The change I recently experienced stopped my creative processes for a couple of months. A death in the family. Taking on the chores of executor of an estate. I was beginning to fear that I would never get back into my studio. I’m coming through, though, and the ideas are beginning to come, too. It feels good.
First - very sorry to hear. Second, tragedies and tough times actually do often lead to renewed creative energy, only it tends to come later, I have found -- after one has processed the feelings and found some peace.
Maybe I'll write about it in detail sometime. Long story short, coming out of a really tough time with health problems inspired me to create all kinds of new things.
I have been on sabbatical for the past month, and Adobe Masterclass took a little break, as well, which explains the pause in live streams. I hope to do some more of them in the fall.
As long as you and your family are safe and well. Behance hasn’t been the same without you. Personally, I am getting very tired of hearing all the hype about Firefly and AI.
I’m a freelance desktop publisher for print (mainly schoolbooks, high school levels), working from home. I try to make some changes between projects. Last time I replaced my keyboard (now an extended version), upgraded my OS, changed the system language (I’m bilingual), switched hands (now keyboard to the left, Wacom to the right -- I’m ambidextrous), and replaced/moved some items that are in my line of sight (I’m facing a full wall of bookshelves, floor to ceiling). Minor changes, but it keeps my workplace interesting. I’m very lucky, my workshop is in what used to be a general store attached to an heritage-listed house. Imagine all the possibilities...
That workspace sounds pretty fantastic! All those little changes you're making must keep things fresh; sounds like you're an expert at making sure the working environment doesn't get stale. Excellent!
I'm totally impressed with your gigantic - round the world move!
My only biggest moves have been to run away to New York City, to start my new life as a children's book illustrator. But I still can't hardly believe how I changed my life with just deciding to move, and it's surely the best idea I ever had.
To think I'd been practically homeless, living in the outback deserts out west, without prospects or hope... but then, just one year later, I was living on a leafy street in Manhattan and making what seemed to me a fortune to just draw pictures. https://johnnez.substack.com/p/arrival-in-gotham
Now my moves are far less dramatic... like discovering new classical music stations to listen to online from all around the world. Radio Classique in Paris and Radio 3 BBC in London for example.
The really interesting thing though I find is that every day brings dozens of new interesting things to choose in one's life... so it's a real art just finding them, since there are so many choices.
First, congratulations on that big change and on your success. New York City is not the easiest adjustment. Also, the picture book world is very competitive. Second, I'm a huge fan of international radio! I really should have mentioned that in the story and might edit it later. I listen to French radio, as well, and it really does put my mind in a different space. Excellent stuff.
Congratulations on the move! I would love to hear more about your experience living abroad and what you’re finding creatively inspiring as you explore your new land!
Thank you, Allison! As I get settled, I will write more about it. I was fortunate to grow up overseas and we used to move every 2 to 4 years, but as an adult, I have stuck to pretty much one area, so I'm definitely out of practice!
Thought provoking! Thanks Kyle
Hi, Laura- thanks for reading and looking forward to seeing you soon!
The change I recently experienced stopped my creative processes for a couple of months. A death in the family. Taking on the chores of executor of an estate. I was beginning to fear that I would never get back into my studio. I’m coming through, though, and the ideas are beginning to come, too. It feels good.
First - very sorry to hear. Second, tragedies and tough times actually do often lead to renewed creative energy, only it tends to come later, I have found -- after one has processed the feelings and found some peace.
I would love to know more about your change. I have enjoyed your Behance videos and was worried that you had disappeared.
Maybe I'll write about it in detail sometime. Long story short, coming out of a really tough time with health problems inspired me to create all kinds of new things.
I have been on sabbatical for the past month, and Adobe Masterclass took a little break, as well, which explains the pause in live streams. I hope to do some more of them in the fall.
Awesome—Glad you are taking time for yourself!!
As long as you and your family are safe and well. Behance hasn’t been the same without you. Personally, I am getting very tired of hearing all the hype about Firefly and AI.
And thanks!
Glad you made it safe and sound.
It wasn't completely smooth, but travel never is these days! Glad to be here, figuring it out day by day. The kids love it. Sending you good vibes!
I’m a freelance desktop publisher for print (mainly schoolbooks, high school levels), working from home. I try to make some changes between projects. Last time I replaced my keyboard (now an extended version), upgraded my OS, changed the system language (I’m bilingual), switched hands (now keyboard to the left, Wacom to the right -- I’m ambidextrous), and replaced/moved some items that are in my line of sight (I’m facing a full wall of bookshelves, floor to ceiling). Minor changes, but it keeps my workplace interesting. I’m very lucky, my workshop is in what used to be a general store attached to an heritage-listed house. Imagine all the possibilities...
That workspace sounds pretty fantastic! All those little changes you're making must keep things fresh; sounds like you're an expert at making sure the working environment doesn't get stale. Excellent!
Thanks, Kyle - I wondered what was going on with you. Have missed you! Wish you and your family all the best in your new home. 💗
Apologies for not writing for so long- thank you for sticking with me! Happy weekend to you.
I'm totally impressed with your gigantic - round the world move!
My only biggest moves have been to run away to New York City, to start my new life as a children's book illustrator. But I still can't hardly believe how I changed my life with just deciding to move, and it's surely the best idea I ever had.
To think I'd been practically homeless, living in the outback deserts out west, without prospects or hope... but then, just one year later, I was living on a leafy street in Manhattan and making what seemed to me a fortune to just draw pictures. https://johnnez.substack.com/p/arrival-in-gotham
Now my moves are far less dramatic... like discovering new classical music stations to listen to online from all around the world. Radio Classique in Paris and Radio 3 BBC in London for example.
The really interesting thing though I find is that every day brings dozens of new interesting things to choose in one's life... so it's a real art just finding them, since there are so many choices.
First, congratulations on that big change and on your success. New York City is not the easiest adjustment. Also, the picture book world is very competitive. Second, I'm a huge fan of international radio! I really should have mentioned that in the story and might edit it later. I listen to French radio, as well, and it really does put my mind in a different space. Excellent stuff.
Congratulations on the move! I would love to hear more about your experience living abroad and what you’re finding creatively inspiring as you explore your new land!
Thank you, Allison! As I get settled, I will write more about it. I was fortunate to grow up overseas and we used to move every 2 to 4 years, but as an adult, I have stuck to pretty much one area, so I'm definitely out of practice!
Thanks for your article. I love it and I agree with it.
In the last few days I started to make small changes, as you suggested. And I have to admit it feels good.
That really makes my day, Patrick. Thanks for taking the time to share this, and I'm glad this idea was helpful for you.