Empathy On Set: How to cultivate a more empathetic work environment.
Working in the still life industry, particularly in the realms of beauty and entertainment, presents unique challenges. As an art director and prop stylist, I've experienced the intense demands of creating visually stunning sets while managing tight deadlines and high expectations. However, amidst the pressure, I've found that cultivating a more empathetic work environment can transform the creative process and lead to more fulfilling and impactful results both from a personal perspective and from the work we create.
Photography by Alex Kapustin | Styling by Dana Kapustin for GOOP (Goop Creative Team: Renee Rupcich, Juliette Favat, and Anna Sykora-Smith.
Understanding the Challenges
As you may know, the world of still life photography and videography often involves meticulous planning, attention to detail, and seamless execution. Each project requires a perfect blend of creativity and precision to bring an image to life, telling a story that resonates with the viewer. The pressure to achieve perfection can be overwhelming, and it's easy to overlook the emotional and mental well-being of the team in pursuit of flawless images. When the pressure mounts, deadlines loom near, patience and empathy can fall to the wayside. But, if we stop and think for a moment, how can I better serve the crew, and the work itself, practicing empathy can have long-lasting results. Results that can even bring life-changing emotional and mental clarity to you personally and professionally.
The Power of Empathy
Empathy, in this context, is about understanding and valuing the experiences and emotions of everyone on set. Which, in a enviornment that brings many personalities, and perspectives together, can be challening. However, It's about recognizing that in each team member, from the photographer to the stylist, and allowing each to share their unique perspective…well, that’s when the real work begins. When we foster an empathetic environment, we create a supportive space where creativity thrives, and individuals feel valued and understood. The phrase, patience is a virtue is a saying for a reaon, and I for one, firmly believe patience and empathy are key to cultivating welcoming working spaces. I’ve often found that empathy and having a good energy go hand-in-hand. When the leaders on set exude a calm and caring energy, the workflow and execution follow, resulting in stunning work.
But exactly how do we as an industry that’s already so strained, take time for empathy? I’d argue, it’s more important than ever, right now, to do just that. Here are some ways you can bring empathy to your next set. Whether you’re on six-month long film production or a 3-day long still shoot.
Art Direction + Styling by Dana Kapustin | Co-Art Direction by Oliver Leighton
Strategies for Cultivating Empathy on Set
Active Listening: One of the most powerful tools for cultivating empathy is active listening. This means truly paying attention to what others are saying without interrupting or making assumptions. This is so difficult, I’ve even struggled with this myself, But I find taking a moment to breathe before you speak, helps. On set, this involves listening to the concerns and ideas of the team, whether it's a stylist's input on prop placement or the creative director’s vision for the scene. Coming together, and listening to one another’s perspectives is so paramount to success.
Open Communication: Encouraging open and honest communication helps build trust and understanding. Holding creative calls, prior to the shoot where open and clear communication can take place, ultimately leads to the success of a shoot. When permitted, holding regular team meetings and providing constructive feedback create opportunities for everyone to voice their thoughts and concerns. Ultimately, this openness leads to innovation and a more cohesive creative direction and overall team success.
Acknowledging Emotions: It can me so overwhelming on set at times, emotions run high, and it can often be hard to recognize individual emotions when time is of the essence. However, acknowledging and validating the emotions of your crew is crucial. If someone is stressed or frustrated, acknowledging their feelings and offering support can make a significant difference. Sometimes, just knowing that someone understands and cares can alleviate the pressure and create a more positive atmosphere. Taking someone aside, privately, away from others on set, and asking if they’re alright, is exactly the type of acknowledgement and support that leads to a closer creative team.
Practicing Patience and Kindness: The fast-paced nature of still life projects can lead to tension and impatience. Practicing patience and kindness, especially during stressful moments, helps maintain a calm and productive environment. Small acts of kindness, like offering a coffee break or a word of encouragement, can go a long way. Often on my sets, we strive to take breaks when needed, and allow others the freedom to operate autonomously while communcating their needs and asking for help when needed. Overall patience and kindness are key and if those aren’t practiced it can have disastrous results. So try to bring patience and kindess when at all possible.
Leading by Example: When I’m operating as an art director, or as a prop stylist, I know that my behavior can often set the tone for the entire team. In positions of leadership it’s so important to practice demonstrating empathy through actions—being approachable, considerate, and respectful—this creates a culture where empathy is valued and practiced by everyone. It costs nothing to be empathetic, and without it it can cost you everything. That’s why I do my best to be kind to others, encouraging patience and respect from your crew is also important and should be encouraged and practiced in all settings, both personally and professionally.
Art Direction + Styling by Dana Kapustin | Photography by Zach Galarza
Infusing Empathy into the Creative Process
Empathy can also be infused into the creative process itself. When planning a shoot, consider the emotions and experiences of the end viewer. What story will resonate with them? How can you convey the beauty and essence of the product or brand in a way that touches their hearts? By understanding and connecting with the audience, you create work that is not only visually appealing but also emotionally engaging. I believe we are all storytellers to a degree, some of us just haven’t found our voices yet. However, it can be unearthed and once we acknowledge this, bringing a unique perspective, approach, or narrative to any project will ultimately create a more successful campaign and have greater results.
Compassion = Creative Collaboration.
Additionally, empathy and compassion play a crucial role in collaboration. By valuing each team member's input and perspective, you create a more inclusive and innovative creative process. This collaborative approach often leads to more dynamic and compelling results. Compassion = Creative Collaboration. What does that mean? If compassion is the sibling of empathy then together they are the most compelling duo. When we bring both to any relationship the relationship is that much more impactful, richer, and rewarding. Which is why, when we bring both to our professional working relationships a synergy is formed and success is imminent.
Conclusion
Cultivating a more empathetic work environment in the still life industry is about more than just creating a pleasant workplace—it's about enhancing the entire creative process. By fostering empathy on set, we can build stronger, more cohesive teams that produce work that resonates on a deeper level. Empathy, when embraced fully, has the power to transform not only the workplace but also the work itself, leading to more impactful and meaningful creative endeavors. This ultimately will lead to happier, healthier, creatives overall, In the end, isn’t that the point? Otherwise why endeavor to create anything at all? Empathy and compassion are at the core of the human experience and it should be recognized throughout all the facets of our lives. So one final thought, I would say, is to lead with love, listen with an open mind, and learn with heart from those around you.