Ep 5 Reflection: The Art of World Building

A call to world building within your creative practice

I was world-building before I knew what it was. In middle school, I spent hours in the library for my gifted and talented English classes (humble flex 😉). These self-led sessions allowed me to choose prompts and develop projects at my own pace. I loved writing short fiction stories, but I often found myself more immersed in the planning than the actual writing.

Character sheets became my playground. I’d fill in every detail about my original characters (OCs in the fan fiction writing realm)—their family lineage, hairstyles, zodiac signs, relationships to others, and more. Each sheet felt like a portal into a new world, one far removed from my suburban enclave. The characters often carried a semi-autobiographical flair, letting me imagine myself in new environments and scenarios. And honestly? Many times, I’d create these elaborate character sheets and never write the story. The prep was always the fun part for me.

Looking back, I realize this was the beginning of my journey into world-building. I needed to be fully acquainted with the environment I was designing so I could write within it authentically. I dreamed of creating the next big teen novel series, something like The Hunger Games or Twilight. These stories had such distinct, immersive environments and cultures that it was impossible to pull away from their pages. Now, I reflect on what it means to build worlds in my current work. And I’d like to share some of my favorite examples that I’ve seen in others that inspire me.

Last year on the Durham Artist Archive, I spoke with Sasss, a local artist, about what it means to create new worlds and bring people into them. In a literal sense, Sasss designs unique, ethereal sets that feel intergalactic. Walking into her studio is like stepping inside a kaleidoscope—a carefully curated space of colors and drapes that transports you to her imagined universe. She has mastered the physical aspect of world-building, creating an environment where you feel like a muse in her world, if only for a session. And Sasss uses that space for photography, events, and more.

Later, I spoke with photographer Kette Cates, and our conversation about world-building extended beyond the podcast recording. He shared how his mentor and former Durham Artist Archive guest, Derrick Beasley, challenged him to create a world for his art that people could get immersed in—a consistent thread running through all his work. Kette’s latest Eviction series is a masterclass in this approach. It spans a photo series, t-shirts, a short film, an art installation, a walking tour, and even performance art involving the burning of a house he built for said installation. Each element connects to a larger narrative, pulling viewers deeper into his vision. THIS is world-building!

Consider Carrie Mae Weems’ iconic Kitchen Table Series. Thirty years later, its influence remains potent. She published a book ten years after the initial exhibition, continues to allow the series to travel to museums worldwide, and has participated in countless interviews discussing its themes. Of course, Weems has since created hundreds of other works in video, public art, and more, but the longevity of this specific series is a testament to giving your work more life. A single Instagram post shouldn’t be the end of your creation’s journey—it deserves more. Mas vida!

And to share one last example, it extends beyond art into day-to-day life. In business, it’s called product diversification, and we see it everywhere. Take the web show Hot Ones, for example. They’ve expanded from their original web series to include a spin-off where celebrities interview each other (y'all gotta watch the Issa Rae, SZA, and Keke Palmer episode), a line of hot sauces, a party game, and more. This example illustrates how a single idea can branch out into multiple forms while remaining connected to its core identity.

Inspired by these models, I’ve been thinking about how I can apply the same intentionality to the Durham Artist Archive.

Below is a brainstorm of ideas. Some are already in the works; others may never happen. But consider this a collection of offerings, not just for me, but for anyone seeking to expand how they engage with their own creative work.

Durham Artist Archive World-Building Brainstorm

• A zine highlighting quotes and works from each episode’s guest.

• An intimate artist talk featuring podcast guests.

• A quarterly artist salon where creatives connect about art and Durham.

• An exhibition highlighting work from podcast guests.

• A dinner party series where we discuss one podcast episode and its themes at a time.

• A digital map of key locations mentioned on the podcast (e.g., Los Primos, Ringside, The Carrack).

• A short film series featuring a mix of modern and archival Durham footage.

World-building is about creating spaces where people can feel immersed, inspired, and connected. From Sass’s kaleidoscopic sets to Weem’s Kitchen Table series, I’m reminded that the power of world-building lies in its ability to expand how we engage with our work. For the Durham Artist Archive, it’s about transforming a podcast into a living, breathing ecosystem. For you, it’ll be something else. What could world-building look like for your creative practice? How might you reimagine your work to connect with others in unexpected ways?

I’d love to hear some of your ideas in the comments. 💕