Tag Archives: style

Evaluation and refocusing are two essential pieces to accomplishing goals, especially for someone like me, who often comes up with tons of creative ideas, but never seems to have the energy to complete them all.

Last week, I posted regarding my goals for 2010 and the plans in place to achieve those goals. This week, I reflect on what’s worked, what hasn’t and where to go from here. I am doing this with just a few simple steps.

Review my best laid plans to remind myself of all the things I want to accomplish, both large and small.
Assess which goal paths I have been following and how much progress I have made.
Look for other goal path opportunities.
Act.

Learn

Assessment: I have utilized my free time very well and integrated learning into my work life with much success. I have accomplished a lot in the way of reading (books and blogs). I have deepened and broadened professional relationships, both through my office and no my own. I am extremely grateful to have a great new mentor and other professionals in my network whom I consider positive influencers, teachers, and colleagues. I’ve discovered areas of interest I didn’t know I had, uncovered talents and built skills I didn’t think I had the capacity for. I view every challenge as a learning opportunity. I’m grateful and determined, working hard on every creative project and taking every chance to develop skills as a young professional. I’ve started journaling (on paper, in ink) again, launched this new blog to catalogue my progress in creative ventures and I am keeping the conversation going on the creative process across disciplines and fields and various platforms. I haven’t made it to any of the finish lines for my learning goals, but I’ve made huge strides.

Next step: I need to get out that 35 mm film camera and take some photos!

Create

Assessment: I’ve started this new blog about the creative process and have been successful with posting fairly regularly. I’ve cleaned out old clothing and have a huge pile of things to donate to charity… soon it will be time to make my own pieces. Though I haven’t completely succeeded here, I’m encouraged to do more the second half of the year. I’m excited about more opportunities to create blog content, my own clothing, jewelry for my roommate (who’s allergic to any metal except for gold), and putting together a cohesive and comprehensive offline journal. I used to carry around a Moleskine, which was not just a journal, but a living piece of art – I’ve started to get back into this practice and it’s amazing what a difference it makes in my life. Even if no one else ever sees it, “Art for art’s sake.”

Next step: Design my logo and put together a site. Completely finish cleaning out my closets and get my art and craft supplies in order in a workspace.

Invest

Assessment: I am doing MUCH better with eating well and have been shopping almost exclusively at the farmer’s market and only at Trader Joe’s aside from that. I have invested money into a personal trainer and this morning I started working out at the gym with her. The monthly membership and training sessions are expensive, but I’m looking forward to getting into shape and staying that way. I felt great this morning and, though I will be sore tomorrow, the investment in my future health is the only motivation I need to keep going. I’ve done a terrible job at keeping track of the accomplishments, but I certainly have been keeping up with the goal of doing something every week that I’m proud of – I think I’m going to start writing them all down for future reference and motivation. As I said above, I’m working on cleaning up and out and getting rid of any clutter (this one still needs quite a bit of work). I’ve been doing great with paying down what little debt I have and hope to continue on that trend throughout the rest of the year.

Next step: Writing in my journal the accomplishments I want to remember, work at better balancing my budget.

Image Credits: Learn – Rachael Ashe; Create – jessica wilson; Invest – connie zhen.

I’d love to know where you are on your goals for the year. How do YOU assess your progress? What adjustments have you made? How do you feel about the rest of the year?

Wired for Success in 2010

5 Replies

I wrote this post back in January, but considering it’s been almost 6 months since then (oh, MY GOODNESS it’s flown by!), I thought I should post it again as both a reminder to myself what I want to accomplish and a means of checking in on my progress.

