This weeks design rule to live by discusses the need to see the source of our inspiration, and the value of our creativity. This last weekend I took the weekend off from any and all design/cpu related work… no blogging, no freelance work, nada. This was the first weekend in about 7 months (or probably more) that I did no work at all. I just took time to enjoy my family, relax, and re-charge my batteries.
In doing this I realized something, which may not be an amazing discovery, but it is a simple truth that often gets forgotten in the daily routine of work and life.
Taking care of your personal self is the foundation for successful creative efforts
This applies to any of the many creative fields… print design, web design, web development, UX, consulting etc. The quality of the work we put out is dependent on our quality of life. If the daily stresses of finances, work, family, and relationships are to great it will effect us we will constantly be exhausted emotionally, physically and spiritually.
When this happens it is time to take inventory, it is time to look at our process, and figure out what is broken. I have recently done this and have been so much more satisfied with not only life, but my creative efforts. I have actually been able to see an improvement in my designs, and other work. This can be attributed to having a clearer mind, knowing that I am putting the right amount of effort into the areas of life, having balance is the key.
Are you investing in your personal self? have you seen a difference in your design when you do? I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject.
~ Aaron I
Love the point. After moving to Nashville with the family, I find it easier to find inspiration and put it to pixels. The move was to get to a community and place the whole family would enjoy. It has been awesome for my creativity.
I am not saying go and “find yourself” or be selfish, but create an environment of happy. Be that what it may. Mine involves family, long boarding, and a bit of good TV.
The healthier your environment, the better you will be.
This might be my favorite Design Rules to Live By. Thanks Aaron.
I would like to point out the following,
“The quality of the work we put out is dependent on our quality of life.”
This hits the nail on the head with the hammer for me. When I am tired, drained or stressed, my quality of work starts to go down the tube. I feel myself start to struggle with things that usually come so natural. When this occurs I know it’s time to lock myself out of my office and seek refuge with what matters most, my family.
It’s so true that a little time away recharges the batteries, and when I do get away I always come back stronger than before with a fresh mind and point of view.
So yes, when my quality of life is good my work is better, when it’s not my work suffers, Balance is one of the most important things in everyone’s lives.
I think taking inventory refers to putting ourselves in check and realize that our work is not everything, but our family is and that’s where the majority of our focus should be going.
Good article Aaron, makes you think…
great article aaron. often times i find myself caught up in the daily grind 7 days a week and i get burned out as a result. as you put it, balance is the key. we’re kidding ourselves if we think seven 12 hour work days in a row equates to productivity. its good to evaluate our priorities every once in a while and make some adjustments if necessary. this has been one of my biggest struggles and i’m sure there are others that can relate.
good for you aaron! i’m sure your family was stoked to have you to all to themselves for the weekend.
Is it just me or do all designers have a hard time shutting the creativity off? I always have a million ideas for cool things to design but am usually left feeling burnt out after attempting most of them. I guess my point is that we probably need to do less, but do it better. Quality over quantity.
This is a good rule to live by, but for me, it’s a lot easier said than done. And sometimes taking breaks just adds to the stress – screaming kids, inconsiderate people, family issues, etc. With work, I can control most things, but with family (especially a large extended one like mine) I seem to be reacting to everything instead of being in charge.
I do see a difference in my work when I take breaks, but sometimes I have trouble turning the creativity back on.
Great read
I agree with Josh, this stood out like a sore thumb for me: “The quality of the work we put out is dependent on our quality of life.”
I often struggle “switching off” and find myself with a million and one ideas floating around in my head…
Finding the right balance between home and work life is the key!
Great post Aaron.
I totally agree, having the right spiritual, physical, mental and emotional balance is key to let our natural creativity flow. That flow can too easily be blocked by the ‘plug’ of an unbalanced life with all the stresses and over-thinking that come with it.
I just went through the most stressful month of work since getting out of college nine months ago and I couldn’t figure out why I was having trouble conceptualizing. The work my company gave me that was busy work I dominated, and the concept development work I was really struggling. I soon realized that it was personal stresses that were bleeding into my work stresses, and my mind wasn’t clear enough for concept development.
So one thing I might be able to add to this discussion, is that I am at my best when it comes to technical busy work when my personal life is not in order because it helps me get my mind off of it. As far as generating ideas, I have to be in a good place personally to be at my best.
What about when the stress of real life is sucking the life out of you but you must still produce? What about being exhausted from taking necessary time away from working but then have to come back and be creative or you don’t get paid?
I wish it was as easy as “taking a break” sometimes.
(can you tell I’m quite stressed out at the moment?)
@kitty indeed those times come, and we do what we can but if we do take the necessary breaks, we can be a bit more prepared for the rough times… at least in theory
Aaron, your post was a jewel and a very necessary step we should all strive for – the balance. Guess this post just hit me at an inopportune time… then again, I could turn it around and read it in a more positive frame o’ mind, right?
Kitty. your right you have to be positive and I know.. its easier said than done. Im only 22 and i get stressed out and start feeling negative about stuff. then when im in the studio and I feel low I cant get creative. I dont know about you but Im up and down, sometimes Im buzzing becuase I had a really good night the night before and even though I have a hangover I still get lots of productive work done.
The key is to make sure you have fun.. anotehr good thing for me is a bit of exercise and stretching (its meidcally proven to make you feel happy)
good luck.
Contentment and calm are wellsprings for good design, but to *struggle* for contentment is the opposite of contentment. Contentment fell upon me in the past few years, and it was so vast that I’ve found I can forget it. It never leaves. Now, some of my best designs. Just do it.
I have found that since taking steps to improve the quality of m life that I have put out some of my best design work, EVER!
I think this is really important because I remember that when I was experiencing negativity in my life it was being reflected in my artwork, and constantly causing me to become impatient and irritable.
Changing my work environment, my personal schedule and making time to do things I wanted to do and my friends has been essential to my creative development.