacity. One of the most powerful bonding methods is relatability. It’s used to give us security and comfortability across the world. I hope to give people that through my work. Another thing I hope they take away is inspiration. Whether that’s for something uplifting or something ridiculously depressing, as long as it’s a part of there story I was able to help with.

Talent Zane Carter @zaneecarter

Photographer Ian Phillips @helloian.photo

Stylist Kimberly Goodnight @kimberlyygoodnight

Location Milk Studios

Groomer Sonia Lee @sonialeeartistry for Exclusive Artists using Balmain Hair Couture

Production Media Playground PR @mediaplaypr