illustration by Greg Vineyard
From Klutzy to Keenly-Aware
Many things we encounter on the Internet simply aren’t true (say it isn’t so!), but I recently saw a photo joking about how artists need to pay attention to where they set their dirty brush water versus where they set their coffee cup.
That one is true for many a studio maven. This, along with topics like: “Are my hands clean before I touch the pretty, pretty (read: expensive) paper?” are simpler examples of things we get schooled about along the way.
I also recently learned not to lean too hard on the front edge of my main drawing table. As I was picking up the 1,000 or so pieces of pastel that were no longer neatly organized in little drawers by color – and in color wheel order, no less – I was immediately certain that I’d only have to do that once. Other lessons are less physically comic, but are deeply important, like learning how to critique one’s work and progress without being critical, and how to stay in the creative zone regardless of what is going on around you.
No matter the professions, hobbies or passions, it can be useful to regularly evaluate how things are going, what we’re absorbing as we bumble along. Once we get past some of the professional requirements, like establishing routine disciplines, following instructions, and engaging in regular self-promotion, there is room to drill-down a bit into the individual moments and days, to see if we’re staying in the flow of what we Do.
Here are a few musings about some things I’m learning in my process. While I focus on the creative world, sometimes topics like these could cross over into other areas of work and life.
Maintain a Creative Environment. I surround myself with stimuli that inspires me, like favorite music, and movies (I have to warn you: when re-watching the Jurassic Park series, pace yourself. Turns out a little dinosaur goes a really long way.). I also keep up my reference library of art and artist books, periodicals, tear sheets and design samples.
Stay in Touch. Like-minded professionals can provide engaging feedback, be a source for activities and opportunities, and spark inspiring new thoughts. Even the most solitary of folks needs contact with the other humans.
Take Stock. Not just of supplies, but also of existing inventory. Sometimes idea files and older sketches can yield as much potential in new light as the neatly organized stacks of finished works. In any business, when a request comes in it helps to know what one has on-hand.
Know the Client. Not what they had for dinner, necessarily, but rather, what their business, mission, and core values are about. Know the story, the assignment and the details.
Do the Measured Things. By this I mean follow the rules first, then adjust flexible items as needed for balance. In art and design, this literally has to do with measuring, grids, spacing and more. The origin of this thought is that one must wrangle proper techniques before breaking the rules.
Good Solutions are Great. Now Do One More. Even if one has a great visual solution immediately, come up with an alternate thought or two before narrowing the focus. It’s smoother to know we explored multiple avenues than to anxiously wonder if we should have.
These are just a few thoughts out of dozens, which means there may be a Part II to this someday (and we can blame sequel-laden Jurassic Park if I expand to a Part III). In the meanwhile, in your field of work, what would be on your list? What bubbles up to the top as key understandings you can share with your peers, the things you want to work on, and the achievements about which you feel most confident?
We’re learning all the time. Growing. Advancing. Honing our skills. Even on a Klutz Day. One of the main things I’ve learned along the way is that this path can remain broad, with plenty of opportunities to dodge dinosaurs, look ahead, and enjoy the journey.