FT. MAKAYLA SWAB
A Discussion with Makayla | 1-1-24
WHAT'S YOUR STORY AND HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
My name is Makayla, but some call me Mak. I love all things regarding art, and creating, and living with creativity as a foundation of my lifestyle. I know many would love to hear that it’s “easy” living this lifestyle, or getting to where I am now, but the truth is… it’s not. But that goes for every aspect of all of our lives, and if anything comes easy, was it really even worth it at all? I’d say not. These hardships are what shape our very being, our personalities, our character. And frankly, it forces us to step out of our comfort zone and think outside the box. Leading to new things no one has ever seen before! Pure authenticity.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE CREATIVE SPACE?
I’ve been inherently creative for as long as I remember. Always doodling, tinkering, or creating. But there was a difference from when I had these talents and versus when I actually honed in on them, embraced them. I would say that my anxiety has allowed me to branch out and find things that fill that “void”. From photography to painting, whatever it may be, I channeled all those doubts, worries, and anxiety into something beautiful—art; and it doesn’t get any better than that.
ARE THERE ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS YOU'RE WORKING ON?
Being a creative person, it’s important to keep those ideas cycling and to make them a reality. If we don’t, we end up is this never ending cycle of a creative block. That’s why right now I have tons of different projects and ideas compartmentalized in a cozy nook in my brain, these things keep us going, give us things to look forward to in life.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE FUTURE, WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS?
I have this constant predicament where I want to be able to do everything and anything all at once. My dreams are those of hundreds combined. Whether it’s designing, teaching, researching, or whatever else is in store, I want to help people, while also remaining true to my self and my creative side.
IF THERE'S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO SOMEONE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Live life. Don’t let anyone stop or prevent you from chasing your dreams—as cliche as it sounds, it’s ineffably true. We don’t have to be confined by office jobs, societal norms, or whatever it may be. We can travel the world and leave our mark on this world. Ergo, be unapologetically…you.
SOCIALS
@makayla.cs