6-minute read

As I sit in my studio, surrounded by paints, brushes, and the artwork I’ve created over the last few years, I often think about how my process has shaped my journey as a designer and artist.

Then I hear my kids, playing in the living room and occasionally popping into my studio to poke around, and it reminds me of how life, too, is full of ever-evolving processes.

Stopping to focus on processes makes me wonder. What are they doing well for us and how might they be harming us? What steps do I often take to define a new work process?

What Process Can Do For Us

Setting Our Minds Free:

Often, when I embark on a new project, whether it's a mural, a digital design, or an original artwork, I rely on my well-defined processes.

It's like having a dependable map in the middle of a dense forest.

These processes free up my cognitive space, sparing me the anxiety of repetitive decisions and letting creativity flood in.

The Comfort of Familiarity:

There's a rhythm to each step, a familiar cadence to every piece of the puzzle.

This grounding familiarity is a warm embrace on a cold day, guiding me towards my artistic destination.

The Dance of Efficiency:

As artists, our minds often flit between ideas like hummingbirds.

Processes tether our inspiration, converting them into systematic steps that lead to organized, impactful results.

The Symphony of Productivity:

Imagine a symphony with each note played perfectly.

That's what a defined process does for us – ensures that every aspect of our work harmonizes, leading to a crescendo of productivity.

What Process Takes Away From Us

The Chains of Rigidity:

While a process can be a guiding light, sometimes, it can turn into chains that bind us.

As creatives, we thrive in fluidity, and a rigid process can prevent us from exploring avenues that might yield better results.

Losing The Magic of Spontaneity:

There have been times when, in the middle of a structured project, a spontaneous idea has struck – like lightning on a clear day.

But the fear of deviating from the process, of 'wasting' time, holds us back from chasing that electrifying thought.

An Obsession with Output:

When the process becomes king, we sometimes lose the essence of the journey, focusing solely on the destination.

Creativity is as much about the process as the result, and a blind focus on output can rob us of the joy of creation.

Forgetting Our Agility:

In the realm of art, the ability to be agile, to pivot when required, is crucial.

Over-reliance on processes can make us rusty, diminishing our dexterity in the dance of creation.

Crafting a New Process

So, how do we tread the delicate line between structured process and free-flowing creativity?

1. Visualize the Outcome:

Begin with a vision of what you want to achieve. It's like seeing the image of a jigsaw puzzle before attempting to solve it.

Write it down if it helps you.

2. Experiment:

Let's embrace the true spirit of artistry and brainstorm. Try a few approaches.

If I were working on a new mural, I'd sketch multiple drafts, letting my intuition guide me.

Think about the parts of your work you don’t like or avoid? Is there a way to change it or make it better?

3. Repetition:

Once you find a method that strikes a chord, repeat it. Reassure yourself of its efficiency.

Did you learn anything new by repeating it?

4. Adapt and Evolve:

Not every part of the process will be flawless. Take the bumps in stride, learn from them, and make necessary adjustments.

Look for parts of a project that are ripe for changing and try something out.

5. Embrace Automation:

We live in a digital age. For aspects of a process that can be automated, use technology.

It'll free up more time for pure, unbridled creativity.

One thing I did recently was create a message template that I can use to welcome new followers on Instagram and tell them about this newsletter.

The last step you can take is to write down your new process so you don't forget. Or so you can share it with others so they can benefit from it too!

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So, to all the budding artists, seasoned creators, and everyone in between, I'd love to hear from you: What's your favorite process in the realm of artistry? How do you strike a balance between structured methodology and creative spontaneity?

Let's learn, evolve, and paint our canvases – both literal and metaphorical – with passion, process, and a touch of chaos. If you need help defining a new process or brainstorming through a creative project, you can book a time with me below.

Book a chat

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Warm regards,
Chris
​@hatefulcrawdad​

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Other Tidbits

Have a wall in your house or business that could use some visual flair?

Shoot me an email or DM and we can chat about what you are looking for. My schedule continues to fill up, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

Want a peek inside my studio?

Reply to this email or DM me on Instagram to set up a time. We’ll spend 30 minutes talking about art, my process, and sharing work I’ve created. There is no salesly pressure, just connection and conversation.