Closet Creatives” – they’re hiding everywhere: the endocrinologist who makes exquisite crafts when she’s not diagnosing patients; the banker who plays foot-stomping, spirit-lifting trombone music when he’s not handling mergers and acquisitions; the pharmacist who writes lyrically, beautiful poetry when she’s not dispensing pills.
There’s a tremendous amount of hidden talent behind the professional folks we encounter every single day of our lives. While I was working at a marketing firm, it was nearly a year before the account manager sitting in the cubicle right next to mine disclosed that she was a photographer and painter. But she was more than just a hobbyist. She had a professional website oozing with a plethora of gorgeous, gallery-quality art.
So why on Earth would these immensely talented folks keep their creative endeavors on the down-low?
Non-profit grant writer and Closet Creative cartoonist,Scott Metzger, helped shed some light on the subject, “Up until a few months ago, no one at my work knew about my side gig. I had this concern that if they found out, they might not think I was serious about my job or something. Turns out one of our Board members lives in Mill Valley and shops at Two Neat. She mailed me one of my own greeting cards and wrote ‘I’m on to you!’ But she loves the cards, so it’s cool.”
Well, I’m encouraging all Closest Creatives to come out of the closet today! Your work inspires us and brightens our lives, and god knows we could all use a good dose of that in our world today. To get started, here’s a few folks who I think are extraordinary:
Emily Singer
Day job: Political speechwriter
Closet Creative job: Film writer, director, editor
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0801925/
Sonali Shah
Day job: Marketing account manager
Closet Creative job: Painter, photographer, creative writer
http://www.studiosonali.com
Scott Metzger
Day job: Grant writer for non-profit
Closet Creative job: Cartoonist
http://www.metzgercartoons.com
Audrey Welch
Day job: Corporate art director
Closet Creative job: Painter, artist
http://www.audreywelch.com/
Are you a Closet Creative too? Want to be added to our list? Fill out the comment box below with your name, day job, Closet Creative job, and a link to your creative pursuits. Thanks for sharing and enriching our lives!
(originally appeared in SF Examiner 3/18/09)