Inktober year #2 is in the books for me. I followed the prompts with some illustrations last year and really enjoyed them forcing me off the computer to think creatively, quickly. Time is always my nemesis and while October was a challenging month between agency work, freelance, art, family, bad digestion, a quick trip to Myrtle Beach, ok whatever you get the idea. I was swamped, but really worth it and while my wife dreads October again next year. I’ll most likely be back once again.
CREATIVE FIX
When stuff gets really busy for a creative, sometimes rest doesn’t come in resting. For myself, I’ve learned when everything hits at once (as it always does) the most re-energizing thing to do is to make a few minutes time to create something fun/creative/worthless. Many times the work isn’t always glamorous too, tradeshow layouts, data books, presentations etc. may be more client directed and include a lot of loading time. So doing something creative in among the more objective “do it this way” work really keeps the creative batteries fresh.
For some reason creative sparks creativity and I’ve see that in looking through a CA magazine, watching some spots featured on Ad Week or talking with other creatives. I’ve noticed when I start on a “just because” new idea (however insignificant and simple) and I flex those creative muscles that may be a little stiff or tight, It gives a satisfaction and spurs more creative thought. Brainstorming with coworkers does something similar, everyone starts throwing out ridiculous thoughts, bad ideas, good ideas and all of a sudden something builds to form a direction that may work. It’s amazing how a bad idea or even joke tossed into the mix, sparks something. Anyway, below are some of my insignificant interactive drawings and creative doodles that sparked some creativity for me during busy times.
I used Pantone swatches that were by my desk, snacks/ peelings from snacks and the back of a ceiling tile after I was leaving my office. I want to do more drawings like the Santa sketch that replaces the long scroll of the naughty/nice list with something even longer, THE CVS RECEIPTS. I got one that week that was insane, folded like 5 times to fit into the bag! Anyway, I’ll be doing more once I get a break or just stay busy and need that creative fix during lunch.
