Creator
The Everyday Designer #20 — The designer's perspective on creation vs. consumption
Why we should be creating more than we consume every day.
September 4, 2022
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4 min
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Why we should be creating more than we consume every day.
There is this ever-evolving dichotomy in the west and even around the world between how much content people consume versus how much people create. Our generation has been teaching us that the more we advance our technology, the more we progress as a society towards a better future. That the more we raise the bar on efficiency and knowledge, the faster we get at getting to where we need to be. That the more we consume and suck in, the better we will be as a contributing member of society. I am writing this today to explain why you should always be creating more than you consume.
As designers, we are immersed in a world of creativity, innovation, and inspiration. Our daily work involves creating visual solutions to communicate ideas, solve problems, and inspire action. We are constantly exposed to new trends, ideas, and technologies that can influence our work. However, there is a growing concern among designers that the culture of consumption prevalent in our society is affecting our ability to create.
The rise of social media, streaming services, and smartphones has made it easier than ever to consume content. We can access a vast array of information and entertainment with just a few taps on our screens. While this has many benefits, it also has a downside. The constant stream of content can be overwhelming, distracting, and even addictive. We can get so caught up in consuming that we forget to create.
As designers, our work is centered around creating visual solutions. We use our creativity, skills, and expertise to bring ideas to life. We have a unique perspective on the world and the ability to communicate messages through our designs. However, if we spend more time consuming than creating, we lose touch with our creative side.
Creating is not just about producing work for clients or employers. It's also about expressing ourselves, exploring new ideas, and pushing boundaries. When we create, we tap into our inner creativity and imagination. We challenge ourselves to think differently and come up with new solutions. We develop our skills, experiment with new techniques, and grow as designers.
Creating is also a form of self-care. It allows us to disconnect from the world and focus on something that brings us joy and fulfillment. It can be a form of therapy and a way to relieve stress and anxiety. When we create, we enter a flow state where we are fully immersed in the task at hand. This can be a meditative and rejuvenating experience.
While consumption has its benefits, it also has a downside. The constant stream of content can be overwhelming, distracting, and even addictive. We can get so caught up in consuming that we forget to create. This can lead to a lack of inspiration, creativity, and motivation.
Consumption can also be a source of comparison and self-doubt. When we see other designers' work on social media or online, we can start to compare ourselves and our work. We may feel like we're not good enough or that our work is not as good as others. This can lead to a lack of confidence and a reluctance to create.
Consumption can also be a form of procrastination. When we're faced with a difficult project or a tight deadline, it's easy to turn to social media or streaming services as a way to escape. However, this can lead to a lack of productivity and a delay in completing the project.
So, how can we find a balance between creation and consumption? The key is to prioritize creating and limit consumption. Here are a few tips:
Just like we schedule time for meetings and appointments, we should also schedule time for creating. Set aside a few hours each week to work on personal projects or experiment with new techniques. This can be a way to reconnect with our creativity and passion for design.
While it's important to stay informed about industry trends and news, it's equally important to limit our consumption. Set boundaries for social media and news consumption and prioritize creating over consuming. This can be a way to reduce distraction and increase focus.
Collaborating with other creatives is a great way to spark new ideas and gain inspiration. Find a design buddy or join a design community to collaborate with and bounce ideas off of. This can be a way to expand our network and learn from others.
Finally, it's important to take breaks from work and technology. Go for a walk, read a book, or spend time with friends and family. This can be a way to recharge our batteries and come back to work with a fresh perspective.
As designers, it's important to create more than we consume every day. By prioritizing creation, we're able to grow both personally and professionally, expand our skillsets, and showcase our unique perspectives to the world. We need to find a balance between creation and consumption and prioritize creating as a way to reconnect with our creativity and passion for design. So, let's put down the phone, close out of Instagram, and start creating.
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🌱 Currently inspired: Need: I’m a sucker for good interior design, and this account just oozes with inspiration for earthy, natural, calm interiors that is everything I want for my future home someday.
🎧 Currently listening: Classic Funk Soul R&B Mix 70-80s: Sometime’s you’re in the mood for some funk, here’s a playlist just for that.