Turning On the Creativity

The discovery phase is over. The strategy is in place. All the boring meetings have come and gone. Now what? How do you get started with a new design project? You have all the ammunition, except for maybe the main ingredient – motivation. Can you turn the creativity off and on at the drop of a hat? Or do you need some sort of motivation to get you in the mood?

Some people fire up the computer and dive right in. Perhaps because the budget is tight an things need to get done "yesterday". While other grab a sketchbook and brain dump their ideas on paper – savoring the creative process and meticulously working out every fine detail.

For me, it's a little of both. However, the thing that gets me in the mood at the beginning of a project is the uncertainty of what will come. Whether I start sketching, or jump right on the computer, the thought of creating something from scratch, nurturing an idea, and applying that concept so that my client will benefit in some way is what really motivates me.

How about you? How do you turn on the creativity? What motivates you?

Rejuvenation: Arts in the Valley 09

My schedule lately has been crazy to say the least. Most of the waking hours you can find me behind my computer till the wee hours of the morning working on some sweet design projects. But recently I took a break and headed to Rochester, PA to support a music event that was organized by an old college buddy. The event brought together a wildly talented cast of musicians and instructors spanning a wide array of genres and topics. The 3 day event had performances each night that included blues, African drumming, storytelling, 8-string guitar, jazz, gospel and good ole’ rock’n’ roll. Workshop covered an incredibly diverse set of topics including shamanic journeying, guitar and bass workshops, meditative and recreational drum circles, ancient storytelling and morning yoga each day.

It was inspiring to see the collaboration, support, love and above all mutual respect that all the musicians and performers had for one another. It was truly an afternoon of sound spirit and movement and the logo above says.

I saw a lot of similarities in the musicians playing together and some of the recent collaborations in my own line of work. Where a team of individuals, all with specialized skill sets can come together, check their egos at the door, and work together towards a greater purpose. It was rejuvenating and exactly what I needed to keep me going.

Wigs For Kids

For the first time in over 4 years, my little girl got a major hair cut. My wife took her to Imagine Salon & Spa in Willoughby, Ohio where they proudly support Wigs For Kids – a nonprofit organization that serves children suffering from medical related hair loss by creating custom-made hair replacements. It takes approximately 12 - 15 ponytails to create 1 wig.

The salon offers complimentary haircuts to those donating more than 10 inches of hair. We couldn't be more proud of our little girl for once again putting other's needs before hers.