"The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas" - Linus Pauling
It's that time of the month again. Six ideas to explore and to top up your stream of creative thought. Let's go...
Actual Great Opportunities do not have “Great Opportunities” in the Subject Line These words of wisdom might be the inspiration we all need. Annoyingly this list doesn’t have numbers so you can’t point anyone in the direction of your top tips or “you should do this [insert number]”. I still think it’s worth a share. Report back with your favourites. 103 Bits of Advice I Wish I Had Known >
Creating Connection Through Contrast and Comparison Are we all drawn to, driven by, or interested by contrast? I think we are and this is why… Seeking or Noticing Contrast >
Japan 2017 - Kim Youdan
A Circular Stroll Through the Hidden Connections of the English Language In 2018 I started to learn Spanish. Whilst my café/taxi Spanglish improved I also gained a new curiosity of where words came from. As travel subsided the Spanish classes dwindled but the curiosity of English etymology continues to pique my interest. Introducing the Inky Fool, an excellent etymology resource for anyone interested in words and their history. Mark Forsyth hasn’t updated his blog since the tail end of last year but there’s a plethora of good reads within the archives. I’m currently knee deep in his book The Etymologicon. It's a hoot! His fun and frolicking writing style makes reading this book addictive. A proper page turner. A couple of short stories to whet your appetite for wonderful words and where they came from: The Meaning of Pasta > The Illustrated Etymologicon >
Let’s Play As the need for progress, productivity and purpose seep into more areas of our lives, play can be pushed aside. Let's get serious about play and not let that happen! Here is a collection of playful quotes, to remind us that play is less frivolous and more important than we think. “The creation of of something new is not accomplished by the intellect, but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity.” - Carl Jung “Play is our brain’s favourite way of learning.” - Diane Ackerman “The ability to play is critical not only to be happy, but also to sustaining social relationships and being a creative, innovative person.” - Stuart Brown Md, in his book Play. “We don’t stop playing because we grow old… we grow old because we stop playing.” - George Bernard Shaw
Bright Type & Mixed Messages A thought provoking series of artwork by Australian Ces McCully. Inspired by "the impact of social media and our obsessive hunt for perfection in modern life." My favourite title of work is ‘I have slow punched you in my dreams.’ The Series is Called Mary & Me >
From Idea to Identity Finally I’d like to share an update for my design business. Whilst working with purpose-driven businesses to help them gain ownership of their messaging and clarity over their strategy, I continue to tweak my process and approach. I recently had some time to explore within the realms of my own creative space. I fixed up, looked sharp, and updated some of my own messaging. It goes like this: From the first spark of a bright idea to a complete brand identity, I help bring businesses to life. Reshaping and refining to help you communicate with concise, creative, coherence. I’ve also introduced a 30 minute Chemistry Call to help people shape their ideas. If you think this would be useful for either yourself or someone you know, by all means pass on the opportunity! Book a Call With Kim > Go to kimyoudan.com >
You got this far, woohoo! Thanks for getting involved. As always I'd love to know your thoughts...what caught your attention, made you smile or made you think. Until next month, be curious, be creative, Lv Kim xx