The Everyday Designer #3 — Designing in hard times

The news can be so draining, especially when we are being exposed to it almost every second of the day. (Been taking longer showers lately just so I have more time away from devices, am I the only one?)

Yet at the same time, I can’t help but feel compassion for the people across the world who are facing trouble and adversity at a time like this. Then I just zoom out and realize every single one of you reading this, in fact, in some way or another is going through something hard. Some challenge, some roadblock some tragedy.

As a designer, I can’t help but relate this idea to reaching creative block. This isn’t only for designers. There’s musicians, writers, performers, and artists who all, at some point or another in their life, come face to face with the emptiness or lack of ideas.

Getting Through It

Over the years of being in the creative industry I’ve had my fair share of creative blocks and getting over them seemed impossible. I also know that I handled them all differently. Sometimes, you just gotta step away from your desk. Go for a walk, you know like…outside?! (I know, it can be a scary concept for some but I promise you even the change of air will do you good.) A lot of that as well has to do with changing the environment you’re in. Sometimes I found myself going to town to a coffee shop or a library. Maybe switching up the tools, so using something more analog like…yes…paper and a pencil or pen or marker.

I believe most of the time we get “blocked” because we haven’t allowed enough of LIFE to happen.

Recently, filmmaker and youtuber Mark Bone, said in a video speaking to documentaries, “Documentaries are about life, and life needs to unfold, you can’t speed up life.” (Check out the video here.)

I think he nailed it on the head, and I can’t help but relate that to inspiration as well. In order to be inspired, you must first just be. Too much of creative block is because you are trying to do too much creation and your fixated on it. Until you decide to live life again or do something, inspiration might not come to you. The being is in the living!

Learning To Live With It

In the living of life is where everything happens, including being a better relative to your family, being a better partner, being a better neighbour, a better citizen. Too much news distracts us from being present in reality and being able to work on what we actually can, including being better designers. So after you’ve read this, go and hug a loved one, go for a walk, go out for coffee with that friend you’ve been meaning to, and get living.

Cause maybe, like a child, you will be inspired once again.

Hoping we all make it through the rest of March. ✌️ + ❤️

P.S. my DMs are always open if you need someone to talk to or get help from. 🤞

🌊 Currents

I love sharing what I’ve been up to lately and this is one way for me to let you in on what’s been happening in my life.

🇺🇦 Currently helping: Ukraine Crisis Resources - wanted to put this at the top incase you are looking for ways to help with the situation over in Ukraine. A friend of mine put together this amazing website full of resources to support Ukraine and their people.

📚 Currently reading: Atomic Habits - James Clear - As I wrap up Essentialism I am excited to dive into this treasure trove of a book, that I have heard talked up from so many people in different areas of my life! Curious to know, have you read it already? (Leave a comment below with your best take-away)

🏡 Currently inspired: Apple Events - after watching yesterday’s (March 8, 2022) Keynote event, I couldn’t help but continue to be in awe of Apple’s ever-increasing production value and quality. Like they know what they are doing. Every time. So I took a trip down memory lane, and you can see how much they’ve grown over the years, specifically in the set design and transitions department. I wonder, how they will raise the bar next time? (Check out this History of #AppleEvent invitations tweet)

✏️ Currently using: Nomad Base Station | Walnut - if your as geeky as me in making sure your whole “deskscape” is aesthetically pleasing and matches every other accessory in your desk setup, then don’t miss out on this walnut wireless charging hub made by Nomad. You can be charging 2 devices wirelessly simultaneously and more if you have usb-a/usb-c cables

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