Sometimes, I go through phases where I just want to design. I don’t want to write about it, don’t want to talk about it, and don’t want to explain what I’ve done. I want to think conceptually, or arrange type on a page, or compose layouts, or organize information, or explore color palettes, all without getting distracted by attempts to put thoughts behind actions into written words. It’s a selfish period where I want to stay comfortable focusing on my known strengths.
Other days, some instinct kicks in, and I find myself wanting to help people “get it”. I venture into the [for me] less familiar territory of writing, speaking, and teaching. I enjoy breaking down a process or a technique, and carefully constructing an explanation, so that even the most unfamiliar mind can grasp a seemingly complex idea. Or a simple one never thought of before that moment. I love seeing light bulbs suddenly turn on in people’s minds, and the creativity and industriousness which so often follows.
It seems like a tug-of-war, the marker constantly switching sides. On one side, creativity thrives, experiments happen, lots of work gets done, and new ideas abound. However, this often represents the quiet stretches of inactive writing in this space. The other side is more reflective and analytical. The weblog gets updated, tutorials get started, questions sent via email get answered, and words flow faster than I can type, write, or speak them.
I don’t see this as a negative thing. In fact, the opposite. I enjoy it. It’s a constant balancing act I go through. Sway to one side, then try to get back to middle ground. I like staying focused on one thing at a time. Do well whatever I’m doing. But when multiple irons are in the stove, this means some of them undoubtedly go unused for bit while I’m using another.
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I know this feeling. I keep expecting the heads-down, design-like-mad instinct to kick back in any day now.
Actually, I wish it would.
Mmm mmmmm yeah. I’ve found that being a workaholic insomniac helps me get both done.
I have similar mood swings, though the writing side is usually what I’m constantly pining for. I don’t like to write, but I wish I would, so I try to make myself stay in that mood as long as possible, in the hope that I will soon befriend it.
I have also become very good at avoiding work, writing, etc. whenever a design idea comes to me. I’ve just got to get out of that habit…
I for one am indebted to you for taking time out to help others. Thank you.
I should also add, that the number and type of client projects I’m working on directly influences how much time I have or don’t have to write and answer emails. But that’s probably stating the obvious.
I can’t seem to get a grip on what phase am going to be in. It’s always a surprise. It doesn’t always matter which phase I’m in but sometimes when I need to be productive and I’m in a creative with crayons mood it doesn’t help.
Sometimes I design, write articles or build a webpage, three thing I love to do. One phase at a time and, luckily, never all at once. All at once could possibly kill me.
I hear exactly what you’re saying. There are often times while I’m working on a project, saying to myself “I should write down the steps it took to get here. It could potentially be interesting to someone” but of course I don’t, and then when the project is over I’m either too burned out or remember nothing.
I guess I have some issues to work out :)
I know what you mean. I get into these stances, or times where all I do is design. I’m not a great designer, but I do learn alot when I am doing such.
There are always times when, after coming up with something or overcoming something, you think: I should write down how I got to this point. If I’ve had this problem/idea, other people may have had the same problem/idea, and need some help.
And my mind sketches out a hundred ways to go about writing an article for it. I might think about it all the way to the bus stop or whatever. But when it comes to sitting down and actually composing something… I guess there’s always something else to do.
Writing regularly requires a certain drive that most people don’t have. Hopefully it’s possible to develop it.
Ahh..Doug trying to reach the perfect balance, the Golden Mean.
I’d like to 2nd what Will wrote. I’m happy to wait for the writing periods as I know that I’ll enjoy reading whatever you put up.
Either of these states sound like good places to be. Both are contructive in a creative way.
My balancing battle is between creating something myself and consuming the wonderful creations of others.
Consuming habits
i’m sure i’m not the only one who’d like to thank you for not only designing but writing about it ;)
thats for sure. it’s great to get this sort of perspective. :)
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