Last year wasn’t ideal, for so many reasons. I won’t chat on about it, but I’m really grateful for where I live and everything that’s been done to ease the impact here.
For me work-wise, all of the world worry and cancellations lead to paralysation in terms of producing work (and therefore, making money), both from losing bookings due to regulations and also not feeling like my personal projects were meaningful in light of the big picture.
I’ve collected a few of my favourite resources to help anyone who feels the same. Maybe even just to help us move through the work weirdness on this one.
First up, podcasts:
How I Built This with Guy Raz.
This one isn’t new, but the takeaway is it’s great for remembering that business is never linear and that effective problem solving is one of the greatest assets a business can have. There’s 100’s of episodes full of inspiration to learn and grow and build resilience when required. It’s also nice to listen to other people tell their stories to give yourself a break from hearing your own.
The Contact Sheet by Kyle McDougall.
This one is photography specific, but serves everyone in terms of what the artists that he interviews have to say. Kyle’s a lovely guy living between the worlds of digital and film. The takeaway: he talks about everything from deciding on a project’s direction to making rent.
Books:
‘The Practice' by Seth Godin.
I’ve only recently been introduced to Seth Godin’s Kingdom, but he’s a light at the end of a few tunnels for sure. I’m currently listening to The Practice via audiobook and so far it’s a hit. The takeaway: So many pull quotes aimed at those in the creative industry. A favourite being ‘Experiencing imposter syndrome shows that you’re a well adjusted human.’ Phew, what a relief.
‘Big Magic’ by Elizabeth Gilbert.
Yeah, I’m recommending a book by the author behind 'Eat, Pray, Love’ and I’m not embarrassed. ‘Big Magic’ is her explanation of the creative journey, bumps included. She writes candidly about living up to exceedingly high expectations (her first book was a global hit, but left a big pressure high), career peaking and never really being ready. While it leans into Woo territory just enough to feel ethereal, it never actually jumps the fence and she keeps everything refreshingly light and palatable. There’s also a spinoff podcast by the same name where she interviews other creatives (non-famous ones too) and mentors them through stuck points. The Takeaway: ‘Who better qualified to tell the story that you feel connected to?’.
Special Mention:
Milanote:
This one’s a moodboarding App for planning and productivity for visual people. This is where I plan anything from client projects to a shift I want to make in the aesthetic of my work over longer periods of time. Even if some of those ideas don’t make it into the final edit, or don’t get made this year, they’re saved for future reference. The takeaway: It’s better than my over-caffeinated mind at keeping track of my thought processes and it has checklists with tick boxes. So satisfying.
Personal ideas:
Focus on connection:
Focusing on connection allows you to move your mind away from expectations, worries and road blocks. Having a plan is great, but I generally find that aiming to improve the experience for your clients usually results in better work.
Steer clear of Instagram if you’re in a creative rut:
As creatives we should all want to support our industries by building originality. That said, if you’re in the throws of a creative rut, my go to move is to look at different mediums for inspiration - scan Netflix for interesting cinematography, read books that light up your imagination, go outside. Please don’t jump on instagram, because on one hand it can let the comparison monster out and on the other, it may cause you to make bad trend driven decisions in desperate times. Just a quick reminder, copying someone else’s work is not the greatest form of flattery, I don’t care what your mum says. Its disrespectful and 2021 ain’t having any.
Cool, I needed this. Hope it helps!