We are coming fresh off the heels of last weekend’s Re:Make, which was packed with enough awesome creative vibes to fill a pavilion. Oh wait! It did. It’s safe to say we are feeling more than a little inspired to make an effort to stay true to our newest mantra: #iamcreative. But we know it’s sometimes easier said than done. Between work, family life and catching up on the latest gossip at happy hour, sometimes it can feel almost impossible. But nevertheless we are still determined to help you figure out a way to evoke more creativity into your daily routine. We had over 80 makers here at Re:Make on Saturday and we thought, who better to dish out some helpful tips than these guys and gals? Here is some advice and insight on how to keep the creativity flowing and motivation going from some of the coolest makers in the country. Grab a pen, you’re going to want to take notes.
What would you say to someone who likes to embroider, but doesn’t think they’ll ever be able to do it as well as you can?
It just takes time, effort and dedication for whatever it is that you want to do. People say that all the time but I don’t really believe that. Also, I think we have to change our idea about what good really is. Everyone is setting their standards so high. It can still be wonderful even if it doesn’t exactly look the same as how somebody else produced it. Whatever YOU do is wonderful!
Do you have any resources you’d suggest to some trying to become more creative?
Pinterest! In San Francisco we’re lucky enough to have a lot of classes and workshops. I’d also suggest getting involved in something like that.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone who wants to evoke more creativity into their daily life?
Have an open mind. Pay attention to the little things. Stop to look at the cool details on buildings, or take the time to notice floors, sometimes they have really interesting patterns and intricate details you wouldn’t expect.
What keeps you going when the going gets tough?
I just finished a two month long workshop in North Carolina. When you see creative people succeeding it gives you a goal and an idea that yes, you can really do this. If you don’t see that success in other artists you can really start to doubt yourself.
What are some creative words of wisdom you try to live by?
Easy! My motto is live creatively, love furiously.
Why do you think 77% of adults feel like they’ve lost touch with their creativity?
This makes me so sad. I think we lose touch with the freeness that we had as children. The world gets to you. It’s really easy to fall into the idea that you have to live a certain way, like “this is what it means to be an adult.” I think we just have to reject that. Creativity is always an option. We have to give ourselves permission to embrace it.
4. Francesca Greggs of Lemonwood Imprints
What’s an easy way you’d suggest for someone to get more creativity on the daily?
Setting goals. Recently I told myself I was going to make something everyday for 30 days, even if it sucked. At times it can be more like tricking yourself into doing it, almost like dieting. You have to put effort into it.
What other makers or companies are you inspired by?
Dyson! I think they’re so inventive. The air blade is like the coolest thing in the world! They take this awesome technology and apply it to all these crazy things. I think it’s a totally innovative company.
What do you do when you’re feeling uninspired?
I flip through books. My boyfriend is a painter so we go to a lot of openings. I just try to get out of my element and get visually stimulated another way. So museums, art shows, flipping through books and magazines – anything that kind of lets me de-stress without over-thinking things.
What are some ways you think people can be creative on a daily basis?
I’m a big fan of trying things that aren’t in your medium. I am a seamstress who studied construction, so I like trying to paint. Do something that you aren’t doing everyday to keep it fresh. If you’re making the same thing all the time you get stuck in your own little bubble and it can become repetitive.
How do you think people can avoid falling into a creative slump?
Just like anything else, creativity is a learned trade. Especially if you don’t use it or practice whatever it is you like to do. You’re not going to know it’s there and you’re not going to appreciate it. You can go to your accounting job and then go home and knit. It’s something to take your mind off of daily life and escape to another place.
What would you say is your biggest source of inspiration?
Well, we do bags. This wasn’t my natural trade, I come from a background in graphics. So looking at fabric and color and textiles in general was something totally new, and that was really inspiring to me. It gave my brain something new to work with.
What would you say to someone who wants to be more creative but doesn’t know where to begin?
Just start doing stuff! Anytime you’re making something it’s sort of just like this cyclical thing where the more stuff you do, the more ideas you have and it starts going faster and faster. So just start doing whatever you want to do even if you feel like it’s good enough.
How do you continue to keep ideas coming?
I go for walks. Slip on some headphones and get a change of scenery. Wandering aimlessly helps me a lot.
What’s been the hardest part about starting your own business?
Well at first it was the restless nights of not sleeping but I think I’ve kind of gotten over that now. The hardest part is just all the baking – it’s a lot of work. Sometimes I have a friend help me out but usually it’s just me. I’m working to figure out how to focus more on the creative side of the business as opposed to the grunt work.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
I have a whole bunch of pastry chefs that I look up to. They help keep me going. Tout Sweet’s Yigit Pura and and Belinda Leong of b.Patisserie are two of my all-time favorites.
What are some creative words of wisdom you’d like to pass on?
Don’t feel like you have to save everything for the weekend. Do whatever it is you like to do. And if that’s not your main occupation, just save a little bit of time each day to do it. Maybe all you can do one day is read something about the medium you like, or that artist that you admire and that’s fine. Find a way to integrate it into your routine.
What would you say to someone who has a creative hobby but doesn’t think they can turn it into a profession?
You have to believe in yourself. If you don’t, other people won’t. If you are 100% convinced you can do it and your product is worth it other people will see that as well. Make sure it’s what you love and the rest will follow.
What piece of advice resonates with you the most? How do you try to be creative on a daily basis!
