Creative Resolutions

I don't why I like New Year's resolutions, because I'm not really a "glass is half overflowing" kind of guy, but for some reason I do.

Maybe it's because of the crazy idealism behind many of them ("Create World Peace", "Invent Perpetual Motion Machine") or their sheer optimism in the face of staggering odds ("Quit Smoking and Lose 45 Pounds by Summer"). Regardless, I make resolutions every year. I do blow off about half, but that's still pretty good odds, considering. (I should probably make a list of the ones I never hit, there just might be something going on there.)

If you're a Creative Talent, Eric Adams over at creativepro.com has a nice article on getting your creative juices flowing again this year.

The two I like best are Create art for art's sake and Do pro bono work, both pretty worthy causes. The first deals head-on with creative burnout. You know, deadlines, billing, stock photos, and endless revisions can wear down that Design Spirit you've worked so hard to cultivate. He suggests creating something with absolutely no intention to ever sell it. Hey, you've probably got all the software, not to mention a pen and paper, what have you got to lose?

Pro bono work is something we often suggest to Designers looking to get more professional (aka, not student) pieces in their portfolio. If you do the work for an organization you love, double bonus! Becky in our office came up with some great Los Angeles opportunities in when she blogged for me in August.

Do take a moment to look at the full article at creativepro.com, if only for the advice: Believe in yourself.

Hope that's not one of the ones I blow off.

Happy 2007, everyone.