One of my favourite things about Christmas is that I get to make cards and gifts for my friends and family. As with any personal work, I like to try new things and experiment a little with the limited resources at my disposal.
I’m getting married in May, so naturally I’ve gone overboard with the task of designing all the print & web materials for the wedding. It’s been a great deal of fun, but has also been a lesson in self-inflicted pain.
Something happens when I hop on my bike and go for a mid-afternoon ride, leaving the confines of my studio, and venturing out toward nowhere in particular. The simple objective of taking a time-out allows my mind to become clear, and I’m able to think about things in a way that I’m unable to while I’m sitting at my desk.
Taking breaks has become an important part of my creative process. I’m learning this more and more as I grow in my role as a graphic designer. When it comes to conceptualizing, I find that the last place I work well is in my studio. I’ve got the internet, books, coffee, and a thousand other things to distract me. Plus - it just feels weird to sit at my desk trying to think. It’s so contrived. This is why I leave. I either walk or take my bike, sometimes armed with a camera or notebook - anything that seems fun or interesting in the moment, but unrelated to my work.
At first, I thought it was a mechanism my subconscious would use in order to avoid working. I’ve since realized that by leaving that “creative space” in favour of a completely unrelated activity, I’m able to think more spontaneously, proactively, and freely, allowing myself to be inspired by the things I see and people I pass.
More often than not, I return from these outings with an idea, or at least a starting point. No more sitting in my studio, banging my head against the wall to come up with something. All it takes is a little break.
Lately I’ve been up to my ears with client work (in a good way) and haven’t had much time for personal projects. Last night I decided to stay late and finally get cracking on a project I’d been planning in my head for the past few months. I’ll just give you a tease for now, but I promise I’ll share some more soon.
Lyndsey (@theferg) woodburning our Pangea table in Edmonton this weekend. More photos to follow.
Excited about this vibrant colour palette for an event poster I’m working on. Stay tuned.
