This is an ongoing blog series that was previously named, What Designers Can Learn From…, but what I’m finding out is that this phrase was too narrow.
And for my first ever post on ChurchMag, I wanted to be able to include everyone.
So here we are, a new title, a new blog site, and a new way to learn from various types of people we probably wouldn’t normally look to for inspiration.
Don’t Be Afraid to go off Road
It’s good to have routine. Hear me say that. Like my dad continuously tells me, “If it aint broke, don’t fix it.” Well I certainly agree with this statement, but I also agree with trying new things. And that really is saying something coming from me. I’m notorious for not trying new stuff, just ask those who know me. I’m so timid. But this statement is so true. As a runner it’s good to have a routine, but definitely decide to go off road occasionally. It’ll be scary the first time around but after that initial heart pound, it gets better I promise.
So what does this look like for creatives? Well, in your respective arena, you may have your go to way of doing things. Maybe you design a certain way, or you photograph in the same spots, maybe you are an illustrator and you have a unique style about you. Painting is natural and you’ve developed an award winning style. You write songs and most if not all focus on love. Maybe you’re a web guru who only knows code but doesn’t really design. Or vice versa. (Ouch, that one hurt me)
If you are somehow in one of these categories, let me challenge you to do something different today. Why not go off road. Take a risk in your creativity. Draw something you wouldn’t normally draw, or draw in a style you wouldn’t normally draw in. Photograph in a spot you’ve always wanted to visit but never got around to it. Paint realistically versus your usual abstract style of painting. Go to abduzeedo or envato and learn something from an Illustrator or Photoshop tutorial. Designers, learn a little code. It goes a long way for sure.
A good example of this is Sebastian Onufszak. He is a designer that has some amazing range.
Run with Others
I know I’m new to the ChurchMag family but I’m not afraid to show my weaknesses on here and this one takes the cake for sure. Usually when I run, I run alone. It’s “who I am” currently but I’m looking to change this. I’ve been running with my roommates and that’s been a cool adventure. It pushes you to be better. Which is another perk to running with others.
Creatives who collaborate on projects have designed some of the best pieces I’ve seen. One of those pieces that I’ve seen most recently was done by Promise Tangeman and Barton Damer – Art for Huruma. It’s a beautiful display of what can happen when two forces collaborate.
Collaboration pushes you to get better and it tends to push the other individual to get better as well. And no matter what level you’re at you can always get better in some facet for sure. Make no mistake about it, humility is the best teacher, and working alongside someone will definitely push you in ways you’ve never thought.
Stay Hydrated
It goes without saying but you can’t imagine how many times we forget this small little step. I actually forgot this the other day when I ran, and boy was I all kinds of tired afterwards. Staying hydrated helps so much. You wouldn’t naturally think it would but it does.
When it comes to being a creative, staying hydrated to me means looking at inspiration from various sources. Put in what you put out. It’ll help you enjoy the ups and downs a lot better.
See you can learn from runners without actually having to run.
What else can we learn from runners?
[Images via Javier Sánchez, John Steven Fernandez, and Greg Hauenstein]
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