Meet Collin Cadet

Today we’d like to introduce you to Collin Cadet.

Let’s start by talking about your journey. Could you share with us how your artistic career began and the experiences that have influenced your creative direction?
My journey began during my college years when I started experiencing a sense of unease and struggle with my academic performance. This led me to seek answers and support, ultimately resulting in a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder 1 in December 2019. The diagnosis was both shocking and relieving, as it provided context for my experiences.

As I delved into understanding my condition, I realized that bipolar disorder is often misunderstood and carries a stigma. I chose not to view myself as defective or misaligned with the world but rather as someone with a unique form of intelligence that fuels creativity and deep insights.

However, I faced numerous challenges along the way. From struggling with productivity to feeling misunderstood by myself and others, I had to navigate a path that didn’t conform to societal expectations. I recognized the importance of prioritizing my well-being and understanding that my struggles with productivity were a survival mode trauma response.

Through therapy and self-discovery, I began to trust and honor my true self. It was a challenging process to break away from the path that I had been on, but it allowed me to cultivate peace within myself. Despite external turmoil and projections from others based on fear and misunderstanding, I stayed committed to my self-understanding, recognizing that it shapes my reality.

Today, I am fully dedicated to sharing my story in a creative and vulnerable way, inspiring others to embrace their own voices. I believe that everyone has a unique story to tell, and I’m using my experiences to help others feel seen, heard, and empowered. My journey has shaped me into a fighter, survivor, and an inspiration to those who know me.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been far from smooth. Throughout my path, I have encountered numerous challenges and struggles. One of the main difficulties I faced was the clash between societal expectations and my neurodivergent experience. This disconnect led to feelings that challenged my sense of self-worth. Additionally, the pressure to constantly achieve academically, driven by the expectations of others and the belief that success meant sacrificing my own well-being, added to the complexity of my journey.

Breaking away from the path I had been on was met with external turmoil and projections from others who couldn’t fully grasp the depth of my journey. The fear and misunderstanding I encountered were painful and put everything I had learned up to that point to the test. However, I persevered through these challenges by reinforcing the belief that only I get to decide who I am. It allowed me to develop a deeper connection with myself and embrace my authentic voice. These struggles ultimately strengthened my resilience and determination to advocate for my own needs and inspire others to do the same.

Being a Posse Scholar and recipient of the AJC Cup added another layer of pressure and expectations. I felt the weight of these achievements and the need to constantly meet high standards, often neglecting my own self-care. Navigating the complexities of mental health and societal expectations was a profound journey of self-discovery, where I learned to prioritize my well-being.

In the face of external turmoil and projections, I held steadfast to my commitment to honor my own truth. Overcoming these obstacles required resilience, self-advocacy, and a deep understanding of my own needs. Through it all, I have emerged with a strengthened sense of self and a determination to inspire others to embrace their own journeys and advocate for themselves.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an artist and content creator, I have been making music since 2016, but it all started somewhat accidentally. It began with a school diss track against another local high school, which became a fun and exciting moment for me. People enjoyed my performance and encouraged me to perform at our school’s pageant.

During that time, there was significant political unrest following Donald Trump’s election as president. As the founder and president of my school’s first Black Lives Matter club, I decided to use my platform to address powerful themes of police brutality and racism within the country. This verse evolved into a song called “Woke,” which had a powerful impact and was widely celebrated within my community.

From that point on, I continued creating music with a strong focus on social advocacy. Recently, I have rebranded from my stage name, “BLiNK” to my real name, “Collin Cadet,” marking a shift in my creative focus. I am now dedicated to sharing my story with vulnerability, specifically exploring themes of mental health and self-understanding.

What sets me apart is my belief that the work starts inwardly. I strive to create art that fosters healing, both for myself and for others. I’m proud of my commitment to authenticity and using my platform to shed light on important societal issues. My music is a reflection of my personal journey.

By sharing my experiences and embracing vulnerability, I aim to inspire others to embark on their own healing journeys. I believe that when each of us focuses on our own healing, we contribute to healing the world as a whole. This perspective, combined with my passion for artistry and social advocacy, sets me apart and fuels my creative work.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The Covid-19 crisis has brought about immense change and reflection, shaping my perspective and approach to life. It has taught me valuable lessons, particularly during a time when my own family experienced loss. Sadly, my grandmother passed away due to the virus, which inherently impacted me greatly.

Through this challenging experience, I learned the power of resilience and the ability to create new life out of grief. It was a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones. Despite the sadness and loss, I found strength within myself to navigate this difficult period.

The pandemic also highlighted the significance of prioritizing mental health and self-care. It became clear that taking care of myself in all aspects is essential, especially during times of crisis. This lesson led me to further explore themes of mental health and self-understanding in my creative work, aiming to inspire others in that regard.

Furthermore, the crisis emphasized the importance of community and connection, even in the face of physical distancing. We found innovative ways to stay connected and support one another, demonstrating that unity and compassion are vital during challenging times.

Ultimately, the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic have reinforced my commitment to resilience, self-care, and the transformative power of creativity. They have shaped my perspective and strengthened my resolve to share my story, uplift others, and inspire them to find hope in the face of adversity.

Contact Info:

• Website: collincadetblink.com
• Instagram: @collin.cadet
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collin-cadet-a225481a0/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/ccadet

Image Credits
KT Estep helped with my cover artwork! Here are here links: @kt_estep (on Instagram) https://www.ktestep.com/