What do the words "Creative Community" bring to mind for you? How do you feel is the best way to utilize members in a Creative Community?
"Creative Community" is industry code for "people who think up their best ideas while drunk". A CC should be a safe play space where like minded kooks can get together, drink, smoke, dance, and make cool shit and organize it in a way that it trickles down into the masses and makes our world a more beautiful, inspiring place.
How did you discover your creativity?
By discovering I was really bad at math and science.
What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?
My first big break was literally a break: I got fired. I had been working at a fashion investment firm, assessing brands and assisting with projects. I had started a blog on the side to make it look like I was putting in as many hours as my boss. My blog was a secretly written, daily account of things I was seeing, learning, and working on in the world of investing in luxury brands (think: setting up breakfast meetings with Middle Eastern royalty, listening to pitches by Vera Wang, reading dramatic faxes from Oscar de la Renta). I had blogged a very specific story about a very specific Fashion Director making an inappropriate joke with a very specific Olsen twin, which eventually got back to me and I was put on probation. Probation at the time was torturous, I mean, it made The Devil Wears Prada look like a fucking quinceanera. It lasted about 10 days before my boss decided he just couldn't trust me with his secrets (rightfully so, I guess) and he kicked me to the Park Avenue curb. However, the amazing part to all this was that my blog was discovered by the ceo of a small fashion media company, who shortly after offered me the job as their style editor. I learned everything about editing, reporting, art direction, and social media from first hand experience. There was no guide book, there were no rules yet -- it was jump in and go. The break changed the trajectory of my entire career, all the way to where I am today.
What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?
I actually gave up carrying bags (though I have some great ones). I just use my pockets to carry a chapstick, cellphone and headphones, and a tiny cardholder with my ID and credit card.
Do you have any advice for someone starting out in your creative profession?
Always say "yes" and be resourceful as fuck. Never ask questions you could otherwise Google. Take every opportunity that inspires you, even if you have no clue how to get it done, then put your feet on the ground and figure it out. We are the first group of adults to have the advantage of learning everything on the internet -- if you don't use it to completely lifehack your career, you're a shame to your generation.
What are some of your favorite places/books/blogs/websites for inspiration?
Removing myself from my daily surroundings inspires me the most. Going upstate into the woods, staring into the ocean, or even just going to a new place I haven't been before lets me unplug, reset, and takes away all distractions so I can just let open thoughts flood in. I also love reading (reading = listening to audiobooks) biographies and memoirs, finding out how other successful people have made their way, and what great tidbits they can share with me.
What would be your DREAM ASSIGNMENT?
Build an awesomely fun, memorable experience for 500 of your closest friends. You can have as much money as you want. Drake wants to be involved, but he's understands if you don't think he's the right fit.
Who are the people that have been instrumental in your success as a creative professional?
My parents, who remain blissfully ignorant of what I actually do (besides bring home free product samples for Christmas), and keep me humble and gracious in an industry where people tend to get on their high horse; My boyfriend who always expects that I try harder, work smarter, and always push for more; My best girl friend who lives in London, for being my biggest cheerleader during good times, and who is always ready to quit her job and start a new business with me during bad times.
What would be your last supper?
French fries, burger, ice cream... no wait, tacos, queso, tequila... no wait, pizza. No wait -- chicken nugget Happy Meal, McDonalds...
Full Name: Samantha Lim
Profession: Creative Projects Director, StyleCaster
Industry: Fashion Media
Website: www.stylecaster.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slim.profile
Instagram: instagram.com/iamsamlim
Twitter: twitter.com/iamsamlim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/samantha-lim/10/551/962
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