What It Means to Me to be a Creator

It's not just about pushing out content.

Back in 2008, I wrote on this blog about my experience growing up on Haida Gwaii, and my family’s involvement in starting up a community television station there back in the 80s.

I spoke about the coming together of an already tight-knit community to share stories through the medium of television, and how we were pioneers…some of the original creators, if you will.

Here we are 40 years later, and it seems like everyone is a creator now. How things have changed! Sharing your stories with the world is now just a few clicks away on a device that you can put in your pocket. It’s been an incredible transformation.

My early introduction to television production at the age of 11 set me up on a path to eventually becoming a creator of television shows myself. When the digital age emerged, I continued to create - websites, blogs, social media and more, for myself and for our clients.

Technology has evolved considerably, and I’ve always found tech to be pretty cool, but that’s not what has driven me to create all these years.

I’ve been involved in some pretty cool projects throughout my life. From working on the now-defunct Jerry Lewis Telethon in the 90s (we produced the Ottawa feed of the show every year), to being involved in choirs, comedy festivals and musical theatre competitions, I can tell you that without a doubt, the most fun I’ve ever had is participating in projects like these.

The idea of several brains coming together to create is so exciting! There is nothing quite as rewarding as working with people towards a common goal, be it raising money, awareness, or simply having fun and entertaining people. It takes a tremendous amount of effort and time, but it is SO worth it! I have had so much fun and made so many lifelong dear friends. It has improved my life immeasurably to create with others, and it is something that I anticipate I will do for many decades to come.

There is something really special about building something from scratch with a group of people. It’s a place where voices can be heard, and where people can fully express themselves. It’s a space to be creative and involved and an experience that is unmatched in terms of improving one’s quality of life.

So, if you’re a creator, hats off to you. It’s hard work! And if you’re a creator who creates with others, then you know what I mean when I talk about how rewarding and heart-filling it is.

So the question remains then….what will you create next?