rules of creativity /03

RULE 03: SLOW DOWN.

“Hey man, slow down, slow down. Idiot, slow down, slow down." - lyrics from The Tourist by Radiohead

This has been one of my favorite songs since I’ve heard it. Even then, as a college student in Denton, I knew I was going too fast.

Slowing down is one of the absolute most difficult things a designer or artist has to do. Whether actual deadlines, or milestones you’ve set for yourself, there is always a level of pressure. But have you ever been stuck? Have you ever thought “I’m never going to figure this out”?

Or, have you ever said “let’s sleep in it”? Or, have you ever gotten the brilliant solution you need while showering or walking or doing something completely unrelated to the design issue you’re trying to solve? Just like when you can’t think of a name but once you stop trying to think of it, it pops right into your head. This is because our brains are freaking amazing. They’re constantly working, even when we don’t think they are. All you have to do is be still for a minute and let your brain do it’s thing. Just shut up and listen.

So, this is a reminder to myself. Take your time. It is okay to wait to make a final decision. If you feel stuck, take a walk. Or a nap. Or literally anything other than the problem. Slow down idiot, slow down.