Such a great post, thank you! I'd say I'm more in the play mode but definitely always in making mode as well. A few months ago I decided to more fully commit to playing/exploring/experimenting with my making and so started my newsletter called SeekToMake.substack.com. I pick a new theme each month to dive into it as a way to really push my creativity in new ways (and as its public it keeps me a little bit accountable). It's been a lot of fun so far but I have to say, one month is not long enough so I might have to rethink things :)
Having a focus each month is such a nice way time to play - but its amazing how quickly a month passes isn’t it?! Thanks for sharing your substack, I love the featured makers! Enjoy the play!
Happy New Year! Thanks so much for the shout out - that's the loveliest welcome back to art and work in 2025 :) I'm currently in what feels like a dance between play and project atm in a colour-value-study series (although play is deffo my happy place). Fingers crossed the two fuse together as it all progresses! Looking forward to seeing & reading more of your work this year and hope to join you for some colour swatch play this year 🎨
I'd be thrilled to see you at the Co-Swatch Sessions! I love your value series, its such an important core fundamental to give time to. Something I don't think about enough, so your videos have really helped to bring me some focus there too.
The Play / Project thing is so interesting, because I'm suddenly aware that some people feel that when you're in Project mode, there isn't still play. I think actually, accessing the feeling of Play ALWAYS is the trick - the difference is a brief (to self, or from a client). That's the hard part! I see that you move between the two really often, and well! So I'm sure you can appreciate the struggle of keeping hold of the playful energy when you're in Project mode!
Can’t wait they sound so fun 🪩 thank you - I hadn’t for yeeeears either and it felt super helpful to strip things back :) mmm yes, 100% - that’s probably the magic sauce isn’t it, when both work together at the same time? And absolutely; I’m right at this point trying to bring more play into a client project and you’ve just put into words what I’ve been trying to figure out - thank you! This would be such an interesting series or challenge, to practice play within briefs ☀️
I stay in play! 😆 Moving a few hours away is consuming a lot of energy, so that's my excuse. I am excited to get there, then explore the city with my sketchbook!
I will be bringing the mindset of play to my projects for sure! You make a really good point, they can be the same thing. Playfully making stuff! I suppose the difference is the brief being in place, which can help with providing a clear framework.
Such a great post, thank you! I'd say I'm more in the play mode but definitely always in making mode as well. A few months ago I decided to more fully commit to playing/exploring/experimenting with my making and so started my newsletter called SeekToMake.substack.com. I pick a new theme each month to dive into it as a way to really push my creativity in new ways (and as its public it keeps me a little bit accountable). It's been a lot of fun so far but I have to say, one month is not long enough so I might have to rethink things :)
Having a focus each month is such a nice way time to play - but its amazing how quickly a month passes isn’t it?! Thanks for sharing your substack, I love the featured makers! Enjoy the play!
Play mode. Definitely. And yes, colour it is (Lisa Solomon's 'A Field Guide to Colour').
That book is on my Wishlist! It's been recommended SO many times! Devoted all art making to play is bliss - may it be joyful!
Happy New Year! Thanks so much for the shout out - that's the loveliest welcome back to art and work in 2025 :) I'm currently in what feels like a dance between play and project atm in a colour-value-study series (although play is deffo my happy place). Fingers crossed the two fuse together as it all progresses! Looking forward to seeing & reading more of your work this year and hope to join you for some colour swatch play this year 🎨
I'd be thrilled to see you at the Co-Swatch Sessions! I love your value series, its such an important core fundamental to give time to. Something I don't think about enough, so your videos have really helped to bring me some focus there too.
The Play / Project thing is so interesting, because I'm suddenly aware that some people feel that when you're in Project mode, there isn't still play. I think actually, accessing the feeling of Play ALWAYS is the trick - the difference is a brief (to self, or from a client). That's the hard part! I see that you move between the two really often, and well! So I'm sure you can appreciate the struggle of keeping hold of the playful energy when you're in Project mode!
Can’t wait they sound so fun 🪩 thank you - I hadn’t for yeeeears either and it felt super helpful to strip things back :) mmm yes, 100% - that’s probably the magic sauce isn’t it, when both work together at the same time? And absolutely; I’m right at this point trying to bring more play into a client project and you’ve just put into words what I’ve been trying to figure out - thank you! This would be such an interesting series or challenge, to practice play within briefs ☀️
I stay in play! 😆 Moving a few hours away is consuming a lot of energy, so that's my excuse. I am excited to get there, then explore the city with my sketchbook!
Oh yes, you have a LOT on with that move! So playtime is going to be a real sanctuary!
Play!
Great! Hope its MEGA FUN!
I would love to think of them as the same mode... that would be great ... but still a long way to go.
But sharing this adventure of creative play and projects sure makes it more fun☺️thanks for sharing and posting and inspiring
I will be bringing the mindset of play to my projects for sure! You make a really good point, they can be the same thing. Playfully making stuff! I suppose the difference is the brief being in place, which can help with providing a clear framework.
Play, play, play 🙌🏻
Nothing beats it! Play plus Project might break me but the time feels right!
I think once I’m back at the desk it has to be play mode… until it turns into a project 😳
You're masterful at creating projects from your art! I look forward to see what emerges from your play next!
Raj! What’s coming is exactly what the doctor recommended!! I can’t wait to start 🤩
YEAYYYY Welcome on board!!