“If you’re making a first impression, why would you be anything other than yourself?”

I caught myself saying this the other day. I was at an acting class, and everyone was submitting a self-tape. Obviously, we were all rather overthinking it. Wondering what was really wanted from us. Wondering how we could best impress.

Afterwards, I reflected on what I said. And I realised that was one of the main learning outcomes of my music degree.

As much as I learned that I did have to take on feedback, change my ideas and apply new learning, I needed to keep myself in view. Because as soon as I lost myself, as I often did, everything I made became singularly immemorable. Really. I don’t remember what I wrote at all.

Now I just need to learn to take my own advice – much easier said than done.

M​aybe there’s something in there for you as well.

Happy creating!

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Jena Ren, 2022