In this month’s installment of our Deep Dive series, we were joined by Ivan Cash, artist, speaker, and filmmaker. He’s the founder of Cash Studios and well-known for projects like Snail Mail my Email, IRL Glasses, and the Last Photo project.

We spoke about creative process, prioritizing deep work, and the balance of work, money, and life.

Here are three quick things that stood out from our conversation.

1) Clarity with roles in projects is key

Early in his career, Ivan talked about film projects where it wasn’t entirely clear what he was supposed to be doing. What was his role versus his collaborator? What was expected of him and what was he expecting of his producer? The idea of sitting down at the beginning of a project and defining each role and what responsibilities, territory and focus each person will take on is so important to not just making sure the project gets done, but that’s it gets done in a more relaxes, joyful way. (Because, you know, being relaxed and happy fuel better creative work.)

2) Align the project and people with your values

I asked Ivan about projects that didn’t make it to his website that he learned from. His answer didn’t surprise me that much. If a project got finished, it likely made the website. It’s something he’s worked hard on and proud of. The things that don’t make the website are the things that didn’t ever get finished. He points to the insight that work doesn’t get finished when the collaborator’s values are not aligned. One person wants press and notoriety, one person wants to help people. Or one person just wants to make something fun and funny, one wants to build a portfolio piece. When collaborators are values-driven and aligned on WHY they’re making something, chances are better that it’ll get done.

3) Allow yourself to be inspired without copying another person’s path

I’m fascinated to know about who people I look up to… look up to. In asking Ivan about whose career he’s trying to emulate, he had a profound insight– don’t copy another person’s path. We share a love for the work of digital artist Jonathan Harris. He was prolific in the early 2000s with digital storytelling using data. I wanted to be like him too. But a few years ago, he gave up art to work with his hands and work on a farm. To summarize Ivan, other people’s careers take turns that might not be right for you. So you can be inspired, but it doesn’t make sense for you to copy someone else.

Learn more about Ivan and his work here:
@ivan___cash
ivan.cash