Artem Skiy: On Creativity
Marianna
Do you have a routine for entering into a creative headspace?
Artem
When I need to do something creative like put together a treatment or something, I go to my saved posts on Instagram and to my liked videos on Vimeo for inspiration. I have a system where I organize all the inspiring content I come across.
Depending on the situation, sometimes I put on music, turn it up loud and walk around in circles in my tiny room.
Finally, if nothing works and I'm still uninspired I drink a bunch more coffee and take a long shower. Speaking of coffee though, that's an absolute must for me, I'm an addict and cannot function without it.
Marianna
Do you have habits you've built for yourself to foster creativity?
Artem
For me, the key to fostering creativity is being mindful of everything around me throughout the day. Like while walking on the street or doing errands, I try to keep an open eye for scenes and stories.
There are art and beauty all around us, we just need to pay attention and take notes. I don't watch a lot of movies, but when I do, I always watch for camera moves, light setups, edit progression, etc.
Marianna
Where do you think ideas come from?
Artem
I've always said that the difference between an original idea and a stolen one is that in the original you don't remember the reference. I think every idea is a remix or variation of something that I saw somewhere before. Maybe it's different for other people. I'm pretty open with my process though, I can show you all the references for everything I've done.
Marianna
What does creativity mean to you?
Artem
There is some sense of objective beauty out there and what we do is try to organize the stuff around us to get closer to that sense.
Painters organize paint and musicians play with sounds. Engineers, programmers, accountants, cooks, or whoever, all do it in their own way. To be creative is to do that, to organize stuff in a beautiful way.
Marianna
When do your best ideas hit you?
Artem
I've been trying to pay attention to when the best ideas come but still haven't been able to come up with a systematic way to reproduce that state. Definitely the shower is a good place for ideas, also being super hungover in the morning somehow is a welcoming state for ideas.
Marianna
How would you describe your creative process?
Artem
The creative process goes like this:
1. I try to be mindful and collect all the ideas and references around me throughout life.
2. I revisit saved ideas based on the brief of the project I'm working on and compile a doc with all those pulled references.
3. I stitch together a new idea based on the brief of the project.
Marianna
How have you been channeling your creativity during COVID?
Artem
Quarantine is a weird time. I did a little cooking show on Instagram Live, I think that's about as far as I went with "channeling my creativity".
Marianna
How have you been creating in the current cultural climate?
Artem
Personally I'm very interested in these topics and I read a lot of books on history, societies, philosophy, futurism, etc. But to make a statement about any of these topics using my art is a different story. For me to do it, I'd have to be very precise and everything would have to be thoroughly researched, and I'm just not interested enough to make that statement with such commitment.
It's all very serious and the more I learn about any of those issues, the more I want to be quiet. Nothing is black and white in the world, it's all gradation of grey. I would discuss these topics with passion at parties, but my art is not a way for that expression.
Marianna
What unexpected turns did your life take to lead you to become who you are today?
Artem
To do anything artistic is a privilege and I'm super privileged to be able to do what I do. My mother immigrated to Canada and brought me with her out of Russia when I was 16. I think that was the one single most important event in my life that led me to become who I am today.
Marianna
What sources of inspiration do you use to foster creativity in your work?
Artem
As I said, everything around can be a source of inspiration, you just need to be mindful and take notes. I have a system where I organize these inspirations, like writing notes in the notes app, saving stuff in appropriate folders on Instagram, and following inspiring accounts on Vimeo, etc.
Marianna
What creative projects are you most proud of?
Artem
Ahhh this is kind of tough to be proud of your own work, there are things that could always be better with every project.
How about instead I talk about the project where I'm most proud of the team? The last YONEX spot we did was one of the best experiences with the best team! Everyone from the creative team, production, shooting, lighting, VFX, music, and everyone around, it was just pure pleasure working together on this! I wish all projects could be this fun and rewarding. You can check it out here.
Marianna
How do you make sense of chaos in your life?
Artem
Life throws at you every kind of misfortune. Everyone is dealing with heavy stuff that we have no idea about.
For me, gratitude is the answer. I feel lucky that I am still alive. I might die tomorrow and with that in mind, everything else becomes easy to handle.
Marianna
Why do you think people get stuck on problems?
Artem
Hmm.. this question can be interpreted in different ways. If we're talking about creative blocks, I think refreshing your mind is important, like going for a workout or dropping acid. Generally speaking, I'm a big believer in psychedelics for any life problems.
Marianna
What advice would you offer those struggling with creative blocks?
Artem
I think looking for inspiration in new places can be useful. Instead of movies, you can try comic books, instead of 3D renders you can try classical paintings, etc.
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About Artem Skiy:
Artem Skiy is a Russian/Canadian film director based in Tokyo. Artem has a large portfolio working with some of the biggest international brands, bringing a fresh perspective to all of his projects.
Started out in the post-production world working at VFX houses before making the jump to production, with his flair for dramatic and unique effects as a part of his shooting toolset.