SHORT FEATURE
Creative Sustainability As a "predominantly right side of the brain thinker, from the heart, living in the past, reasonably self-‐actualized, caffeine-‐inspired, passionate day-‐to-‐day dreamer" how can I maintain my crea0vity in work and play AND give all the aspects of my life the same amount of crea0ve aPen0on? This is something I struggle with daily. At work, often I feel untouchable. I hit a zone of creative thought, ideas come easily and I know precisely what needs to be done without too much thought..it just happens most of the time. As a graphic designer/publisher and business owner, I always have a lot going on at once, so I am used to _litting between numerous projects and ideas, constantly switching between different layouts, mixing problem-‐solving, administration and aesthetically-‐pleasing page design... BUT...at the end of the working day, I come home and I struggle to come up with a single costume idea for my 7 year-‐old daughter's book-‐week parade... "it seems that I have used up all of my supply..." Perhaps I need more of the left side of the brain activity to help me deal with the 'organisation' of my creativity, _ile it in a logical manner (Or safe storage facility), so that I can access small amounts when required… Right about now, I am sounding like a drug addict looking for my next _ix... the analogy seems _itting as I write however… To sustain a healthy "Creative Life", after asking a few friends, family and colleagues I am _inding quite a few personal sacri_ices need to made. Here is a small list I have accumulated from suggestions so far; 1) Get at least 7 Hours of sleep at least each night. (Preferably without eating the last meal past 8.00pm) 2) Plenty of water throughout the day. (Preferably without vodka in it) 3) Turn off all Social Media devices and programs for at least half the day. (This could be a struggle for me..I mean, some contact with certain
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people draw some unexpected inspiration when least expected) 4) Write daily task lists and cross them off. 5) Set yourself achievable mini- tasks in creativity DAILY to convince yourself that you are on track... (Does this mean I have to write this on my task list as well, what if I don't get to this mini-‐task, do they bank up? 6) Commit to one random personal act of spontaneity each day. 7) Anything that catches my eye, COPY & PASTE IMMEDIATELY! 8) Blog my 'frustrations and celebrations' weekly. 9) Drink "Buddha Tears" herbal tea. (Recommended by closest friend, do love the name but I can't help thinking of a perfect marketable logo for the tea company...oh yes, I could probably drink more tea and less coffee) 10) Change jobs. (hmmmmm...) As you can see, quite a varied list of suggestions. I think I will actually make a conscientious effort to document my top 100. If you have any suggestions..please let me know. Perhaps, I will make up one of those Calendar, daily page _lip thingo's, with a creative tip each day of the year??? I will look into this… Creative Sustainability...maybe it is something that is developed over time..maybe it something that needs to be worked on, much like getting _it or building muscle mass in the gym... All I know is, I need to harness even levels I have to ALL aspects of my life DAILY...(And hopefully at the end of the day when work and play is complete...I have a little bit left for my dreams when my head hits the pillow!)
Cam Allen www.scribemagazine.com.au