The other day, I read a great article on Chris Brogan‘s blog about Wiring Yourself for Success in 2010. He suggests that, instead of making the traditional New Year’s Resolutions and following them up with endless to-do lists, a better alternative is to set goals and lay out mind maps or frameworks for how to accomplish those goals with multiple paths to the same end result. So, instead of laying out resolutions like “lose 30 pounds”, he says he chooses to set a fitness goal and focuses on one word (in this case, active). He then writes out multiple ways, or paths, to achieve this goal and any distractions or obstacles that might prevent him from accomplishing it, then lists out a few steps to take on his path to success, what the “finish line” looks like (3-5 activities a week, looser jeans, a need to go shopping), and ultimately what comes after he has achieved this goal (step up activity level, try something challenging).

Rather than static goals and infinite to-do lists, this approach is accessible and fluid. If you slip up, there’s no need to start over, simply reassess and redirect, keep working your way to that goal. It’s encouraging, motivating, and makes so much sense.

Chris suggests picking three words for the year to start with. Mine will be: Learn, Create, Invest.

Learn

Goal word: LEARN
Path 1 to the goal: formal classes (I’m in the process of signing up for graphic design classes)
Path 2 to the goal: utilize free time
Path 3 to the goal: integrate into work life
Distractions: work, other goals, social and leisure activities
Steps to the path: sign up, work hard in, and excel at online graphic design classes; find free or inexpensive photography tutorials and practice with both digital and 35mm film cameras; read, read, read; observe professionals online and reach out to ask for guidance; work closely with my boss on creative projects and professional development opportunities
The finish line: working knowledge and understanding of typography and layout in print and online media, five photography sets each with a different concentration (aperture, focus, f-stop, filter, flash, etc.); enough knowledge to push forth and create my own website.
What’s next: use new knowledge to complete own website, portfolio.

Create

Goal word: CREATE
Path 1 to the goal: build own website
Path 2 to the goal: continue blogging
Path 3 to the goal: create my own style look
Distractions/obstacles: time management, lack of patience
Steps to the path: create a logo for my new online identity/website, layout and design of site, code it, update it; post to blog at least twice each week, keep new and exciting features coming and continue with features which I have already started, keep it fresh and relevant; add at least three home-sewn pieces of clothing to my wardrobe; make at least three pieces of jewelry; clean out any old or outdated pieces and donate to charity; take photos to document looks
The finish line: a comprehensive, cohesive style and look in person and online; a brand I am proud to push forth in the world
What’s next: continue to refine look, organize and style home spaces and document with photos, label, periodically refresh look online and in person

Invest

Goal word: INVEST (I had originally picked “Smart”, but changed it to a verb – I like “doing” words and investing sounds smart, doesn’t it?)
Path 1 to the goal: invest financially
Path 2 to the goal: invest my time
Path 3 to the goal: invest in myself
Distractions: cash flow, time management, the usual social and leisure distractions
Steps to the path: eat well (no nitrates, chemicals, preservatives, or hormones, eating a balanced diet, eating often but not lots at once), exercise (walking, biking, and getting out more), learning to view spending money on myself as an investment and not wasteful, do something every week that I can be proud of – whether that’s creating a piece of artwork or excelling at a project at work or donating time or money to a charity I support, spend money and time on quality and not quantity
The finish line: owning only things that are quality and useful and nothing that can be considered clutter, visible results in health improvement via physical appearance and in hormone test results, a savings account not linked to a checking account that has a small amount in it only used in cases of emergency, a list of accomplishments at the end of 2010 that will challenge me to do even better in 2011
What’s next: paying down debt on student loans, investing money, a list of equally challenging goals for 2011

Image credits: Learn – Dubio; Create – Thanushyan; Invest – Jordan Liang.

Analysis on my progress with these goals coming soon. In the meantime, I’d love to know what challenges and goals you set out for yourself in 2010. How are you doing with them?

2010 Style Outlook: Bohemian Botticelli Bodhisattva Ballerina

2 Replies

One of my goals in 2010 is to have a cohesive style in digital and graphic arts, fashion, traditional fine arts, interior design and personality. My inspiration comes from a few major ideas, with a few minor details thrown in.

