How to Conquer Rejection - Octavia Clahar

What's the missing key to your biggest artistic breakthrough? You might feel trapped in a demanding day job or paralyzed by fear of rejection, yet your tightest constraints can become your ultimate creative advantage. Screenwriter Octavia Clahar, reveals how she directed her debut TV pilot inside a video game when traditional funding fell through. Tune in to discover how you can stop waiting for outside permission, transform your daily routine into creative leverage, and build the resilient support system your dreams demand. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Directing TV Pilots in The Sims 4 01:03 - Brooklyn Roots and Caribbean Storytelling Traditions 04:06 - Pitching Yourself: Treating Your Identity as the Brand 05:43 - Overcoming Rejection and Refining Your Artistic Voice 08:34 - Reframing Loss: From Corporate Grind to Creative Commitment 11:29 - Mentorship and Ava DuVernay's Core Collaboration Rule 15:46 - Building Story Co-op Across Brooklyn and Paris 21:10 - Navigating Production Constraints and Budget Realities 27:35 - Lessons from Studio Pitch Meetings and Script Revisions 33:50 - Strategies for Sustaining Creativity Through Burnout 39:15 - Creating Sustainable Support Networks for Independent Artists 44:00 - Final Reflections and Closing Remarks Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform! Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ Spotify: http://bit.ly/4fdkiBs YouTube: Connect with Octavia Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octavia.nicole.clahar/ Website: https://bio.site/oclahar Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives