Unconfined Creativity

May 20, 2020

With the increased alone-time and isolation has come a weird pressure of 1) needing to stay incredibly busy and productive learning new skills, and 2) buying stay-at-home sweat suits and giving yourself a chance to unwind, reflect, and relax. While I think we can all say we have gained an appreciation for the simpler things in life, we have also put an expectation on “everything that’s been going on” (apparently how southerners refer to COVID-19 isolation) to figure out our life, try new hobbies, catch up with long lost relatives, find a better skincare routine, kickstart a new fitness routine (see results from said routine before this is over) and read books. Oh, not to mention FINISH SCHOOL. For you seniors, the good news is, you have officially made it through (shout out and congratulations to all of you!)

When choosing what to write this blog about, it was the beginning of quarantine, and I thought it would be nice as people try to learn new skills to have our marketing team provide some of their ways that they stay creatively motivated and inspired! That way, you too could be inspired and learn something new. Unfortunately, even talking about how quarantine has affected us is getting to be tiring, as we have all processed our feelings out loud over FaceTime with numerous audiences, not to mention, people we don’t even know on Instagram. Despite hearing messages of how we should be thankful, we need to relax, or we should be productive, maybe we could give ourselves room to do whatever suits us best and perhaps stop talking about it all so much (maybe this blog idea hasn’t aged so well…I should switch topics, no I’m too far in now and it’s due today).

I have personally found it incredibly hard as I fluctuate between the feelings of gratitude for a time to take a step back, and frustration because I may not be using this time alone as well as I “should” be. I think maybe the answer is to allow this shifting of emotions and reexamine our current definition of “productivity” in our lives. A “productive” summer for you may have originally held plans to secure a job post-graduation or to waitress and finally build some savings. As you are all beginning your summers, I would encourage you (based merely only my personal experience and opinions) to take some time and redefine what your definition of “productive” looks like. It’s important to make sure you have a balance and to know that this time won’t hold maybe what you planned, but it can also produce new discoveries.

Creating is one specific thing that has kept me afloat and connects us back to our first blog post that defined this ten-week series (Consume, Create and Cultivate). While creating may seem the opposite of relaxing, they actually can exist together in the same space. As you consume this week, I challenge you to create or cultivate something inspired from it. Maybe it’s a sketch of a quote from your favorite show or a recreating a meal that a character fixed in the novel you’re reading. This may not seem like the same productivity needed to finish classes and you’re right! I hope it leaves you feeling fresh, and inspired as you begin participating in other people’s creations and making them your own.

Below you can see how our designers, videographers and photographers have continued to feel inspired and creative. For some stepping away from designing has been the answer! If this feels at all daunting to unlock your creativity, I would suggest signing up for SkillShare! You get two months free to unlimited classes teaching anything from leather working to how to master a card trick.

Daniel Holcomb / Senior / Graphic Designer

Favorite Quarantine meal: Steak burrito bowl from Chipotle

Ways I’ve stayed creative: I find that spending time each day to keep up with keeping my room clean, spraying a room spray, and lighting candles helps me make every day feel new. Which is a huge undertaking given what’s been going on.

Resources that inspire me: Pinterest has been an obvious one, I’ve come to the point where I’m making boards for quite literally everything. My weekly Target trips have been a no-go, so I’ve been exploring online shopping. I find that shopping not only cools my nerves, it helps me to incorporate multiple schools of design into my work, and draw inspiration from other disciplines. I’ve incorporated textile, packaging, and even furniture designs into my work before, so shopping is surprisingly helpful.

Jon Roberts / Junior / Digital Media Creator & Videographer

Favorite Quarantine meal: That thing where you order a large pizza and it feeds you for a whole weekend.

Ways I’ve stayed creative: It’s difficult for me to stay motivated when I’m home alone, so I really try to buckle down and get as much done when I’m at my most caffeinated in the morning. I avoid habits that keep me in a rut and if I feel myself falling into misery, I take a walk. This helps my eyes focus on something other than a screen as well.

Resources that inspire me: Recently just discovered Pinterest. Who knew it was this neat? The entire first season of Abstract constantly inspires me and Chef’s Table is just so appealing to the senses (both can be found on Netflix). Also, Lo-Fi Hip-Hop Radio on YouTube has saved my life more than a few times.

Kate Saxon / Junior / Graphic Designer

Favorite Quarantine meal: Creamy tomato parmesan pasta with salmon! My specialty *chef’s kiss.* Although takeout from P.F. Chang’s and my favorite Mexican restaurant have been making quarantine a little happier too.

Ways I’ve stayed creative: I’ve been so caught up in this semester that sometimes I forget that we’re in quarantine. It’s been a heavy semester in terms of workload, and my four design classes take up nearly all of my time, leaving little room for me to do anything creatively for myself. I have gone out and taken photos a few times, however, and taking the time to edit those for myself is something that I really enjoy and look forward to.

Resources that inspire me: I recently made a dribbble account, and oh man, I love scrolling through there and seeing what other designers are up to. So much talent!

Ashley Brei / Senior / Graphic Designer

Favorite Quarantine meal: Homemade Naan Bread Pizzas

Ways I’ve stayed creative:  I have been learning how to make some of my usual meals I eat even better. I’ve enjoyed trying new ingredients and adding a little pizzazz to some old recipes. I also have been enjoying taking daily walks around my neighborhood and seeing all the springtime blooming and historic architecture. (also temporarily dying my hair pink).

Naomi Bower / Senior / Marketing Lead

Favorite Quarantine Meal: Red Chile chicken enchiladas

Ways I’ve stayed creative: I cook and try new recipes (some a little out of my comfort zone) every day. I have always loved cooking, but I don’t think I’ve ever done it so much. I mostly look to Pinterest to find recipes but have also flipped through some cookbooks that my family has had for years.

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