By Corinne Dorsey, Staff Reporter
As the impact of the coronavirus has spread over the past months, our plans and lives have changed tremendously. The Hilltop interviewed six Howard creatives to discuss how their lives have changed since the beginning of quarantine.
The outbreak of COVID-19 has shaken the world, leaving creatives in an unprecedented situation. After the unexpected closure of university campuses across the nation, many students are adjusting to what has become the new normal: social distancing.
With the lack of face-to-face contact, students have developed new ways to stay connected and remain creative, even while adhering to public health guidelines. Whether it is the result of working from home, being away from daily routines or the anxiety induced from the neverending realm of news headlines, some creatives are finding that creativity does not always come so easily. Others are finding comfort and inspiration in the solitude.
The Positive and Negative Effects of Quarantine
Milan Jacks
“I literally have nothing else to do in the house so this is the perfect time to brush up on my skills, learn more things, and to really take time to perfect my crafts,” said Milan Jacks.
Milan Jacks, a rising sophomore film and television major, creates through photography, video editing, and drawing. He believes that quarantine has had a positive impact on his ability to create content. Milan like many other creatives is trying to use this free time to his advantage by mastering skills in his chosen mediums.
Maya Wiley
Fashion stylist and creative director, Maya Wiley, a senior international business major, shares a similar sentiment on her ability to continue creating.
“I think quarantine has given everyone the time to finally pursue and create the things they’ve always put off. So I would say that has inspired me and quarantine has forced me to stop being comfortable and get way more creative with my content than I have in a long time which makes it that much more fulfilling,” said Wiley.
Nia Betty
Dancer and founder of Révolutionnaire, Nia Betty, had a different take on the negative and positive effects that quarantine has had on her creative outlet.
“The coronavirus pandemic has had a negative effect on my ability to continue training because I do not have access to a dance studio. On the other hand, I have been able to focus on new blog posts, leotard designs, and social media content for Révolutionnaire,” Betty told The Hilltop.
Inspiration in Quarantine
Kaleb Davis
“For me, discipline breeds inspiration. Music is the weapon with which I fight off the darkness and negativity, and I can’t go into battle with a dull sword,” said Davis.
Kaleb Davis, a pianist and vocalist, is a junior music composition major.
Ashleigh Fields
“Looking at artistic work on social media,” said Fields.
Ashleigh Fields, an author, is a sophomore journalism major.
Najah K
“I am taking lots of deep breaths and rediscovering what my art feels like when there is no price attached. I am allowing all that I feel to go into my work now that I am away from hindering distractions, such as schoolwork, and excess drama. Sometimes I take 3-6 hour long breaks away from my phone and laptop and I just journal about what I want to do, how I want to do it, how am I feeling, what is something new I want to try, and what do I want to focus on,” said Najah K.
Najah K, photographer and videographer is a sophomore marketing major.
Amid the growing uncertainties associated with coronavirus, creatives at Howard University are remaining diligent within their creative outlets.
