Today I will answer four questions about my creative work, because Mary tagged me in an inspiration blog hop a while ago. Although you’re supposed to put a post up the very next week, I have taken the liberty of allowing myself a bit more time.
What are you working on?
I’ve been working on so many things simultaneously over the last couple of weeks. It has been crazy, but also rewarding. I made a bunch of new paintings to show at my first art exhibition.
I’m definitely putting myself out there more, sharing my work and experiences with others. Teaching in Denmark took a lot of preparation. It’s cool to see how my lessons influenced others to start inspiring projects. Just yesterday I gave another talk at the Temporary Art Centre in Eindhoven.
At the beginning of August, I attended the Blogcademy in Amsterdam. I have a million ideas for my blog that I can’t wait to get started on. Due to the insanity of the last few weeks, it feels like I haven’t had the time yet to develop these ideas. Now that a few of the bigger events are behind me, I hope to finally have the peace of mind to start working on the ideas that have been brewing inside of my brain for quite some time now.
How does your work differ from others?
I like to think that my projects make people smile, connect and give hope. Not everything that I do has a clearly defined function though. Sometimes I do things just because they are silly or fun. A playful mindset is core to what I do, and to what I think creativity is about.
Often initiatives are either philanthropic in the form of a non-profit or charity, or they are focused on making money but lack kindness. My kindness kit combines making other people smile with the business aspect of selling a product. I believe there is an interesting market for creating businesses that trigger deeper connections between people and invite them to make the most out of life.
Why do you create what you do?
First of all, because I like doing it and I can’t imagine not doing it. Secondly, I think there are three ways you can go through life. You can make this world worse, you can keep it neutral, or your efforts can make this world a tiny bit better. With many things I create, I hope to make other people smile and inspire them to live more creatively, playfully and passionately. In the end, that’s the real reason why I create.
How does your creative process work?
When I allow myself to play, I usually come up with my best ideas. It’s a strange paradox. You want to create good work and come up with exciting ideas. At the same time, you cannot be too demanding of yourself. Too much pressure will result in creative blocks. So the creative process is all about creating the right conditions for creating things. You make time for creation, prepare a work space, prioritize play and trust that good ideas will come if you allow yourself to not have any.
Although I am a huge dreamer, I do believe that the only way to get things done is by action. Having a good idea is only the start. The real work is in developing the idea by putting in hard work and lots of tiny steps. The creative process in a combination of play, action, work, failure, trying, succeeding, vulnerability, patience and fun.
I would like to tag and invite the two creative ladies Erica and Ally to answer the same questions next week. Their blogs show a lot of original ideas and they have a real passion for making things.
What creative projects are you working on?
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6 Comments
Uncustomary Art
September 27, 2014 at 20:26
I’m so glad you did this! It was great to read. I’m so excited that you’re doing all these giant things! Giving talks and teaching week long classes? Holy crap, M! That’s amazing. You are constantly making this world better, and I thank you for it.
magicaldaydream
October 6, 2014 at 07:50
Thanks for tagging me! It was cool to sum up some of the things I have been working on :)
Niken
September 28, 2014 at 04:37
i love reading this creative process tag. so inspiring. and you’re right, your projects that you’ve shared here always make me smile :) i love your passion in what you’re doing
magicaldaydream
October 6, 2014 at 07:51
Thank you for sharing that with me :)
Kim
September 28, 2014 at 04:42
It’s always interesting to read about your processes :)
I need to make more time for creative play ;)
http://floatingthrufields.blogspot.com
magicaldaydream
October 6, 2014 at 07:52
I agree, it is. But I need to take some more play time as well. I have been finishing stuff, but not always playing in the process. I want more of that again!