I can summarize my key takeaways from this Live class in the following vague term: self-awareness

For one, I notice about myself that whenever I feel stuck or even slightly challenged for a specific creative task, I tend to run away from it. Meaning, I would open up my news feed, swipe through the latest Instagram stories or grab a book. While sometimes getting external input might be helpful, distracting myself from the creative process whenever I meet the slightest amount of friction creates the illusion of being stuck creatively.

From now on, I want to pay closer attention to what's going on inside me whenever that happens. And when it does, I should try to avoid jumping onto the easier "consumption-train", but instead give myself the space I need for the task at hand.

As Nathaniel and probably the most people taking this class, I am a sucker for gathering as much knowledge as possible in form of books or podcasts. But it might be helpful not to fill in all the gaps, in which I might not feel entirely cognitively stimulated. I will try to give my mind some space every now and then during simple tasks like doing the dishes, commuting or going for a walk.

Furthermore, whenever I notice my mind getting stuck within frustrating thought-loops or unanswerable questions - take a step back. Notice what's happening. And realign my attention.

To sum it up, instead of running away from creative challenges or judging myself for behavior I see as unproductive, I will be more mindful for what's happening in my mind and act on that. I will take advantage during moments of inspirational blossoming and face the alleged discomfort, whenever creativity meets friction.

One remaining key question regarding my own creative endeavors is the choice of craft. Professionally, I am currently a motion designer, meaning I use digital tools to create art in motion. Furthermore, I am passionate about photography as well as videography, writing and creating music. Within each of these fields there is are endless opportunities to choose from in terms of tools, styles and medium.
Therefore, I sometimes find myself struggling to choose the right craft in order to tell my story. During times with less professional work, I notice that I sometimes struggle to effectively choose my creative activity without having that fear of missing out in the back of my head. Can you, Nathaniel, or anyone else reading this share similar experiences or maybe even provide suggestions on managing this rather unnecessary struggle?

My meditations on this class - image 1 - student project
The ever-changing flow of water, always shaping its surroundings, all the while never questioning it's creations. Constantly forming it's own, unique path for others to observe.

Thank you Nathaniel for this Live session and I'm open for any further conversations!

Valentin Macke

The world is your chance to create

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