After sprinting for what’s felt like a marathon and a half, I’m finally getting a breather to properly reflect.
Somehow, I feel a sense of renewal. As if I’m rediscovering certain traits of my former self. Before OpenAI. Before Cursor.
I maintain I’m still the same creator now that I was back then. Maybe I just didn’t have the experience yet to trust my instincts fully.
In a post from last year, I reflect on seeing my old childhood artwork when I visited the home where I grew up.
Things were made so free and loose. Without overthinking, without hesitation or self-doubt. These days, the challenge is capturing the same carefree headspace I had back then, amid deadlines and bottom lines.
That’s stuck with me ever since. And I think a lot of people might be feeling this tension in their work, too.
Recently, these thoughts grew into an essay about a different approach to creative work, called “Design as a garden.”
Gardening. It’s good for the soil.
Currently listening to: themes of renewal, nostalgia, and a longing for a time when things were simpler.
- Electrelane – “The Greater Times” (No Shouts, No Calls, 2007)
- Fleetwood Mac – “Gypsy” (Mirage, 1982)
- Belle and Sebastian – “Simple Things” (The Boy with the Arab Strap, 1998)
- Real Estate – “Past Lives” (Atlas, 2014)
- Kacey Musgraves – “Moving Out” (Deeper Well, 2024)
- Fleetwood Mac – “Sara” (Tusk, 1979)
- Beach House – “Wildflower” (Depression Cherry, 2015)
- George Harrison – “Behind That Locked Door” (All Things Must Pass, 1970)
- Tom Petty – “Wildflowers” (Wildflowers, 1994)
- Van Morrison – “Everyone” (Moondance, 1970)
We had good times, can’t deny it
And even though I feel excited
I’m kinda sad we’re leavin’ now that autumn’s movin’ in
We’re movin’ out
We’re movin’ out
— “Moving Out” by Kacey Musgraves
Until next season, stay hydrated.