COLD BREW + CULTURE 002
This installation of Cold Brew + Culture features a renowned creative director and event producer, Chelsea MacDaddy! Chelsea is a powerhouse in the creative world and has worked with brands to execute their creative concepts as well as producing killer shoots and events of her own.
I caught up with Chelsea at our studios in Denver for a photoshoot and a quick interview about how slow down and being more intentional adds to her daily life as a creative entrepeneur. (You’re going to want to save this one because there’s some killer tips in here!)
KD: How do you think your creative process benefits from slowing down in your day to day life:
CM: My creative process allows me to be in the moment with myself and not force anything. I enjoy working as a freelance artist because there are no forced art projects. I am working on what I choose to do. My inspiration comes from my daily routine- for example I typically get most of my inspiration in the gym working out/ listening to music. A good cup of coffee goes a long way as well in slowing down. It allows me to wake up a bit and be that much more productive in my creative process. And get the caffeine zoomies which makes for a great pre dance party prior to the work day
What are three self-care tips that you implement into your routine that you feel the world around you and process things better:
Sex, drugs (lexapro) and rock and roll. Just kidding. Kind of. Working out, meditating outside in the sun. Listening to as much music as possible within the day, I am always inspired by music and joke around that I am my best self after 3-5 hours of alone time listening to music. Also I know you only asked for three, but a strong honorable mention would include journaling and doing daily affirmations.
What is one thing you wish somebody had told you at the beginning of a Creative entrepreneur journey:
Create for yourself. Anyone else is a bonus. If your art aligns with you and feels good to you, the rest will fall in place. Your audience will organically be curated, not created to appease a certain audience. Unless you want to feel absolutely insane!!
Chelsea MacDaddy styled in WCKD Collective vintage moto jacket - Photographed by Kayte Demont.
The Creative industry is known for being pretty chaotic - while you and I are examples that you can produce quality art AND run a business, I know for me personally, I’ve had to work really hard to learn the tools and create the systems that work best for me and my brain and lifestyle. What are some of the ways that you set yourself up for success as a freelance creative director and event producer:
Ugh this is such a great question. It's been a trial and error process. Boundaries are a big one/practicing saying no. When you are a young artist you are thirsty to create so you will work with anyone for any budget. However not everyone is aligned with your morals and values. Being an artist for me is spiritual and cathartic, so if a company, brand or person doesn’t align with who I am as a person, I know it's not a good fit. Having discernment to make those decisions comes with time and maturity and it's something I am grateful I have sunk into with age. As far as the organizational side of things: Structure and to-do lists. I am also autistic so routine helps me a lot. Also breaking up your day with little “rewards” - for example if I work and finish a proposal, I get to scroll on tik Tok for 30 minutes. Or breaking up your day with work and regular human activities.
My day to day schedule looks something like this:
Wake up, listen to my boyfriends 3-5 alarms (or your 20 alarms) + an array of podcasts of his choosing
Coffee, eggs, work out
Walk the dogs
Shower
Emails and computer/creative work for 2-3 hours
Lunch
Another few hours of work
Make my to-do list for tomorrow
Down time with my man/friends or alone time depending on the day
I am a big list and sticky note person. Also ask your loved ones and creative partners to hold you accountable. Most creatives/artists are type b and we need that gentle love of being like “Hey get your shit together”
Tell me about some of your upcoming projects and things you’re excited about!
I just want to be paid to exist honestly and that is what I am aiming for. I am leaning hard into establishing brand deals that align with my personal and creative life. On top of that I am in the middle of producing a podcast/web series talk show that has been in the works since 2018. I can’t give you too many details because I don’t want anyone running with the idea but I will leave you with these clues: Beavis and Butthead, music, comedy and real life conversations with other creatives. You’ll be on it. Lucy too.
Follow Chelsea on IG here, TikTok here, and work with her HERE