The major themes of the year have come from the B-words I’ve listed above:

BOHEMIAN: (b-hm-n) n. (from the French, bohémien, from Bohême, Bohemia, from the unconventional lifestyle of Gypsies, erroneously supposed to have come from there) a person with artistic or literary interests, who disregards conventional standards of behavior; a vagabond, wanderer or gypsy.

BOTTICELLI: (given name: Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi) Sandro Bottecelli was a famous Italian painter in the Early Renaissance (Quattrocento or 1400s). Bottecelli is most famous for his paintings The Birth of Venus, thePrimavera, and other works, which depict the the female human figure with substantial curves. His paintings are known for their serene compositions, refined elegance, and spirituality.

BODHISATTVA: (bō′di sut′və) n. (from the Sanskrit, बोधिसत्त्व, or bodhisattva, one whose essence is enlightenment, from bodhi enlightenment + sattva being) a being that compassionately refrains from entering nirvana in order to save others and is worshipped as a deity in Mahayana Buddhism, a person who has achieved great moral and spiritual wisdom and is a potential Buddha, esp. such a person who rejects nirvana in order to assist suffering mankind.

BALLERINA: (bl-rn) n. (from the Italian, ballare, to dance) a female ballet dancer.

photos: anthropologie, tammy manet.

Trademarks: semi-precious stones (amber, moonstone, and turquoise are particular favorites); shells, feathers, leather, natural fibers and materials such as cotton, wool, and silk; a cross section of nature and technology, bright colors and cultural exchanges.

Keywords: shape, volume, texture, purpose, comfort.

Signature Colors: anything in neutral and natural shades of grey, brown, and beige; any shade of purple; raspberry; peacock blue; kelly green; mustard yellow.

image from squaregirl.

What would you wear if you were going to visit this place? I think I would wear a long, flowing skirt and lace-embellished camisole underneath a hand-knitted giant wrap sweater and flat-footed large-tread boots so I could walk the ups-and-downs of the rocks. I’d bring a huge flannel blanket so I could sit on top of one with a large travel mug full of my favorite tea and watch the waves break against the shoreline. Perfect!

Things that make this girl’s heart go pitter-pat: a sense of whimsy, magic, simple luxury, alchemy, repurposing items and using old things in new ways; high-waisted pencil skirts, hats – particularly cigarette-style, smoking jackets, bustles; colored tights and patterned nylons, ballet sweaters and wrap skirts or tutus with skinny black jeans and combat boots; a mixed-up Alice in Wonderland topsy-turvy style to wear through the looking glass; backwards compliments and obscure and eclectic gifts; things that shouldn’t sparkle but do; things that should sparkle and don’t; arsenic and old lace; cherubs and imps; Disney’s Fantasia; fancy coffee drinks; wildflowers, sage and lavender, balsam; natural and organic food, clothing, and beauty products; Kombucha with fruit juice; lilacs, lilies, and peonies; feather headdresses; fresh fruit and picnic baskets; Italian sodas; elegant pocket watches; antique fairy tale books…

merci

(source unknown)

Where It Stops, Nobody Knows

2 Replies

♥ Seth Godin tells us exactly what we don’t want to hear: No, everything is not going to be okay. (Except reading this post really made me feel like everything IS going to be okay. How did he do that?!)

♥ Need a laugh? You must check out Sleep Talkin’ Man, who says things like “My bagder’s gonna unleash hell on your ass. Badgertastic!” and “Oompa loompas don’t sing in heaven. They tidy up the clouds.” The transcripts his wife posts online mornings after are hilarious. And very odd. But mostly just hilarious.

♥ This year, I want to get back to basics: writing in a paper journal. I found some great inspiration on how to turn a (cheap!) composition notebook into an art journal at Lil Blue Boo.

♥ Have you heard? Pantone Is Blowing Up In 2010.

♥ Do you have a thirst for giving? Try KOR’s water bottles, each benefiting water-related issues: ocean protection (blue), watershed protection (green), container recycling (orange), and global water crisis (pink). They’re beautifully designed and these innovative products reduce environmental impact (plus, 1% of all sales goes to water-related non-profits).

