As I sit at my computer I can hear the freezing rain tapping on the window to my left. The wind is howling and I’m about to turn up the heat again. The view out the window might as well be a sepia toned photograph because I don’t see any color, it’s a wash of browns and grays. January tends to be a time of renewal for people. We’re all going to eat better, lose weight, spend less, and give more. But in my second year working from home, I am realizing that what I need most right now is inspiration and creative action. My creativity and my camera are pleading for a fresh start. Believe me, I am inspired daily by what I see on Flickr or while reading blogs. But being inspired by others is only half the battle, actively participating is the other. So I am giving myself a January homework assignment to lift myself out of this creative slump. And if you are feeling the same, please join me.
My self-imposed January Homework Assignment (Starting Monday):
1) Take one photo everyday until Jan. 31st that is colorful, cozy, cheerful or just makes you smile.
2) Do something creative with your hands 5 days a week. It could be drawing, painting, origami, scribbling, doodling, writing, or anything else. But it may not involve a camera or a computer. I find that doing creative things with my hands makes me more creative as a photographer and designer.
That’s it! That doesn’t seem so difficult right? I’ll let you know how it’s going for me later this month, and if you feel like participating I hope you’ll come back and fill us in on how you are doing.