Every day that I am privileged to work on Full of Days produces creative instruction. One of the overarching lessons has been that creativity is a state, not a whim confined to a single project. This newsletter is an example of the effects "creative spill-over" can have: writing feeding graphic design…or was it graphic design feeding writing?
The intro for “1st Generation Dad” was posted last week. Working through the process for the first post included conception, a first and second draft, and then setting it aside for perspective. Then, after a period of time, applying the last coat of polish from solicited feedback.Never forgetting to exercise the obligatory discipline, killing the insecurities that scream “scrap the whole project” (aka “Dark Night of The Soul”) before finally hitting the “publish” button.
Being faithful to the creative process breathed life into peripheral projects.
During breaks from writing “1st Generation Dad” I worked on updating designs for Full of Days online branding, adding text overlays and logos to the images we included in posts. The idea had been lurking in the background for months when something in the process of producing “1st Generation Dad” triggered an image design idea.
Even though the graphic design was basic and required little inspiration, it had eluded me. But with creativity flowing from my writing, a stalking “have to” transformed into a "nailed it". The structure, colors and guidelines for the image branding process flowed easily and completely. Taking a moment to appreciate the completed process (and resulting satisfaction) of a job done, returned the favor by infusing fresh inspiration into “1st Generation Dad”.
Chicken or egg question? Not really. Even if you're not creative, do what you can to ensure that whatever pays the bills has side projects. Side projects that have room to breathe, free from the limitations of production. These projects may just have unintended results...like making the day job come easier.
Sounds like a Redeem 5.2 post…
- Jason
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