Overcoming Creative Block
There’s a really great article over on Scott Hansen’s (aka ISO50) blog featuring a bunch of really great artists and their tips for overcoming the all-too-common creative block. I always find articles like these very intriguing, especially when artists that I admire and respect give helpful advice on making it in the industry. It’s interesting the diversity of advice listed in this article… some say “power through until something works” while others say “walk away, take a break, come back to it later.”
I’m not sure exactly where I stand on the issue, because while it’s cliché to say “the creative process is different every time” it’s also true. Sometimes I have to let the threat of failure push me to solving the problem, but other times I need to walk away from my computer for a bit and do something else.
One thing that has helped me over the years without fail is collecting design inspiration in some sort of reference library and referring it to it when I’m really stumped. It’s usually just a collection of photographs of odds and ends, or type specimens of some kind, but every time I scroll through my virtual attic full of junk, I will undoubtedly find inspiration. What I’ve been using recently is Evernote to keep it all in one place and categorized, because it syncs a copy on my home computer, my work computer and I can access it on my iPhone in between.
Go check out the article… if you’re in the design business or some other creative field, you will definitely find some really helpful tips that will keep you motivated.
I also recommend the book, Bird by Bird written by Anne Lamott. It’s a great book about how to access your best creative ideas and consistently produce great work… because you can try to make great art until you’re blue in the face, but at the end of the day, you’ve gotta eat.
Go buy it on Amazon. It’s definitely a great read, and full of useful tidbits.
Posted by: Josh Abe on February 13, 2010
Filed under: Books, Design | 3 Comments
The Official C.I.A. Manual of Trickery and Deception
I received a very intriguing book in the mail the other day, and I’ve just begun reading it, but I’d be willing to say that it’s the most interesting book I’ve picked up all year. The book I’m referring to is a little number called The Official C.I.A. Manual of Trickery and Deception by Robert Wallace and H. Keith Melton.
The Official C.I.A. Manual of Trickery and Deception is basically a cross between James Bond’s super slick spy skills, and Henry Houdini’s most elaborate sleight of hand. Two things that will always be cloaked with a veil of mystery and undying fascination are illusion and espionage. When the two come together, the result is an irresistible piece of literature, complete with spy stories, top secret government projects and even how-to guides complete with illustrations. Even the cover is great (by Christopher Tobias)
I highly suggest picking up this book as a Christmas present for that 15 year old Bond/Nephew in your life, or more accurately, for yourself… because I guarantee you will enjoy it. Amazon.com is where I got mine.
Posted by: Josh Abe on December 10, 2009
Filed under: Books | No Comments
Book Staircase
I saw this over at Fubiz, and I’m still trying to figure out which I’m more in love with; the design of this staircase, or the idea of having this many books on display. There’s not a whole lot more I can say about this other than, go check out the other photos, and also that I will definitely be installing one of these bad boys in my future dream home… given that I can build up my book collection enough for it to look impressive.
I’d better get started.
Posted by: Josh Abe on November 29, 2009
Filed under: Architecture, Books, Design | 1 Comment
We Have A Winner!
It was a very hard decision to make, and I have a new respect for the effort that Walker Lamond put into compiling the book, but we finally have a ‘Rules for my Unborn Son Giveaway’ winner. My favorite rule was submitted by Sean Currie:
Do what you love and the money will follow.
It’s short, simple, and it’s something I’ve lived by so far. It’s like they say, find something you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.
Congrats to Sean, but as well, thanks to everybody else who submitted rules. And thanks to everybody for reading!
Posted by: Josh Abe on November 23, 2009
Filed under: Books, Miscellaneous | 2 Comments
Absinthe & Flamethrowers
Absinthe & Flamethrowers is a book of ‘projects and ruminations on the art of living dangerously’ (and staying alive in the process). It’s written by the same guy who wrote Backyard Ballistics, which provided me with hours of childhood entertainment, and may or may not have gotten me into a bit of trouble from time to time. According to Urban Daddy, the book contains “a handful of Bond-worthy skills: lighter tricks (like “the flip“) for your chivalric repertoire, the best places in the world to drive fast (Dubai, the Isle of Man), and how to pull off a brilliant hoax. You’ll also be able to brush up on knife-throwing, handling a bullwhip, and unleashing your inner MacGyver.”
Basically, it’s like a combination of the Dangerous Book for Boys and the Anarchist Cookbook. I just ordered my copy, go get yours on Amazon… just make sure to skip to ‘The Most Important Chapter in the Book’ first, or in other words, the chapter about not dying.
Posted by: Josh Abe on November 18, 2009
Filed under: Books | No Comments
Rules for My Unborn Son Giveaway!
A few weeks ago when ‘Rules for My Unborn Son‘ came out, I of course ordered a copy. Unfortunately, I forgot that I had already pre-ordered the book way back in July when Walker Lamond announced that he’d be making his blog into a book. So at this time, I own two copies of the book, ‘Rules for My Unborn Son.’ I considered returning one of them, but then I had a better idea: I’ll give one away.
So here’s how it’ll work: Comment on this post with a rule that you live by. It can be something your father always taught you, or something you came to on your own, but it has to be good. Real good, because I’ll be giving my extra copy of the book to the best one.
I’ll pick a winner on Friday November 20th. Please be sure include your email address in your comment so that I can get in contact with you.
My father’s motto has always been, “Rule #1 is: Know your audience.”
It’s applicable in more situations than you think.
Posted by: Josh Abe on November 13, 2009
Filed under: Books, Giveaway, Miscellaneous | 40 Comments
Rules For My Unborn Son
For those of you who may not already be aware, 1001 Rules for My Unborn Son is a blog by Walker Lamond where he compiles a few life lessons for his future son, which really apply to any man.
Well, just like a lot of other blogs, this one has been compiled into a book. But unlike a lot of other blog/books, this is one that would actually come in handy. It’s full of helpful tips that sound like they were passed down from your grandfather, from a time when men were adventurous pioneers. They could fix anything, they opened doors for ladies, they wore a suit to the office, and they wore a tie at home. This book is a revival of my favorite part of American culture, and I’ve already ordered my copy.
You can get yours here, and in the meantime, read the blog.
Posted by: Josh Abe on October 23, 2009
Filed under: Books, Miscellaneous, Web | 1 Comment
