#802: Craig Mod — The Real Japan, Cheap Apartments in Tokyo, Productive Side Quests, Creative Retreats, Buying Future Freedom, and Being Possessed by Spirits

Craig Mod, a creative driven by a need to escape the limitations of his upbringing, has journeyed from a culturally limited environment in Connecticut to a life of design and computer programming in Japan.

Craig Mod Grew Up In a Culturally Limited Post-Industrial Town in Connecticut

Craig Mod reflects on his upbringing in a lower-middle-class, post-industrial town in Connecticut where an airplane engine factory was central to the community. He describes the town as one devoid of wealth and culturally limited, with little sense of culture or design. It was a place where pop culture dictated what was possible for its residents.

Craig's Childhood Interest in Computers and the Internet

Craig shares how, from an early age, he was drawn to computers and the internet, largely through the influence of a kind neighbor who lent him a computer and bought him his own phone line. His early experiences included participating in the ANSI art scene and using IRC and PPP emulators to access the early internet. He became captivated by design and programming, seeing the World Wide Web as a space where he wanted to write and build upon, using Mosaic at the age of 14. It is through these interests that he realized he could leverage his skills and knowledge to make more money than anyone in his hometown.

Craig's Move to Japan at 19 Was Driven by a Desire to Escape His Upbringing's Limitations and Find a Place to Support His Creativity

The move to Japan was not explicitly detailed in the provided transcript, but can be inferred as a pursuit of a more supportive environment for his creativity. Craig felt a strong desire to leave America, driven by a lack of belief in the American system and a sense of not being supported by the community. The discomfort from a sense of inadequacy upon entering college pushed him to live abroad and rebuild himself independently.

Craig Found Safety and Community in Japan, Where He Could Live Affordably and Focus On Work Without Pressure to Conform

In Tokyo, Craig found an affordable cost of living that enabled him to focus on creative work without compromising. He had not planned to stay in Japan forever, but the bursting of the Silicon Valley bubble and interesting opportunities in publishing kept him there. Craig notes the irony of moving from a working-class town in America to a familiarly working-class environment in Tokyo. Yet ...

The transformative role of writing, creative projects, and mentors in Craig Mod's life has opened doors to valuable connections, opportunities, and personal growth.

Craig's Work Opened Doors To Valuable Connections and Opportunities

Craig's Commitment to Writing: Established Reputation and Independence

Craig Mod's dedication to writing significantly changed his life. For example, his article "Books in the Age of the iPad," not only was it written about in The New York Times, but it also led to hundreds of emails and recognition as a voice in the field of books and digital media.

The success of his article afforded Craig the opportunity to meet design heroes and figures he had always admired, especially at an event like South by Southwest. His work connected him with influential people, including Kevin Kelly, who invited him for a walk to talk about his writing.

Craig's article on web publishing combined with design elements was inspired by his studio-mate, Oliver Reichenstein, in Tokyo. Craig put in weeks of meticulous work into this article, and during that time in Harlem, he took [restricted term] to help focus on writing late into the night. The piece, which included a camera review, gained considerable attention and revenue through affiliate links, earning about $20,000 in a month in 2009. This success helped establish his reputation and provided financial independence.

Time at Artist Residencies Like Macdowell Inspired Craig, Boosting His Self-Worth and Creative Potential

On a whim, Craig applied for a writing fellowship at MacDowell, one of America's oldest and most competitive writing residencies. Getting accepted provided him an esteemed reason to leave his company and pursue his creative endeavors full-time.

During his time at a writing residency in New Hampshire, Craig had a cabin to himself, complete with meals and an environment conducive to focus and creation. He found himself among esteemed professional creators, whose dedication to their craft significantly impacted him. The structured days allowed for uninterrupted work, followed by communal dinners and activities, giving him insights into others' creative processes and struggles, ultimately boosting his self-worth and his sense of having something valuable to contribute.

Craig has attended ...

Craig Mod integrates walking and the great outdoors intrinsically into his creative process, generating remarkable insights and meaningful work.

Craig's Walks, a Crucial Part of His Creative Practice, Allow Him to Reflect, Write, and Connect With People and History

Craig Mod has traversed thousands of miles on foot across Japan, a practice he considers vital to his creative work. Walking has been an intrinsic part of his routine, which involves writing all day and then seeking solace in the quiet of the outdoors at night. He finds special inspiration in San Francisco, where walking in districts like North Beach after dark has become a key element of his work process.

Craig's Kii Peninsula Walks Inspired "Things Become Other Things"

Craig's experiences while walking the Kii Peninsula, especially during the isolated months of the COVID lockdown in 2021, proved profound for his creativity. On this particular 600-kilometer trek—during which he wrote and photographed daily—he reflected on his life and a childhood friendship. This introspection spurred the creative influence for his work "Things Become Other Things," showcasing how walking can foster deep personal and artistic growth.

Walking Has Helped Craig Cultivate Presence, Openness, and Faith in the Creative Process, Which He Views As Essential For Creating Meaningful, Timeless Work

Citing the past six years, he notes that all the work he is most proud of—and considers truly 'him'—is deeply connected with the act of walking. Craig believes that walking sharpens his creative faculties and teaching philosophy, and he encourages that experiences garnered in nature are ...

Craig Mod, an author known for his beautifully produced fine art books, is now embarking on a new creative journey with his upcoming book and an exclusive membership program that aims to mentor emerging creatives.

"Things Become Other Things": Craig's Book Explores Friendship, the Kii Peninsula's History and People, and the Power of Place In Shaping Identity

Craig's forthcoming book, "Things Become Other Things," is set to be a major milestone in his career as it explores deeply personal themes. This work delves into the history and people of the Kii Peninsula, reflecting on how these elements influence one's identity. In his book, Craig meditates on the similarities between the working-class prefectures of Mie and Wakayama in Japan and his own upbringing in a place marked by industrial loss.

The narrative weaves together joyous memories of his friendship with Brian and the rich tapestry of encounters with locals, from fishermen to farmers and café owners. The region's cultural significance is also a focal point, with its ancient pilgrimage routes, shrines, and landmarks being highlighted. Additionally, "Things Become Other Things" serves to honor Craig's childhood friend Brian, capturing a remembrance that is both intimate and exclusive.

Craig's Major Publisher Book a Milestone After Self-Published Fine Art Editions

"Things Become Other Things" represents a significant pivot from Craig's previous self-published fine art editions as it is slated for publication on May 6th with Random House. Craig partnered with an amazing editor who brought the book to a higher level, ensuring that the story about his walking practice and insights into a part of Japan that requires deep cultural immersion gets a broader audience than he could reach independently.

Craig's past approach to physical books was aimed at creating objects that were beautiful and irreplaceable by digital formats, emphasizing their tactile and visual appeal. He found that despite the rise of digital content, there remains a significant value placed on physical books—a sentiment corroborated even by literature icon William Gibson, who provided a blurb for the new book indicating a prest ...