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How about the last 1:30 of the conversation? I did not count how many times he mentioned the importance of “having fun and being passionate” but I can guarantee that I had to leave at least a half dozen more uses of those words on the cutting room floor. Clearly, for Nico, enjoying his work is imperative. This makes sense. As he states, there are many nights when his work weighs heavier and he wonders “is it worth it?” I assume most creators have the same moments of doubt. So if it is fun, if it is something that they are passionate about, at least that makes it a little more palatable when the doubts creep in.

I love my job. Most days. I feel passion for my job. Most days. I have fun at my job. Most days. Would I say that these represent the most important reasons why I am a teacher? Maybe. What I do know is that Nico made me consider this, which I appreciate. And he articulated something I do absolutely agree with: somewhere in our lives, we need something that is ours. Something that we create. Something that is worth it. But maybe that does not need to be one’s job.

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I first became aware of Nico Rud's website, Chicago Creatives, while searching for information on poet Kevin Coval. Among news articles and shaky vid of Coval reciting poetry, I found an interview Coval gave to Rud. The post was refreshingly straightforward: there was a short lead in by Rud and then a complete transcript of the conversation between Rud and Coval. The conversation ranged from Coval's background, to his work with a variety of Chicago organizations, to his thoughts on poetry and art. It was just what I was looking for.  As I looked at the rest of the site, I realized the incredible service Rud had provided for me, both as an educator and as an art fan. The site introduced me to hundreds of rappers, graffiti artists, studio artists, photographers and fashion designers. In fact, when my Humanities classes turned their attention to graffiti and street art, Rud's site was invaluable: it provided students with a more complete understanding of people like Nick Salsa, Kane, and Flash ABCrew. I have a tendency to fall into lecture mode, especially when I feel passionate about something. One of those issues is showing artists and creators gratitude and respect for their labor. I want those who make the stuff I find worthwhile to get paid, and, when possible, I want to let them know my appreciation. Social media has made the latter easier. With that in mind, I tweeted at Chicago Creatives how it had become a critical platform for my own education and hopefully my students’. Through that tweet, I met Nico. And from that tweet we began discussing ways he could assist what I do in the classroom. Ultimately, our back-and-forth led me to the idea that students and I should engage in some interviewing of our own. Specifically, we would have curiosity conversations. Of course, for mine, I asked Nico. And, of course, he was happy to join in. What I thought would be a 10 minute conversation stretched to 35 minutes, during which Nico told his story: growing up in the suburbs, finding art, hitting Chicago as a student, then as a curator and creative, juggling Chicago creatives with a full-time career in fashion marketing.