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Money ≠ Self Worth |
Proportionally equating our self-worth to how much money we have in our bank accounts is one of the most destructive (and baffling) beliefs one can have. The minute such a belief becomes a leading indicator is the moment where we optimize for that outcome, bringing along with it all the associated nasty baggage.
The faster we understand this relationship, the quicker we move on and actually create meaningful value and do things that have broader sweeping benefits rather than just for the person staring in the mirror.
- Eugene
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Starting and Re-starting —
Coping Through Creativity While in Isolation |
The Analysis |
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As the current pandemic has suddenly forced us indoors for extended periods, we highlight the underlying value of being creative. Nobody has to see or watch, it’s for you, and you only.
Creativity as Outlet
Aside from the positive outcomes of people re-centering their focus on other important matters such as family, physical health and mental health, many people including creatives are dusting off personal projects or starting new ones to pass time. But even for those who didn’t always have an outlet they’re suddenly discovering out of necessity like cooking, creativity is something that can be nurtured from where you are with what you have:
- Free: Since this is no time to go out and buy new gear or other supplies anyways, this is a great way to start a new creative endeavor. If you didn’t before, write or take pictures using just your phone, draw using whatever pens and paper you have handy, start singing in the shower — the ideas is that you create from a desire to express yourself and not let tools be the limiter.
- Fundamentals: With fewer demands drawing you outside, the extra time gained and slower pace of life means this is a great period to start a creative talent on solid fundamentals and patience. Want to start recording and telling audio stories? Our MAEKAN Classroom Series gives you the tools you need to create everything.
- Explore: When you’re not practicing the fundamentals, similarly use this quieter alone time for unstructured exploration. Feel free to discover your craft, make mistakes and not judge what you produce, whether you’re just starting or restarting.
- Share: People are already re-connecting with friends and loved ones or making new connections online. Make some work and put it out there. Or if you’re trying something new, why not share your work with a small trusted group that can give you feedback?
- Collaborate: It goes without saying there’s a great number of others in the same situation as you and now’s never been a better occasion to come together (virtually!). Seeking out peers or other creatively-inclined individuals to work together on something means you’ll both be able to create something bigger than you could by yourself and get some much needed socialization. Be on the lookout.
- Infrastructure: if try what you may and the jobs aren’t coming anyway, consider taking this time to work on the infrastructure of your creative business, whether that means working on your website or putting together your portfolio. This means you can consolidate all the work you’ve done so far and be in a better position to seek freelance work once the situation improves.
For the rest of this Analysis, read it over at MAEKAN.com.
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The Bulletin
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Listen and see the latest from MAEKAN and the community.
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- Agile Agency — Mathias Normark of Norgram
Sebastian Gram & Mathias Høst Normark compromise of Norgram. The agency’s name is a derivation of both of their last names… not unlike the publication you’re reading right now. Despite being a small and nimble two-man operation, Norgram has quickly built-up an enviable list of clients including Scandanavian homeware brand Muuto, Ikea, and Ikea’s experimental research and design lab, Space10.
We spoke with Mathias over a crisp spring day in Denmark as he spoke about development of digital design through traditional print, the influence of Danish design on the Norgram philosophy, the of course, challenges of running a small, two-man studio.
- Making It Up 119 — Financial independence and the UN Open Brief
Charis and Eugene talk about the millennial movement FIRE(Financial Independence Retire Early). They also discuss the Open Brief released by the UN calling creatives to help with providing engaging accurate messaging on COVID-19.
- Frenetic City Photobook now on Kickstarter
Frenetic City, a photo series Zhou HanShun capturing the hurried existence that is life in Hong Kong, is currently accepting backing for a limited edition photobook on Kickstarter.
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For Your A-10-Tion |
The best links from across the Internet. |
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