SIX is a curation of creativity in all of its guises. Why so broad?
When deciding to curate a monthly email — sharing some of my creative exploration — I didn’t want to be limited. As a curious generalist I’m drawn to all sorts of ideas and inspirations.
Upon refection I’ve found that my love of creativity stems from my interest in people. A sense of belonging is felt when I engage with the words, work and wonders of other creative beings.
When experiencing design, observing art and reading ideas, I don’t feel like I’m getting the full picture until I know more about them. Not their schooling, their dog and their family tree. I’m curious about their creativity. What went before, what has inspired them and what’s the work in progress. I can’t always find the creative culprit but I do try!
The good news is, having people as the foundation of my creative interests means there are no boundaries. I’m free to explore a vast range of interesting and curious things. Which is why SIX is called SIX. Stuff I’m eXploring.
A personal curation yes. A collection I hope you will find insightful, sometimes useful, maybe inspiring! So here we go, in no particular order, let’s explore some ideas…
Seeing as its January!
Whether this is useful on any level I quite like this annual feature from Pantone choosing their champion colour of the year. The hue for 2022 is not to my taste but the textured and colourful descriptions on the other hand are a wonder of word-smithery…whether you think it’s bollocks or brilliant remains to be seen…
‘PANTONE 17–3938 Very Peri, a dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet red undertone blends the faithfulness and constancy of blue with the energy and excitement of red.’ — Instagram December 9th 2021.
‘Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression.’ www.pantone.com
Ok, less words…let’s have a look. Pantone’s colour of the year 2022 >
Gen Z Design Trends
Ever since I worked with a professor in the US who taught leadership for cross generational workforces, I’ve been interested in the beliefs and tendencies of different generations. What impact these groups may have on society and how they work together — having had such different upbringings and life experience. Last month Tom May at Creative Boom gave us an insight to the design trends that Gen Z (born 1997–2012) are leaning towards.
An Idea from James Clear
From his 3–2–1 Thursday email on the 6th January: “The longer you’re a teacher, the less you remember what it is like to be a student. The longer you’re a doctor, the less you remember what it is like to be a patient. The longer you’re a coach, the less you remember what it is like to be a player. Change positions. A new perspective can improve your old methods.” If you are not already signed up to his weekly email 3 ideas, 2 quotes, and 1 question I recommend it! Succinct, insightful and thought provoking.
What Is The Meaning of This?
My work in brand identity design gives me permission to consistently probe my clients about the significance of their work. Why? When? Where? What? How? Etc etc. Gaining clarity about their and digging deep on their ideas, helps me and my team create a system of communication which resonates with their audience and helps them to manage the meaning of their endeavour. I recently came across Space Doctors and found their work in semiotics and meaning very insighful, and their message of embracing change an inspiring one. Here’s a 3 minute read to dip your toe in, it might incite some further inspection on the topic, it did for me!
Pandas & Dragons Oh My
I was introduced to Big Panda and Tiny Dragon a couple of years ago by one of my sisters. I bloody love them! Their creator, James Norbury, studied spirituality and having done so, wanted to share his learnings and ideas. Through that process he developed a beautiful drawing practice depicting a variety of thoughts, lessons and musings. Some of his work gives me a fizzy nose…you know the feeling…just before your eyes well up and you start sobbing. Skilful, simple and profound. A beautiful combination of creativity.
Zero Book Buying
Last year two things happened that have not occurred in many many years. I didn’t go beyond the UK borders and I didn’t buy a book. Yep. Zero book buying.
I feel like I might have cheated on one occasion…but it was worth it…my 2021 best book >
So there it is, 2022’s first round of SIX.
Maybe you learned something new or reawakened an interest in an existing curiosity. If you have the urge to respond, do it now before you talk yourself out of it. I’d love to hear your thoughts on anything above.
Finally, if you think a friend or colleague may enjoy some of these stories or snippets please feel free to forward and share.
Be curious. Be creative!
Lv Kim