There’s a certain allure to the idea of the solitary artist, toiling away in isolation, unburdened by the noise of the world. And while there's truth to the romanticism of it, the reality of the creative industry is often a stark contrast. It can be a cutthroat world, filled with the constant pressure to produce, to compete, and to conform.

For a while, I found myself caught in this whirlwind. Surrounded by people who seemed more interested in their own self-promotion than in genuine collaboration, I felt a growing sense of disillusionment. The constant need to prove myself, to be better, faster, louder, was exhausting. It felt like I was losing sight of why I picked up a camera in the first place. The toxicity can seep in slowly, like a poison. You find yourself being manipulated into situations that don’t align with your values. Promises are made, and then broken. And before you know it, you’re caught in a cycle of resentment and burnout.

It changes you.

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It was during one of these low points that I realized I needed to step back. To take a deep breath and reassess everything. It was a scary decision, but it was also liberating. For the first time in a long time, I allowed myself to simply be. Without the pressure of social media, deadlines, or the expectations of others, I rediscovered my love for life. I have spent time planning, learning, experimenting with different styles, and simply enjoying the full creative process again. I realized that my worth as an artist wasn’t determined by likes, shares, or followers. My value as an artist was not determined by who I was friends with or what I had to offer that others did not. It was about creating work that resonated with me and brought me joy. It was about finding who I am again both behind and away from the camera and staying true to my authentic self, instead of allowing others to mess with my livelihood because I don't mesh well with their fake characters.

As I began to rebuild, I realized the importance of surrounding myself with positive and supportive people. It's okay to let go of relationships that no longer serve you. It's about creating a space where you can thrive, where you feel seen, heard, and valued. Where you are respected and where you are free to be yourself in all situations.

It’s been a journey of self-discovery, of learning to trust my instincts, and of rediscovering my passion. And while there will undoubtedly be challenges ahead, I’m excited to share this new chapter with you. I'm back, with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to creating authentic, meaningful work. My vision is my vision and no one else's, I don't need anyone to understand my thought process, my creative process or to try to gaslight me into believing I am not good enough ever again. But I am in a position where I finally feel comfortable to be authentically myself again, after months of feeling silenced and isolated from everyone around me. I just needed to open my eyes and realize the toxicity I had been surrounding myself with. Not everyone is capable of evolving with you and that's sometimes a blessing in disguise, even though it might not feel like it at the time.

Remember, it’s okay to take a break. It’s okay to prioritize your mental health. And it’s okay to let go of what isn’t working. Your creative journey is yours alone, and it’s important to protect it.

Here's to new beginnings!

-Brittany