Jane's Newsletter

Hello folks! Right now, I’m staring at a blank computer screen. While it feels daunting at first (by the way, I am literally speaking these words aloud in a standard British RP accent), I can rest assured that in several hours time, there will be plenty of color, texture, and media filling up this blank canvas.

Let’s get to it. I have lots of fun adventures to share with you today and many thoughts to untangle. Here’s what we’ll explore:

Table of Contents

• The Artist’s Mindful Tool Kit

• Speed Queen 51 Has Its World Premiere

  • Speed Queen 51 Trailer

• My Podcast Debut With Carl Bindman

• The Blog (AKA, My Diary)

  • 4 Ways to Expand Artistic Knowledge

The Artist’s Mindful Tool Kit

One of my favorite YouTubers, @maisyleigh, created a video on feeling guilty about relaxation. As someone who finds it challenging to fully relax their body and mind, I thought I’d share it for others who feel similiarly.

The key takeaway is that if you’re going to unwind, you need to do it right. Give unwinding your 100% focus.

Speed Queen 51 Has Its World Premiere

If you follow me on Instagram, you may know I traveled to California this summer to watch Speed Queen 51’s World Premiere at the Palm Springs International ShortFest!

It was amazing to see this project come alive on the big screen and witness the audience’s reaction. I loved hearing the oohs and aahs.

It was my first time traveling to California, and gosh I want to go back! It was absolutely stunning.

Speed Queen 51 Trailer

Click the trailer below for a sneak peek of the film!

My Podcast Debut With Carl Bindman

Thank you, Carl Bindman, for having me on your podcast! It was very fun, and my first time appearing on a podcast. It was a great learning experience, and I hope we get to chat again soon 🙂 

In this episode, Carl and I talk about Speed Queen 51, performing with anxiety, and owning artistic choices.

The Blog (AKA, My Diary)

Today’s newsletter comes with a blog! This post was tough to navigate as I struggled to find the words for what I wanted to say. Regardless, this post is for anyone who wants to strengthen their learning muscle.

4 Ways to Expand Artistic Knowledge

My actor-friend and I confessed to one another that expanding artistic knowledge often feels intimidating. This fear stems from the worry that we’re not as knowledgeable about our professional industry as we should be. 

We don’t want to confront our knowledge gaps. Our resistance evolves into dread. Then the dread of not keeping up with the latest plays or not knowing key figures in the industry can turn the idea of learning into a chore. 

I told my friend I want to shift my mindset and find practical ways to make learning less daunting. So, that’s what I’m going to explore today. If you overthink like me, these practical solutions may help simplify the learning process. 

But First, Please Note: While I’ll be engaging in some self-criticism and evaluation, it’s important to remember that knowledge is a privilege. Be kind to yourself when addressing gaps in your knowledge, and I’ll strive to do the same.

1. Say Yes to Deep Dives

I asked a family member (who works at a library) how to simplify new information that feels overwhelming to consume. They suggested taking deep dives into small, niche topics that genuinely interest me instead of trying to learn everything all at once. 

By zooming in on niche topics, we’ll uncover new topics (aka side quests) along the way. If we follow these side quests, new information will organically reveal itself. 

For example: Instead of trying to aimlessly learn the names of every playwright, it’s far more sustainable and organic to find a few playwrights I like and consume their work. This approach may make me familiar with fewer playwrights, but I’ll have a far deeper appreciation of the playwrights I do learn about. 

2. Get Recs From a Friend

Figuring out where to start is too much brain power. Ask a friend for recommendations on movies, plays, and directors. I know this tip sounds so obvious to many people, but overthinking brains often operate on solo mode. This is your reminder to phone a friend. 

3. Stretch Your Learning Muscle Elsewhere

Learning is a skill. Learning without a guide or mentor is skill. Get comfortable with this skill by putting it into practice on other subjects. 

For example, just like the film & theater industry overwhelms my brain, so does History’s wealth of information. 

So, remember how my family member suggested I focus on niche topics? I’m doing the same with History. Instead of trying to consume every historical event, I’m zooming in on the events that interest me and willingly falling down rabbit holes. 

Right now, I’m learning a lot about the American Civil War and topics that naturally stem from it. I’m following the side quests that naturally appear, such as The Lost Cause myth and The Reconstruction Era. 

4. Accept the Information Is Endless

Finally, learn to accept that the information is endless and your brain has limits. You’re not going to learn it all. Learn whatever the f*ck you want and have fun doing it. 

Cheers.

Ya’ll, the newsletter is dooooone and it only took me seven hourssssssssss. What a breeze (not really, haha).

I’m so happy I get to share my newsletter with you! I love it when ya’ll reach out with your advice, insights, and own reflections. Take care, and I’ll catch ya next time. Xoxo