The Offhours #32: Natural Patterns
Thoughts on design, art and living life while being a creative human.
Seasons
It takes practice and time to get into a flow state. That space where you are just channelling and flooded with ideas. The Pixar film “Soul” comes to mind, and how they were able to represent that feeling so perfectly. My flow states fluctuate and I’ve come to recognize my own patterns over the years.
I have blocks of time where I have to slow down and let things marinate, and blocks of time where the ideas are flowing. Seasons, if you will. These blocks fluctuate based on life-be-lifing factors. And I’m not speaking on burn out, that’s a whole different ball game. Taking on too much and fluctuating between different types of creative projects will definitely get you there. What comes to mind for me is balance. Being in touch with your self. Your capacity to focus and be ‘on’, and your body and minds need to rest and reset.
Summers are my off season. I’ve tried so many times to push through, to no avail, so I gave in and let my mind do its thing. Maybe it’s the busier than usual social calendar. Maybe it’s the weather and the need to enjoy it while it’s good. I hate being inside on s sunny day. I also find myself seeking inspiration the most around this time.
The fall kicks off my first productive time period. Maybe it’s the school calendar and my body being used to that cyclical engaging experience. In fact, I started this newsletter a little over a year ago around this time and I’m so happy I did.
Take note of your own patterns. Whatever it is for you, use it to your advantage and to help you recognize your flow state. Most of all, use your pattern to avoid burnout.
⏰ Linky Links - A mixture of articles, news, videos and stuff you may enjoy.
→ Listening: “5 essential questions to craft a winning strategy” via ‘Lenny’s Podcast’ with guest Roger Martin. Interested in strategy? Start with Martin’s books.
→ Reading: Elizabeth Goodspeed strikes via ‘It’s Nice That’ with “The power and perils of the mockup”. The mockup industry is taking on a life of its own.
→ Watching: Tim Biskup in the Studio with “Art doesn't last and it doesn't matter”. His drawing technique is hypnotic and makes you want to try it for yourself.
→ Liking: ‘Meanhwhile’, the designy link filled stack by Daniel Benneworth-Gray’s. I’m a lover of interesting links with a design skew.
👋🏾 Hi, thanks for reading The Offhours, a newsletter on the creative experience outside of full time gigs, deadlines and self imposed schedules. You’re amazing, tell a friend. Stay Wonderful.