♥ Need a little zen in your life? Check out the Zen Salutations blog. You might also want to check out 8 Unconventional Ways to De-Stress and Relieve Tension.

♥ Need a pick-me-up? Try 14 Ways to Beat the Blues.

♥ I am in love with the whimsical style of Randi Brookman Harris. Her prop styling and creative direction is quirky, but simple and pretty. I particularly love the bright colors with white for weddings (she’s done styling to Martha Stewart and Kate Spade). Lovely!

♥ This first look of Zac Posen for Target is awesome and I can’t wait to see more. I particularly love that red cocktail dress. It’s sexy, cute, and classy all at the same time!

♥ Do you love Helvetica? Ever wonder why? Well, here’s a testament to the Simplicity of Helvetica (along with some history of the font, too).

♥ Possibly one of the prettiest weddings I’ve ever seen, straight out of a fairy tale. Every detail in this collection of photos is filled with magic. From the beautiful, intricate headpieces, to the priestess’ staff, the flowers, the shoes. Everything looks as if it were sprinkled with fairy dust. Gorgeous!

Wired for Success in 2010

6 Replies

Chris suggests picking three words for the year to start with. Mine will be: Learn, Create, Smart.

Learn

Goal word: LEARN
Path 1 to the goal: formal classes (I’m in the process of signing up for graphic design classes)
Path 2 to the goal: utilize free time
Path 3 to the goal: integrate into work life
Distractions: work, other goals, social and leisure activities
Steps to the path: sign up, work hard in, and excel at online graphic design classes; find free or inexpensive photography tutorials and practice with both digital and 35mm film cameras; read, read, read; observe professionals online and reach out to ask for guidance; work closely with my boss on creative projects and professional development opportunities
The finish line: working knowledge and understanding of typography and layout in print and online media, five photography sets each with a different concentration (aperture, focus, f-stop, filter, flash, etc.); enough knowledge to push forth and create my own website.
What’s next: use new knowledge to complete own website, portfolio.

Create

Goal word: CREATE
Path 1 to the goal: build own website
Path 2 to the goal: continue blogging
Path 3 to the goal: create my own style look
Distractions/obstacles: time management, lack of patience
Steps to the path: create a logo for my new online identity/website, layout and design of site, code it, update it; post to blog at least twice each week, keep new and exciting features coming and continue with features which I have already started, keep it fresh and relevant; add at least three home-sewn pieces of clothing to my wardrobe; make at least three pieces of jewelry; clean out any old or outdated pieces and donate to charity; take photos to document looks
The finish line: a comprehensive, cohesive style and look in person and online; a brand I am proud to push forth in the world
What’s next: continue to refine look, organize and style home spaces and document with photos, label, periodically refresh look online and in person

Invest

Goal word: INVEST (I had originally picked “Smart”, but changed it to a verb – I like “doing” words and investing sounds smart, doesn’t it?)
Path 1 to the goal: invest financially
Path 2 to the goal: invest my time
Path 3 to the goal: invest in myself
Distractions: cash flow, time management, the usual social and leisure distractions
Steps to the path: eat well (no nitrates, chemicals, preservatives, or hormones, eating a balanced diet, eating often but not lots at once), exercise (walking, biking, and getting out more), learning to view spending money on myself as an investment and not wasteful, do something every week that I can be proud of – whether that’s creating a piece of artwork or excelling at a project at work or donating time or money to a charity I support, spend money and time on quality and not quantity
The finish line: owning only things that are quality and useful and nothing that can be considered clutter, visible results in health improvement via physical appearance and in hormone test results, a savings account not linked to a checking account that has a small amount in it only used in cases of emergency, a list of accomplishments at the end of 2010 that will challenge me to do even better in 2011
What’s next: paying down debt on student loans, investing money, a list of equally challenging goals for 2011