"Experimentation is the Key to Sustainable Creativity"
Hey there! As a newbie business owner and creative human, I have recently learned some valuable lessons about the captivating power of experimentation. Combining my nonstop curiosity with my interest in utilizing old materials for new functions has kept my excitement to create alive and thriving.
Many artists, including myself, face periods of reduced creativity. While I believe this to be a natural cycle for creators, it becomes a little tricky when your business relies on that ongoing creativity. Maybe it doesn't matter to some, but I know that my best work is born through genuine passion and something I call a creative spark.
So what do I do when my spark begins to dim? Experiment!
This week, I worked on a custom shirt order and the customer asked to be surprised by the design outcome. These requests are my FAVORITE and I dived in for the opportunity to try something new. Usually, I stick to painting or sewing for my custom pieces, but this time I tried my hand at patchworking. Inspired by a suggestion from my boyfriend's mom, I ran to the thrift store for some fabric and grabbed my closest pair of scissors. Cutting around all the little curves of my designs required more patience than I'm used to, especially with using new tools. Luckily, I could rely on my experience in planning and drafting designs to make the final clothing piece look cohesive.
Another fun project I've been working on is printmaking. As I've been updating my inventory on this site, I got inspired by my past experimentations using recycled foam insulation for custom stamps. One year later, I still am intrigued by stamping and constantly looking for ways to simplify my creation process. So, on a boring night, I grabbed some foam board with a paintbrush and got to printmaking. While I didn't work on this for long, I made a few simple designs that transferred very well and stirred my ongoing curiosity to create.
Big or small, I believe that experimentation is truly the key to maintaining a desire to create passionately. My most recent experimentations have taught me the importance of embracing the process and the ratification that comes from mastering new skills. Every piece that I create tells a story, not just of sustainability, but of my personal growth as a designer and artist.
I hope that you feel inspired to try new things and embrace the journey over the destination! As you stay tuned, look forward to seeing my experimentations manifest into new ideas and creations.
Thanks for sticking around,
XOXO Lexi Lee