Creatively Creative

Six Eyes

 

If a pair of glasses makes you "four eyes," then two pairs must make you "six eyes."

Soon after the first of the year, I got a second pair of glasses for computer use and reading. Ahhhh, another of the joys of mid-40's. In addition to seeing my computer screen, iPhone, books, magazines and other documents much better, I discovered a surprise bonus. My reading glasses are a creativity booster, as they help me to focus (literally) on only those things that are closer than three to four feet away.

Distraction is one of the enemies of creativity. Staying focused and avoiding self-distraction is often difficult for me. So many web sites. So many people walking by. So many things on my desk. So many emails to answer. So many songs to preview on iTunes. The second pair of glasses remind me to stay focused on what's right in front of me. Now, if they would just automatically turn off the web browser when I start goofing off...

What helps you focus and concentrate?

Summer Mood Swings

Summer has a much different creative cadence for me.
 

There's lots of external reasons for this change in rhythm. My son is no longer in school, so he's home hanging out (ahhhh, to be 17 again). I usually have a major event to attend that takes lots of energy, both before and after the event. Most of my clients go into semi-hibernation and focus on more straight production oriented (change this text, move this here) type of projects.
 

And then there's my mood. I tend to want to just watch baseball, read books, enjoy a movie (or two or three). I'm beginning to realize that my mood is maybe (finally) getting in sync with the rhythm of work. Since my customers are not seeking lots of new creative projects, I like to think that I'm resting and recharging my creative batteries a bit. 

It's a given that creative mood swings will happen. Sometimes they're seasonal, and sometimes they're situational (and badly timed). I'm learning not to "fight" this place I'm in, and to go with this flow as much as possible.

Do you have creative seasonal mood swings? How do you respond to them? 
 

P.S. Check back on Monday, 8/10 for a new weekly feature!

Focus, Focus, Focus

Sorry for the absence. 

Here's a quick update. To be followed by another absence...

I've been focusing most of my creative energy since the first of the year on my various roles in the ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza. I am blessed and privileged to wear multiple hats for this event:

• Planning team member (volunteer)
• Event graphic designer - logo, brochures, program book etc... (contract)
• Advertiser/Exhibitor Coordinator (volunteer) 
• Resource workshop provider (volunteer)
• On site visual support - photos, video, etc... (contract) 

It keeps me busy. And is just about the most fun "work" I do each year. 

So, the quickie creative message I am reminded of is focus. There's times when the essential tasks have to be job one and take most (all?) focus. In other words, what needs to be "edited out" from my to-do list?That's where I'm at with the Extravaganza - it's the focus this month, and the reason for my absence from this blog. I plan to be back to regularly blogging upon my return from Extravaganza on February 3. 

How do you edit your creative list to what's essential?