Quirky Work Habits and The Creative Process, Inspired by Fine Little Day
Image by Fine Little Day.
I just came across this incredible interview with Elizabeth of Fine Little Day by Charlotte from Lottie Loves and had to share. Have you heard of Fine Little Day? You might say I'm slightly obsessed. I own a plethora of Fine Little Day products since I have a thing for inanimate objects with faces, which is just what Fine Little Day specializes in. Anyway, considering we've been talking a lot about creative projects and the fear that holds us back from acting on good ideas, I thought Elizabeth's answer to the question, How do you approach each project? is especially insightful and real.
Charlotte from Lottie Loves: How do you approach each project?
Elizabeth from Fine Little Day: I use whatever I have around me. If I don't see something interesting I go down in the garbage room and look. Or I take the bike to the flea. I have no strategies, I end up in different positions and work patterns each time. It is often difficult, I have to struggle with myself, force myself to start working. Once I am over the threshold, things are more fun.
"I have to struggle with myself, force myself to start working. Once I am over the threshold, things are more fun." She goes to the garbage room, takes a bike ride to look at cool stuff, sits in weird positions and works different all the time—sound familiar to anyone? This reminds me so much of how I work. Sometimes I feel like I'm wrestling the devil to make myself sit still and focus. Other times, it's super easy. I can immediately sit down, focus, and work.
I have found that lots of time outside, pursuing the things I like do other than work (whatever whim that is at that moment: embroidering, organizing something, reading, friend time, doodling, reading, writing, making lists, watching tv, etc.), and treating myself gently are the best antidotes for restless working. Once I get past that magic creative hump, I'm good as gold and can work completely focused for hours. The other thing I've noticed is that the amount of time it takes before I get over that creative hump has decreased over time. Perhaps I'm understanding my work attitudes and creative patterns better over time?
How do you work? Are you a sit-down-and-sit-still at the desk kind of blogger, a maker and then a writer, or a do-a-little-here-and-there until it's done? Elizabeth's thoughts on different work positions made me laugh. My husband and I both prefer sitting on the floor in front of the couch, not on it. I'd love to hear the quirks of your work process.
P.S. — You can read the entire interview between Charlotte and Elizabeth here. I highly recommend it for new favorite blogs, photographers through her favorites links, and Lottie Loves. Part II of my thoughts on this interview will post tomorrow: The Right to Take the Role as Creator.
