Inspired by…. Honey & Jam
January 21, 2010
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the creative process – how it works for me, and wondering how it works for others. For me it comes down to being in the right frame of mind – which can be tough to control at times. Every day is different, but when I’m starting a new project for a web design client there are those moments when you stare at your white computer screen canvas and the only feeling you know is doubt. At this point some self-reassurance comes into play and I start trying things, fiddling and moving things around until I look at the screen and it feels “right” to me… If I’m really stumped I’ll have someone else take a look and see what they think. I’ve been a web designer for a few years now and haven’t really worked on projects for myself much – starting this blog and opening an etsy shop have changed that. Both have brought me so many fresh moments of inspiration that pop up here and there, usually at very unexpected intervals! It’s caused me to appreciate other people’s work even more, and to recognize the beauty in small every day moments to a greater degree.
That’s why I chose this photographer from Etsy to share today, the talented 18 year old Hannah of honey and jam – her pictures all speak of those small but wonderful moments. They don’t need to cost much money to be worth a lot. I feel like I can put myself and someone who is dear to me in each of these photos, we’d be enjoying time away from work and our computers – outside, just soaking in the day!
I’d love to hear what inspires you in your day to day life – or as you challenge yourself creatively…
~ Amy
These images are indeed lovely! To me, they speak of comfort and warmth…
As for creativity — I find that a variety of things can spark my creativity…looking
I love moments like that.
through a magazine, seeing a beautiful piece of art, a composition of food…
but most importantly, being around the creative people I love to work with, and
bouncing ideas back and forth. One person will say something, which will lead
to another idea, and that will build onto something better, and so on…then, we
scramble for the nearest sheet of paper, before we forget the “wow” that we
just arrived at
Thanks for such a lovely post, I’m off to check out the photographer’s site…
xo,
Sarah
Thanks for sharing Hannah’s site! I love the simplicity of her photos… they remind me that I can find creative inspiration in the small moments and everyday objects around me. I find when I’m feeling uninspired I tend to be focusing too much on big picture ideas and if I slow down and take a step back I can usually see the details and get inspired by them!
Honey & Jam is a great name! I really want a cup of tea and toast now.
I think my creativity is sparked mostly by my friends. If I’m stuck, just sitting down with them to chat tends to get me thinking about ideas and ideals. But, if I’m feeling really uninspired sometimes the only thing that will help is a nap. Nothing is more centering to me than taking a quick nap and waking up feeling refreshed.
Hey guys thanks for your comments and for sharing what works for you. Sarah – it’s that “wow” moment that I love and am so addicted too! When the ideas really start to come together and you feel like “that’s it”…
~amy
Great post! Sometimes I feel like creativity being spontaneous can be both a blessing and a curse, so often I want to get started right.now. when I’m out on the bus or my desk is a crazy mess and it’s just not feasible! Carrying a sketch/notebook around helps immensly with that, and also realising that if my desk is messing it’s ok to not clean it straight away, there’ll be time later.
I totally know what you mean about the blank canvas thing, I hate that feeling. While sometimes it ends up working, there are other times when I have to realise that it will be better if I just leave it for now and come back later when I’m feeling more inspired, you can’t force it, you know?
it’s soooo true you can’t force it… though sometimes i have to for work (ugh) – for my own projects it’s great just to let them breathe a bit more. i also relate to wanting to get started right away on things (not enough hours in the day right), but what i’m noticing is if you let an idea sit, it sometimes builds in time into an idea you like even better!
~amy