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Multiple in One - own and play with your multiple
I am glad to continue this series and explore the concept of "Multiple in One" across different people, stories, fields, and characters. As you know, I love movies and watching actors transform into their roles. Today, we have a special treat—a masterclass from a creative who leads and embodies multiple characters with spark.
The thing that makes you say, "I want to do something" - that is the beginning of talent.
I want to introduce you to Lynn Chen, the captivating author of the Substack newsletters Gen X Taste and The Yellow Pages. I first discovered her Substack without realizing she was also an actress and director. Her interviews, which bring more visibility to Asian American actors, felt refreshing, and her take on vlogging and blogging on Substack reminds me of the cool old days.
Beyond writing, Lynn is an actress, director, musician, and fashion decoder. You may have seen her in shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Law & Order, Silicon Valley and Shameless. She has also starred in films such as Go Back in China, See You Then, I Will Make You Mine (which she also directed), Saving Face, and more. Most recently, she wrote and directed Stage Kids, a deeply reflective film about dreams, courage, and the art of letting go as a teenager.
When I landed on Substack, I remember she was among the first to support my work here. Out of the blue, we came into each other’s radar and have been watching our worlds expand in this space.
When I started this series, she came to mind—I knew she would bring immense value. Not only does she exude character both in front of and behind the camera, but she also shines through her writing and in sharing her journey. I knew she would help us identify those muscles and many strengths a ‘‘Multiple in One’’ needs to acknowledge but also own, and, most importantly, have fun with.
What has acting taught you about navigating multiple talents? And what has directing taught you about leadership?
Acting has taught me a lot about being a human, about what humans think and feel and how they act when they’re alone and when they’re around others.
I think it makes me a lot more empathetic as a leader, since I’m willing to see things from different perspectives and viewpoints other than my own. Because an actor never ever works in vacuum, it’s taught me how to quietly guide and respect others’ opinions; to let them do their job first before jumping in and over-correcting.
Acting also is mostly rejection, and it’s taught me a lot about how not to take things personally.
As an actor, writer, producer, director, and advocate for diversity in cinema, what misconceptions and challenges have you observed creatives from diverse backgrounds (Asian, African American, Latino...) face when embracing their multi-talented identities, particularly in decision-making rooms?
One of the hardest things about any business that stems from a creative field is figuring out that line between being vulnerable/personal and translating that into something commercial.
It feels impossible sometimes, and I’ve had it work out in a myriad of ways — some where I’ve found supporters who allow me to stay true to my background and others who have punished me for it.
There’s been a lot of growth in diversity since I started in the 80’s, obviously, but in a lot of ways the bullshit “rules” are the same — which can be really exhausting. Accepting that balance will sometimes be tricky — and sometimes not — and that is a dance one just has to practice and get better at when in these decision-making rooms.
Lynn
What is your most memorable encounter with a fellow multi-talented creative?
I remember being in China with Anna Akanafor the movie “Go Back to China” which she was starring in, and filming branded content for her YouTube channel on her phone in between takes at the hotel. Watching her run a small media empire (she was getting ready to put out an album too) while she was jet lagged and also taking the time to sight-see/enjoy herself was very fun to witness. She inspired me a lot, too.
Lynn
You are also a fashion decoder! How did you start showcasing your outfits and iconic pop culture pieces? And how does fashion inspire your other talents?
“Fashion decoder” — I like this term! It is strange writing about clothing, especially on a platform like Substack where there are so many ex-fashion-world professionals on there. I do not consider myself someone who is obsessed or particularly concerned with fashion, and yet I find how we choose to get dressed and what items we put our money towards say a lot about who we are, and where our values/priorities lie. When I’m acting, I love to work with costume designers because they often have ideas for my character I never would’ve had. The littlest detail — down to a wristwatch or how she buttons her shirts — conveys a lot and I love figuring out what that personal message is.
Lynn
Being a "Multiple in One" can be daunting—juggling different roles while managing creative expansion and fatigue. Do you have any tips for maintaining balance across your many pursuits?
Get really good at figuring out what your instinct sounds like.
Become familiar with what it feels like when your gut is telling you “These people are going to be draining” or “This project may not be the best but you’re going to have fun.”
