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#037: Curtis Tran's Unique Approach to Creativity That Keeps Him Craving More
Manage episode 502473140 series 3648004
What happens when you grow up as "the outcast among outcasts"? Photographer Curtis Tran joins us to share how being one of only three Asian students in his East Texas high school shaped his approach to creativity, community, and belonging.
Curtis takes us on a journey through his unique upbringing as a Vietnamese American in Nacogdoches, Texas, where his father—who narrowly escaped execution after the Vietnam War—brought their family to build a new life. This experience of rarely seeing himself reflected in his surroundings developed Curtis's remarkable ability to find authentic connections across demographic boundaries.
The conversation delves into why creatives naturally gravitate toward each other. "With creatives, fundamentally, there's this fundamental love that exists," Curtis explains. "Being a creative, there is a sense of wanting to express, wanting to communicate." This shared desire for expression creates a natural bridge between diverse individuals, making the creative community uniquely inclusive.
We explore Curtis's multifaceted creative journey from childhood drawing to his current photography work and future aspirations in cinematography. Rather than feeling pressure to "drop everything" for his creative pursuits, Curtis intentionally maintains his consulting career alongside his artistic endeavors. This balanced approach keeps his creativity fresh: "I like to keep my pure creative area at arm's distance because I essentially crave it... I'm not demanding myself to be creative 24/7."
Perhaps most poignant is Curtis's perspective on family disconnection. Raised to be "Americanized" by parents who feared the war-torn country they fled, Curtis experiences significant cultural and communication barriers with his family. This distance has made his chosen community connections all the more meaningful—a powerful reminder that sometimes our greatest challenges shape our most beautiful strengths.
Connect with us to join a thriving community of heart-centered creatives who celebrate the power of expression to bridge divides and heal humanity.
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For the Love of Creatives Community
Chapters
1. Curtis's Creative Balance and Journey (00:00:00)
2. Introduction and Community Origins (00:01:54)
3. Being Different and Building Belonging (00:06:46)
4. Creative Identity and Exploration (00:15:50)
5. Family Dynamics and Cultural Disconnect (00:29:27)
6. Creativity and Career Balance (00:41:13)
38 episodes
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