Blog Post: Week Two, Day One – A New Direction

The first week of this blog has been an experiment—a daily exercise in reflecting, documenting, and laying the groundwork for something bigger. And now, at the start of the second week, I’m ready to take a significant step forward. This isn’t just about personal musings anymore—it’s about building a space for connection, creativity, and conversation.

After some reflection, I’ve decided to take this project in a new direction by creating a pilot episode of an interview series right here in my downtown Orlando studio. The goal? To have meaningful conversations with fascinating people while using my space to its full potential. This isn’t just about talking—it's about creating something visual, dynamic, and engaging, with compelling portrait photography to go alongside each conversation.

What I’m Proclaiming to Do

Launch a proof-of-concept pilot episode for an interview series.
Feature someone already within my sphere to make the first step more accessible and organic.
Use the interview as a way to connect with my city, explore its creative heartbeat, and showcase the value of my studio space.
Pair the conversation with a visually striking portrait to bring attention to the project.

Action Plan to Get the First Pilot Episode Done

Select a Guest:
I’ve decided to reach out to one of my improv teachers. They’re experienced storytellers, engaging personalities, and deeply connected to the Orlando creative community. They’ll bring energy and authenticity to the conversation.
Reach Out and Invite Them:
I’ll craft a simple, enthusiastic message explaining the project and why I’d love for them to be my first guest. I’ll highlight the opportunity to share their story and also mention the portrait session.
- Draft Message:
  "Hey [Name], I hope this message finds you well! I’ve been working on a new project—a blog and interview series out of my downtown Orlando studio—and I’d love for you to be my first guest. I think your journey in improv and teaching would make for such an engaging conversation, and I’d love to feature you! Plus, after our chat, I’d like to take some compelling portraits to pair with the interview. Let me know if you’d be interested—I’d be thrilled to make this happen!"
Prepare the Studio:
- Clear the space and ensure it’s set up to comfortably host the conversation.
- Set up lighting and backdrops for the portrait session.
- Test audio and video equipment if recording the conversation.
Plan the Interview Structure:
Outline key topics to cover during the conversation:
- Their journey into improv.
- What they love about teaching.
- Their perspective on Orlando’s creative and arts scene.
- Any advice or insights they’d share with aspiring creatives.
Conduct the Interview:
Keep it casual yet focused. Let their personality shine and keep the energy natural.
Portrait Session:
After the interview, take a series of creative portraits. Experiment with lighting, poses, and expressions to create a standout image for the blog and thumbnail.
Edit and Publish:
- Write a blog post summarizing the conversation, including key insights and quotes.
- Feature the portrait prominently alongside the text.
- Share the post on social media to build momentum for the project.

Why This Matters

This pilot episode isn’t just about completing a task—it’s about proving to myself that this idea has legs. It’s about bridging the gap between where I am and where I want to go, using the resources and connections I already have. This first step is small but powerful—a way to bring my dreams for this blog into focus and take action toward creating something meaningful.

By the end of this week, I’ll aim to have the outreach done, the guest confirmed, and a timeline in place for recording and publishing. This is where it begins.