Before Every Writing Season
Visual Design requires higher level thinking/problem solving and it’s important to start the writing season with a “full tank”. I’ve decided to put this entry together to serve as a reminder to myself that I need to practice what I preach. I pretty much have 2 speeds as a human: WIDE OPEN and Off. When my morning alarm sounded at 5:45 today, I hit the snooze. Great, I can get 9 more minutes of sleep. :No….No you can’t”, said my brain, “because I’m going to start putting together your next blog entry RIGHT NOW!” So here I am at the computer before heading out to observe student teachers in Omaha.
So what are (or should be) the things I do each year to prepare for the writing season?
Make sure I’ve taken some time away from active design/software. It’s important to give myself a break from writing. In most cases, the break lasts from late November through about May. This helps me be excited about writing again and participating in the creative process. The work can be draining and I deserve/need a break.
Spend some time expanding my knowledge of Pyware. This helps me break out of certain old habits in regards to how I translate my design vision to actual pages/pictures in the software. What tool have I not spent enough time with? What updates have been made to the software since I used it last? Is there a quicker more efficient way to use the software in general. The less time I have to spend entering the design, the more time I can spend conceiving the design.
Video study. Watch some designs. DCI, BOA, WGI, etc. Take some time to analyze how things are constructed. Look at pacing, use of space, staging, etc. None of this is intended to be a way to steal, but just as a composer studies the works of others looking at orchestration, voicing, etc. a good designer spends time looking at design. I usually go to the DCI Live event in June at a local theater as a kick-starter otherwise there is always YouTube! Just watch out for those shaky parent vids….they can make you seasick.
Do something out of the ordinary. Break the routine by reading, exercising, traveling, etc. I’m not an avid reader. I just never have been, but every spring I usually pick up at least one book to read for enjoyment. Currently, my out of the ordinary thing is researching my roots. It seems that my 6th great grandfather was quite the 18th century Kentucky pioneer. Our family’s version of Daniel Boone if you will, and one of his daughters was Abe Lincoln’s stepmother. Anyway, I’m spending time trying to find when/where young Christopher Bush was born around 1735. Let me know if you have any leads. Although it’s time in front of the computer and it’s problem solving…..I’m really enjoying learning about my family’s history.
Attend a clinic or workshop. I just happen to know of a new offering in Lincoln, NE June 29-July 1. It’s called Drill Dojo and you can learn more about it on my website. If that doesn’t fit your schedule, look for another. Every time I have attended a clinic or workshop, I see a big jump in what I can do as a designer. I’m looking at attending a workshop in 2021 myself. There is just something completely energizing about associating with others who are interested in learning a particular subject. It’s the ultimate way to kick-start the writing season.
I hope that we all can find something on this list that will make our writing season the best EVER!
I always enjoy hearing what you think. If you have a comment, question, or suggestion, please drop it below. —DB