Why You Should Stay in Your Creative Lane?

Have you ever woken up full of amazing ideas, only to find they disappear as soon as you try to write them down? You’re not the only one. Many creatives face this challenge, and Ben Staley, who runs the “Adventure and Art” channel, recently shared his thoughts on it in a video that made me think. He mentioned a phrase that might make us uncomfortable: “Stay in your lane.” But can we miss out on something great by focusing on just one area?

The Multi-Hyphenate Mindset: Are You One?

Ben starts his video by talking about the idea of “staying in your lane,” questioning whether that title is too much like clickbait. He then explains what it means to be a “multi-hyphenate.” So, what does that mean? It refers to someone who takes on various creative jobs — like being a photographer and a writer, or a filmmaker and an editor, or even a painter and a musician. After starting his career in Alaska, Ben transitioned into filmmaking and photography, showcasing his creative journey. You’re always learning and evolving, and sometimes you’re still figuring things out, no matter how long you’ve been doing it. I believe the term “multi-hyphenate” really reflects the spirit of many dedicated people in the creative industry.

When Opportunity Knocks: Showcasing Your Diverse Skills

Ben tells a fantastic story about a job that came up in Saudi Arabia. This wasn’t just any job; it was demanding, with extended hours and extreme heat, and it didn’t offer a huge salary. However, the job required his specific skills. A friend of his, who understood Ben’s talent for tackling tough assignments in places like Siberia, the Amazon, or the Arctic, really had to recommend him. This shows how being versatile can be a big advantage. When you have a mix of different experiences and skills, you become very valuable for specialized projects.

In the world of film and photography, there are experts in every area. You have people who focus on cars, action sports, high fashion photography, and documentaries. Each of these individuals excels in their specific field. But what if you don’t fit into just one category? Take Ben, for example; he believes he can do many things well. As he does, you might start to question, “Am I simply a jack of all trades but not really great at any?” This is a thought that likely crosses your mind at times as well.

Breaking Out of the Box: Your Creative Identity

Ben thinks about whether he truly excels in any of his skills. He knows it’s not really up to him to say, but he feels fairly skilled in a few areas. Ben mentions something many people can relate to: others often try to label you and want you to focus on just one thing. He realized this when he took up photography; people were shocked to see him doing it, even though he had been creating images with video cameras for a long time. It seemed they couldn’t understand that he could be talented in multiple fields.

He mentions that he has good editing skills, particularly when it comes to his more polished films. While he feels his YouTube channel might not fully reflect this due to tight deadlines, he still stands by his abilities. He’s also open about the areas where he struggles, like audio, sound design, and color correction, which is why he chooses to hire experts for his professional work. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is important for collaboration and achieving great results.

For his professional projects, Ben enjoys shooting and editing, especially for high-quality pieces that enhance his portfolio. However, he recognizes that the professional editors he collaborates with often have more expertise. This leads him to wonder if he should stick to what he does best. It’s a common question that many people face.

The Interview That Changed Everything: Trusting Your Gut

Ben tells a great story about an early job interview for a famous TV documentary series. He mentions that his reel was filled with flashy music videos, which didn’t seem to fit the documentary style. However, his adventurous background and strong recommendations really helped him stand out. He notes that being able to connect with people in person is crucial for getting jobs, something he finds more challenging now with online meetings.

He recalls how the interviewer even pointed out some of the angles in his reel. Despite that, he got the job and won Emmys for his work. This story shows that having a unique path and different experiences can make you the right choice, even if it doesn’t seem obvious at first. It appears that following your instincts and embracing your background can lead to great success.

Beyond the Box: Storytelling is Your Superpower

Ben loves exploring a variety of activities, whether it’s making YouTube videos or working on TV shows, each needing its own set of skills. He talks about how he began his career as a creative producer who did some filming, and later became recognized as a Director of Photography (DP). He feels that people often place him in a specific box. For instance, while many view him as a portrait photographer, he also works in documentary and action photography.

He recalls an event at the Telluride music festival where his main role was to take portraits, but he also photographed bands from the front of the stage. Ben mentions the fierce competition among photographers and how he creatively used an 85mm lens to capture close-up shots, even through plants — something that others began to imitate. He notes that having a backstage pass gave him unique opportunities to take photos that others couldn’t.

Ben wraps up his thoughts by saying he dislikes being “put in a box.” He wants to explore many creative activities, such as writing and directing films, authoring books, practicing film photography, directing music videos and documentaries, creating photo books, and filming adventure trips. He wonders if focusing on just one area would lead to more success, but he insists he won’t be told to “stay in his lane.”

Personally, I think this is the key takeaway. Ben shares that all his creative activities are linked by storytelling. He thinks they all originate from the same “magical universe.” When you look at your creative work as a form of storytelling — whether it’s through a camera, a pen, or a microphone — you start to see how everything is connected. It’s not about sticking to one path; it’s about discovering the common thread that ties all your interests together.

[Stay in Your Lane!]

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