Welcome to the first “Show & Tell”! I so appreciate you being here. This month’s newsletter is all about finding moments to create for FUN and for yourself!
Many moons ago I worked as a UX designer at a tech company. There were pros to this position but what lacked was the opportunity to be creative in a way that felt good to me. It was then that I decided to carve out an hour of time before work a few days a week to create whatever came to mind. This intentional time felt like the biggest creative treat and gave me something to look forward to. This is something I’ve carried through to every job I’ve held since. Sometimes I design whatever is on my mind as a way to process the world. Sometimes it’s looking at inspiration on Pinterest and in books. Sometimes it even leads to projects like this memo kit that taught me how to manufacture a product from conception to production to selling at an art show! (More on visiting that pencil manufacturing factory to come.)
Here’s some things that have helped me intentionally carve out this time to create.
A friend I used to work with once told me that one secret to happiness is to “fill your basket”. There are many ways to phrase this but if you’re working, creating, or living from an uninspired and empty place..this shows up in every area of your life. So how do you fill your basket as a creative person? Create! Not everything will be a masterpiece but getting into the practice of creating will not only make you a better artist but you might just discover a talent or interest you had deep inside that’s been wanting to come out.
Starting to carve out time for yourself with creative projects is different for everyone. Here are some ideas to ponder if you work a 9-5 position and are wondering “where can I find the time?”.
Take a lunch break! A real one. Turn off the work apps, set your timer for 1hr, and let your mind go where it wants to.
Are you more creative when you wake up? Try sitting down at your desk an hour before work and explore your favorite art mediums.
Perhaps your creative gears start to turn in the evening. Grab a cup of tea, set the phone down, and cozy up to your creative spot. Maybe even after your loved ones go to bed so you can limit the distractions.
Sunday afternoons are perfect for personal projects. When that sleepy beautiful lull of a Sunday afternoon comes along, grab your computer, paints, or whatever stirs in you and get curious.
Have a notebook next to your work computer. When inspiration strikes, write it down! Then make sure to come back to it later.
As a designer, I have so many unfinished personal projects looming on my desktop. But goodness it feels good (and scary) to create something for fun and release it out into the world. It may not be perfect or even become a real life piece of art but sharing it with others just feels good. And it’s those tiny personal accomplishments that create fuel for the next personal project.
Sometimes I look back at past work I’ve put out into the world and want to hide under a desk. “I designed THAT!?”. But who cares. Sharing your art might just inspire someone else to be brave enough to share their own work. And isn’t that what it’s all about? Creating. Sharing. Connecting. And doing it all over again.
People love to see what is uniquely yours. The way you think is unique. What you make and create is unique. If you can show your authentic self, it is noticeable!
I once landed a position solely because of my personal work and projects. Personal work also attracts the kind of work you’d actually like to work on.
If you’re craving more personal time in creating, I hope something in this newsletter helps and inspires you to get curious. The world needs more beauty and what you’ve got in that beautiful creative brain of yours is a real gift to everyone. Now it’s time to bring it to fruition!
Are you an Adobe member? Make sure to sign up for Adobe Max’s free virtual conference on Oct. 26-28. See prop designer Annie Atkin’s talk from last year that is super inspiring.
Brown Sugar Coconut Oil Cookies by Averie Cooks. Holy buckets.
Help! I’ve fallen down the Illustrator tutorials and I can’t get up.
It’s October. We all love the Monster Mash, right?
I hope you’re having the best start to October! If you want to follow along all things life related, you know where to find me. I’ll see you back here in November!
Love!
Beth