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Ever thought about being a creative for a living or are in the midst of that path or are simply inspired by those whose presence oozes depth and art? Then you’re going to love this conversation! Marcus Amaker is the epitome of Artist as an award winning spoken word poet, graphic designer and musician and the Poet Laureate of Charleston.He addresses the stereotype of the “starving artist” narrative to overcome our fears around pursing our creativity for a living and gives 3 tips on imposter syndrome. He provides fascinating insight into the child versus adult mind based on his experience working in schools. We talk about how/when we lose our identification as “artist” and what that term even means. Marcus generously offers a “self portrait” writing prompt PDF that he uses in schools to get kids writing their feelings, which you’ll find in the show notes for free (yes, it's for adults too). We talk about what a Poet Laureate actually does, how he became one, and of course I ask him about his feelings on Amanda Gorman. We talk joy triggers, trauma porn, and I ask Marcus how he strikes a balance between pain and joy in this world, especially as a writer and black man. He tells me that balance doesn’t exist and asks us to look to how we respond to children’s joy versus our own. We also talk about a second artist stereotype, that you have to suffer for great Art, in which Marcus refutes such argument. We talk healthy, empathic ways of processing stress and pain through creativity, and all of this concludes with Marcus sharing his take on self care as a self emptying. He reads 3 poems aloud, and the one on self love gave me the biggest chills! ________________Connect with Alyssa @alyssakuzins on Instagram.Your 100th Episode Gift! BODY ART "thorns and roses" 90 minute embodied dance writing workshop to somaticize the thorns and roses of life and life. alyssakuzins.com/roses For Marcus's books, albums, the "self portrait" writing prompt PDF:  alyssakuzins.com/marcus-amaker Got a minute? Give SCS a 5 star rating! Got 5 minutes? Write SCS a stellar review to get the word out! Deepest gratitude for listening and sharing, friends!  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/alyssakuzins)