Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jeffery Lawson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jeffery, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Howdy Folks! Ever wonder how to keep your creativity blooming, even when it feels like we’re being pulled in a hundred different directions every day? Well, I’m here to share my fail-safe method for tending to your creative garden and preparing it for a stunning display. So, grab your gardening gloves, and let’s get going!
Picture this: your creativity garden is in full bloom, with vibrant colors and lush foliage. But then, suddenly, it starts wilting, leaving your creative garden parched. More often than not, creative burnout stems from neglecting to tend to the care of the garden, bit by bit. Tending to your garden requires a series of tasks that are simply more than just making sure your plants are watered and getting enough sunlight. It requires a series of tasks to make sure your garden thrives. Remember, just like a real garden, your creative space needs consistent care and attention to truly thrive.
Now, you might be asking, “How do I go about this?” Well, let’s kick things off by breaking down my top 5 necessary tips to tend to your garden.
1- Holistic Well-Being & Renewal: Recognize the importance of prioritizing your overall well-being as vital nourishment for both your creative garden and your mind-body balance. Just as your garden thrives on sustenance, so do you. Schedule periods of relaxation and leisure to prevent burnout and replenish your creative energy, allowing yourself time to rest and recharge, similar to how plants need time to renew.
2- Pruning – Curation: Trim away the excess and refine your garden’s composition. Take time out of your schedule to look at the distractions of your life and remove any unnecessary clutter to allow your creativity to flourish. Prune back anything that no longer serves you, making room for new growth.
3- Observation & Reflection: Take stock of your creative space, noting what works and what needs attention. Cultivate awareness of your creative rhythms. Then, reflect on your process, evaluating what’s fruitful and adjusting as needed to enhance your output.
4- Idea Cultivation & Innovation: Develop a habit of gathering seeds of inspiration through various means, whether it’s jotting down thoughts, bookmarking articles, or capturing fleeting moments. Embrace a spirit of experimentation and innovation in your creative pursuits, exploring new techniques, mediums, and approaches without fear of failure. Allow yourself the freedom to discover unexpected avenues of expression on your phone, and gather the raw materials that will fuel your creative endeavors.
5- Community – Collaboration: Cultivate a supportive and inspiring community around your creative pursuits. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can provide feedback, encouragement, and collaboration. Share your garden with others and watch as it blossoms in the collective sunlight of shared creativity.
In nurturing your creative garden amidst the chaos of the outside world, remember that it’s not just about maintaining its beauty, but also about safeguarding its essence. By diligently tending to its needs, from watering and pruning to reflecting and resting, you cultivate an oasis of inspiration and resilience.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Howdy Folks! It’s Jeffrey!
Allow me to introduce myself: I am a proud veteran, art director, and senior designer, born and raised in North Carolina. I am a bit of a tactile tradesman and lover of all things nature.
Whether you’re familiar with me or it’s your first time hearing about my creative journey, I’d like to share a bit about myself.
As an artist, my brand is deeply influenced by my passion for self-expression and my desire to spread happiness in the world. I firmly believe that art holds the power to inspire change and evolve emotion, and I strive to create works that embody this belief.
My creative process draws inspiration from my personal experiences and the world around me. I find inspiration in nature, traditional storytelling, diverse cultures, and traditions, all with the aim of leaving a positive impact on those who experience my art.
Utilizing a variety of mediums such as illustration, printmaking, painting, digital art, photography, videography, and more, I explore the intersections between them to craft unique and impactful pieces. I enjoy pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms to create something truly inspirational.
At the core of my artistry lies a profound passion for storytelling and a commitment to changing the world through visual narratives. I aim to create art that resonates with viewers on a deep emotional level, leaving them with a sense of hope and inspiration.
In addition to my creative endeavors, I’m also passionate about teaching and mentoring. I offer guidance and feedback to aspiring artists, sharing my knowledge and experience to help them grow in their own creative journeys.
If you’re interested in mentoring or receiving feedback, feel free to schedule a session with me through Calendly using the link below:
https://calendly.com/jefferyldesign
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Allow me to share more about my journey. Throughout my time on this planet, I’ve learned some admirable traits that have deeply influenced my career and creative pursuits. Alongside each, I’ve included resources for further exploration:
Be Humble: Embracing humility is crucial to me, as it keeps me grounded and open to continual growth, regardless of my level of experience.
-How to Win Friends & Influence People (Dale Carnegie Books)-
Be Kind: Kindness serves as a fundamental principle in both my personal and professional life. I prioritize treating others with empathy, respect, and compassion.
-How to Hug a Porcupine: Easy Ways to Love the Difficult People in Your Life-
Be Curious: Curiosity fuels my creativity and drives me to explore new ideas, techniques, and perspectives. It’s the spark that ignites innovation and keeps my passion for art alive.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being – Rick Rubin
These principles have not only shaped my approach to art but have also influenced how I interact with others and navigate life’s challenges. Feel free to explore these resources, especially if you’re early in your journey of personal and professional growth.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
While numerous books have stirred my inspiration, there’s one that stands head and shoulders above the rest, particularly for creatives. Its unparalleled ability to shape the mind and ignite an unyielding determination distinguishes it from all others. Without a doubt, the ONE book that has fortified my mental toughness is my signed copy of “Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds” by David Goggins. It’s a must-have for anyone seeking personal growth. This book has played an integral role in my personal and intellectual development, serving not just as a book but as a guiding map to resilience, determination, and transcending perceived boundaries.
A standout lesson from this book is the concept of the “cookie jar.” When faced with adversity or self-doubt, recalling past triumphs and overcoming obstacles acts as a beacon of our inner strength and resilience. It’s a potent tool for cultivating resilience and nurturing a positive mindset.
Additionally, the notion of “taking souls” resonates deeply with me. It’s about consistently pushing beyond comfort zones, embracing discomfort, and surpassing one’s prior achievements. This mindset shift towards relentless self-improvement has fueled my continual growth in all facets of life.
In essence, “Can’t Hurt Me” has not only equipped me with practical strategies for personal development but has also sparked a transformation in my mindset, encouraging me to embrace challenges and relentlessly pursue excellence. It’s a book that continues to shape my perspective and guide my actions every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jefferyl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefferyl.png/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefferyldesign/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/jefferyl
Image Credits
Portrait by: Nicholas Roth
