DESIGN'S PURPOSE

Hey all,

Long time no see, or long time no read, rather. It's been three weeks since my last post, but I took a step back from all types of work to enjoy my spring break, which was well-needed. We've talked before about creative burnout and how hard it can be to break through the surface of a new project or endeavor, but at the same time, it can be guilt-inducing to take a break or step away. Creativity is not a faucet that can be turned on and off at will; it's a complex process that requires the brain to be in a specific state conducive to generating new ideas. I saw on a Huberman Lab Podcast that rest periods are critical for creative thinking. During rest, the brain engages in a process known as the "default mode network," a state of mind where it's free to wander, make new connections, and explore ideas without the pressure of focused tasks. This mental wandering is crucial for creative problem-solving and idea generation. In this same light, My university's spring break started, so I thought there was no better time to step back. However, that doesn't mean I dropped everything at 5 o'clock on Friday; I powered through to get ahead on some projects to afford the time off. I wanted to eliminate deadline stress while away and figured it was my best bet.

Before my spring break started, the news of Akira Toriyama's death had been reported, the creator of "Dragon Ball." This news shocked me and most others for how early it may have seemed, but it got me thinking of the legacy he created and breathed into his work and the world he lived in. I pondered what he left behind and how it changed many people's lives, including mine. For some, "Dragon Ball" was a gateway into the broader world of manga and anime, sparking a lifelong passion for Japanese culture and storytelling. For others, the themes of resilience, friendship, and striving to improve have motivated and inspired their lives. Leaving behind a legacy through creative work is a concept that resonates deeply with artists, writers, and creators across various fields. This idea is not just about achieving fame or financial success; it's about impacting culture, influencing future generations, and contributing something unique and enduring to the world. Creative legacies can inspire, entertain, provoke thought, and even bring about social change. They can reflect an artist's vision, values, and personal journey, encapsulating moments in time and human experiences that resonate with others. In this time of grief, I found the Motivation to do the best work possible and leave something behind when the dust settles. There is nothing like a paradigm shift right before vacation.

Things to check out:

Last week's post:

Poster of the week

While on vacation in southern florida, I found leisure in reading new books, a new sport I learned called bocce ball, and of course the amazing weather. it was nice to see family again and collide with their worlds, as it sometimes feels like a mere phone call doesn't do justice to how everyones lives are moving. As I mentioned previously, I worked ahead on my projects to not work over break, I am currently in the final changes stage and my project be completed by the time this post comes out. this project focused on designing a stamp collection that showcases illustrations in a series. I really enjoyed this project because we were able to get creative with it and push the limits a bit in terms of concept. With most of the work out of the way, I enjoyed my stress and adobe free break with no distractions.

I recharged my creative battery during my trip by allowing myself to be bored and not think or worry about anything outside the moment. Embracing boredom invited me to allow moments of stillness where my mind can meander, weaving together new thoughts and ideas in a web of creativity, unaltered by the constant barrage of stimuli. In parallel, limiting my digital distractions by consciously disconnecting from my devices clears a mental expanse, enabling my thoughts to roam untethered, like wildflowers spreading across an open field. Because I was in a part of Florida that I had never been to, I was able to experience new ideas. This newfound space becomes fertile ground for seeking new experiences, immersing oneself in unfamiliar cultures, languages, and environments broadens our horizons and seeds our minds with diverse perspectives, nurturing inspiration. Simultaneously, reflection and journaling offer me a conduit to capture these wandering thoughts and fleeting insights, no matter how seemingly disconnected, anchoring them onto paper where they can be revisited and cultivated. Balancing moments of boredom with mindful disconnection, adventurous exploration, and reflective documentation, this holistic approach crafts a rich soil where personal growth and creativity can flourish, unveiling pathways to innovation and self-discovery. A new journaling technique I tried before the break was a video entry where I turned the camera on and started talking, letting my thoughts wander, and hearing the words come out of my mouth provided insight into my life that I previously might not have noticed.

Taking a break often carries an unwarranted stigma in our fast-paced, productivity-focused world. We're conditioned to believe constant work is the key to success, leaving little room for rest. However, the journey through stories of great creative minds and the insights from neuroscience challenge this notion, revealing that the path to true creativity is not through relentless labor but through balanced cycles of work and rest. Vacations and breaks are not just escapes from the daily grind but are crucial for our mental health, well-being, and creative capacities. They allow us to step back from our work, providing the space and freedom for our minds to explore new territories, connect seemingly unrelated dots, and return to our projects with a fresh perspective and renewed energy. This process is beneficial and essential for innovation, problem-solving, and creative expression.

Understanding and embracing the value of rest requires a shift in perspective. It's about recognizing that creativity flourishes not under pressure but in spaces where the mind can wander, explore, and play without constraints. This realization should empower us to design our lives and work habits around the natural rhythms of creativity, incorporating regular intervals of rest and disconnection. Moreover, embracing breaks as a strategic tool for creative rejuvenation encourages a healthier relationship with our work. It's a commitment to nurturing our innovative spirit, honoring our mental health, and acknowledging that from rest comes the strength and inspiration to achieve our most excellent work.

As we move forward, let us redefine our understanding of productivity to include rest as a critical component. Let's plan our breaks with the same intention and enthusiasm as our work projects, knowing that these rest periods are not just pauses in our creative journey but fertile grounds for our following big ideas to take root and flourish. Integrating regular breaks and vacations into our lives enhances our creative output and enriches our overall quality of life. So, as you contemplate your next project or creative endeavor, remember to schedule your next break with the same priority. Your mind, body, and creative soul will thank you for it, returning to the canvas of your work more vibrant, inspired, and ready to create like never before. I hope you enjoyed this more laid-back post; I enjoyed not having a set topic to talk about and just debriefing my week.

Keep on creating, and I'll see you next week.