The chasm between saying we should do THIS and THIS actually being a reality is filled with the Work. And it’s a pretty damn big chasm. Saying we are going to do something does not get it done. Wishful intentions do not get it done. Writing out a list of things to do does not get it done. To get it done, you have to do it. As unglamorous as it sounds, “we are going to change the world with this idea" is always followed by the Work. Even though its size is never known going in, if it is understood and appreciated, this chasm can be a place of originality, innovation and truly remarkable creativity.
The Best Time to Travel
Back from vacation and picking things up where they left off. On a lot of levels, this last bit of time away was ill-timed. You know, too much going on. A ferocious mad dash to complete all kinds of things before heading out and now frantically playing catchup. But really, that’s the best time to stop, go somewhere unique and do a solid reset. I was initially worried I’d have a hard time putting the work aside during vacation. But I didn’t. I just stopped. It was glorious. And now everything seems more manageable. I’m refreshed and ready to get things done for a great set of continuing and upcoming projects. Thank you travel, I owe you one.
Out of Office Reply
Vacation time cometh. It has been on the radar for quite some time and now it is almost at hand. Time to reset, take in some culture, some history and spend adventure time with my wife. In the four years being independent, I’ve taken a standard amount of vacations, but it’s never easy. So much to take care, responsibilities to be responsible for and no one to pass off work to. At my first job in agency land, I could wipe my hands clean and head out the door to a completely work-free mindspace. Now, the break is less distinct in the midst of a longview of deadlines, revisions, next steps, kickoffs and wrap ups. Definitely good problems to have, but for me, it does reiterate that this isn’t an easy profession. It’s a challenge in its time management, relationship building and, of course, the need to consistently come up with something creative that’s good. But you can’t let those things get to you, right? When it’s time to vacation you better vacation like it’s going outta style.
Wading through marshes, swamps, bogs, fens, and uncomfortable decisions.
Creativity comes standard with feelings of dread and despair. It isn’t all flash. Not all flare. It’s uncomfortable. And the more it’s pushed the more you find yourself out there, miles from shore. Sometimes in swamps or bogs, marshes or fens. But you have to get used to it. You have to persevere if you’re to get through to the other side on some kind of shore of stability. You have to persevere if you’re to look back at where you’ve come and hold your head high with a final product that delivers. Why does it deliver? Because you stayed with it in the heart-pounding, uncomfortable decisions that are typically followed by chilling silences. And when those silences are broken with work that solves the problem in the more inspiring ways, you can rest assured the job is done well.
Keep the Process on the Rails
The process is of the utmost importance when creating any kind of design. A logo, website, infographic, etc. What happens in the process is where the idea comes from. In its research, discovery, exploration, refinement, adjustment, more refinement and ultimately finalization. Whenever the process is let to do what it does, it always works. Sadly, however, when the process is not let to do what it does, results turn weak, boring or even ugly. A hollow shell of what could’ve been. The process off the rails is one of the most frustrating things. To stamp out poor processes, we must be mindful, communicate clearly, justify with reason and be decisive. Hone these skills, trust the process and enjoy creating something out of nothing.
Budgets, Spectrum
I sometimes design on pretty lean budgets. It’s part of the challenge for a lot of activism and community-focused work. I like making a project doable on a spectrum of doing good and making a living. With a lot of my client relationships, the idea of working toward the same idealistic goals cuts out a lot of process pain points that increase time and thus increase cost. They do what they do, and they let me do what I do. When this happens, projects that may seem too costly become possible because they don’t get bogged down in rounds and rounds of revision. But on the business side, JKDC needs to make money doing work otherwise there will be no more JKDC. Hence, very hands-on, “design by committee” processes equal standard design rates. This way I keep my work time focused on work, my collaboration time focused on projects and my not-working time not thinking about work.
Professional photography, by a professional.
After four years, I thought it wise to build out the JKDC brand a bit. Part of this was getting nice, high-quality photography so there’s a face to go with the name. What I tell clients is to always hire professionals to do what they do. Following my own advice, I called on Scott Drickey whose work I love. Other portraits he’s done I’ve liked very much so I was excited to have him apply his craft for me. The session was tons of fun. He has a great space with loud music, good coffee and meaningful conversation. We ended up with four variations, from casual to animated, direct to light-hearted. A great variety of expressions capturing vibes I couldn’t have done with a more DIY approach. Crisp, perfectly lighted, delivered ahead of time. You know, professionally. The way things should be done.
