A New Chapter // Levi’s x Calgary Stampede
Whenever I revisit my past writings, I reminisce about the transformation my works have undergone. I sought to distance myself from this digital journal, as vulnerability made me tense. Yet, as time has unfolded, I have come to recognise that these passages are more than personal musings—they are rich anecdotes that hold a unique essence, even if they resonate with a vaster audience.
Frankly, I treated my website as a separate entity because of my lack of confidence and fear of judgement. I started this journey at a young age; unfortunately, being made fun of by my peers hindered me from accepting this part of myself. Despite my intentions to curate content frequently, unanswered questions regarding my target audience emerged, impeding my progress. Initially, I had no compelling reason to consistently create and share content—it was simply a hobby that gradually transformed into a portfolio.
With the growing traffic and recognition Land of the Yute had garnered, I felt a sense of pride and fulfilment in my work. As you may have noticed, a shift has taken place: I have decided to switch my domain name to my name. Many people inquired about the reasoning behind “Land of the Yute” and why I chose not to use my name. I struggled to provide a satisfactory answer, mainly because I was reluctant to confront my fears. It is important for me to claim this as I believe this will be the final step to accepting this part of me.
Initially, Land of the Yute was a digital journal, but over time, it has evolved into something more profound. It has become a collection of visual essays, each capturing a unique aspect of my experiences over the past few years. I developed a distinctive style for crafting these posts, often leaning towards a soliloquy-like approach. It resonated deeply with me. Some may argue that this style is an integral part of my identity. Upon reflecting on these thoughts, I ask myself, “Why not fully embrace who I am?”. I bet my chosen answer is at this point.
Since unraveling this new chapter, the influx of traffic has been remarkable. My new audience now has a better understanding of who I am and what I bring to the table while the majority of those who have been following my journey over time are genuinely proud of this shift. With the consolidation of my portfolio & contact information under one name, it is much easier for clients and talents to connect with me. This change has proven immensely beneficial in every aspect, and I could not be more grateful for the positive outcomes.
To be transparent, I reminisce about my previous domain, as that is where it all began. I am not quite ready to let go of it just yet. Some plans will build upon the foundation laid by my previous domain. Land of the Yute is the birthplace of my journey, and this is not the end I had envisioned. The name holds a significant part of my identity, so I aspire to find something even more meaningful and resonant.
I can confidently say that I would not alter a single aspect of my journey. Every step along the way, including my exploration of the digital landscape, was crucial for my personal and creative growth. During this period, I discovered my creating style and learned how to craft anecdotal content that resonated with me and my audience. This process of self-discovery was an essential chapter in my book, and it unfolded as it needed to.
The future remains uncertain, and as it unravels, I am committed to embracing the lessons that accompany it. As I reflect on June, I am brimming with gratitude. Among them, I am particulary thrilled about a recent project I had the privilege of directing and shooting. I am eagerly anticipating the moment when I can share this project with you all. Stay tuned, for it represents a significant milestone in my creative journey.
A beautiful beginning to a new journey