Then assess where you are physically and emotionally and determine if you have bandwidth/resources/support system to push through when the shit inevitably hits the fan.
Photographer: Helenna Santos
Lynn
If you could write a message for a time capsule—whether for your future or younger self—what advice would you give her about nurturing your craft?
It’s okay to give up on things.
I have since learned/implemented this lesson over the last decade or so, but I think I wasted a lot of time/money/energy on things I thought would help my career in the long run, which ultimately did not. They only made me feel worse in the moment and I still feel that residual regret. Again, it’s that instinct thing. I knew in my gut some of these things were not for me but I stuck with it for so long because I thought it would be “good” for my career.
Lynn
Social media is becoming a rabbit hole. What are your thoughts on the future of multi-talented creatives in the age of AI, algorithm-driven exposure, and societal pressure to maintain an online presence?
I’ve gotten a lot out of social media in the past, having been an early adopter of pretty much every platform that exists since 2009. I don’t think I’ve ever “cracked the code” on any of it, though, even when I had my taste with virality back when I was hosting videos for BuzzFeed.
That said, I have made a lot of friends and have found the ability to be creative and DIY very therapeutic. I don’t really feel the pressure to conform to algorithms or trends — it’s something I let go of a while ago.
These days I treat social media like my refrigerator where I put up my creations for a little while to enjoy, and then take them down when I have something new or I get sick of them. It’s more for me than for anyone else, a tool I use to express myself. Artificial Intelligence can’t take that away from me — not yet, anyway…
Lynn
What is creativity for you? Especially as a "Multiple in One”?
Trying, making, doing and being in a way that feels organic to me.
Lynn
What are 3 keywords about your work you would like people to feel when discovering your "Multitude in One" (or body of work)?
✦ Comfortable ✦ Bittersweet ✦ Nostalgic
Lynn
What is the kindest message you have ever received from a member of your audience?
So many people have opened their hearts and lives and experiences to me, it’s hard to pick one. The feeling I have whenever someone appreciates anything I’ve been a part of — whether it helped them feel better about their body, or helped them come out of the closet to their parents, or helped them clean a stubborn stain out of their pants (true story) — it makes me feel useful. It’s so nice to hear that all my random efforts in life — big and small — are helpful.
Lynn
When you venture into new territories with innovative and unexpected projects, what do these experiences teach you about aging as a creative?
Creativity takes a lot of energy.
I don’t think I realized that when I was younger, when I had things like sleep and health on my side. As I grow older, I see how much more easily zapped I can feel from accessing my thoughts/feelings. That feels, quite honestly, scary — but it’s here and I’m accepting it. And then it becomes less scary. Once it loses its power, it forces me to figure out what I need to do. I find that I need to advocate a lot more for myself, there’s just a lot I’m not willing to do anymore in the name of energy and health. And in a way, that’s actually a lot better.
🔥 I like being an artist who speaks up and isn’t afraid of being looked at as “selfish.” I like being an artist who doesn’t care so much what others think of me or if they like me or not. It’s quite freeing.
Lynn
I learned a lot from this interview and am grateful that Lynn said yes, sharing how she embraces her Multiple. As an artist and creative leader, she opens up to her readers and viewers in a deeply moving way. We get a glimpse into how she thinks, creates, and navigates life.
💡A prompt for you
What is one emotion you felt while reading Lynn’s story that uplifted your Multiple in One journey?
── ✦ You can share below.
Congrats, you made it to the end! If this letter brings some light to your day →put a 💖 on it and feel free to share it with peers, friends, and family, as it helps more people discoverthis space.
I leave you with Lynn's song selection*:
*She told me: ‘‘Not too long ago, my husband Abe sent me this new album "Saya" by Saya Gray, saying he really liked it and thought I would too. However, I was immediately turned off by the metal-over-the-eye artwork (as I'm currently struggling with ocular rosacea and dry eye -- FYI she has other cover art versions with shells/other materials/not metal and they don't bother me at all!) but I'm so glad I pushed past that discomfort. The whole album is incredible, and "Lie Down" is the last song on it - probably my favorite one.’’
Thank you for having me!