Sober Creativity 101: Understanding, Enjoying, and Believing

Yesterday you told me about the blue blue sky but all that I can see...

Growing up as an Asian gal, I was swimming in a sea of unspoken rules. You know the drill - look girly, keep your hair long, stay pale as a ghost. But plot twist: I've always been a bit of a rebel!

In the design world, I found myself in this weird twilight zone between 'design' and 'art'. Some folks were using design as their personal art canvas, which is cool and all, but with our planet drowning in stuff, I wasn't totally sold on that idea.

Lucky for me, I've always marched to the beat of my own drum. Feminine stereotypes? Pfft, comfort is my jam! Give me pants for moving and dresses for brain-free dressing. Short hair? Refreshing! Sun-kissed skin? Bring it on! This attitude has been my superhero cape, helping me dodge the insecurity bullets that often hit women. My secret? I get it, I dig it, I believe in my choices. Simple as that!

Now, adulting in the work world? That's a whole other beast. Picture me, fresh-faced and bushy-tailed, trying to navigate this maze of artists, clients, and bosses - all with their own agendas. Half the time, decisions were based on vibes rather than facts. Respect to everyone's choices, but man, was it draining! So, I set off on a quest for more logical design methods. It's not just about finding better ways to work. It's about documenting my journey towards a more transparent approach to design. And let me tell you, it's been quite the ride! I'm looking at this from two angles: as a wide-eyed Learner and as an aspiring Leader.

My Journey: Learner to Leader

The Leader's Lens:

A leader is entrusted with their role because of their expertise, skills, and desire to mentor the next generation.

Leaders are grounded in reality. In the past, they too were dreamers. But through experience, lessons learned, and personal growth, they've developed the ability to balance ideas with practicality. However, it would be ideal if leaders clearly defined the boundaries between their personal goals and those of their team and stakeholders. Conflicts often arise when a leader's desire for a unique and groundbreaking project clashes with the team's need for learning experiences or the client's need for commercial success.

To maintain a healthy mindset and a successful career, leaders need to be clear about their goals within their scope of influence. They should:

• Clarify the overall objective: This could be a vision, mission, or a specific outcome for a project.

• Understand the team's strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations: A team of talented individuals may not always align with the leader's personal goals.

• Define personal objectives: Leaders should consider if their personal goals align with the project's objectives.

• Communicate the overall objective clearly: This ensures everyone is on the same page and prevents misunderstandings.

• Establish a clear workflow: A well-defined process can prevent overlaps and ensure efficiency.

Leader Mode: Activated!

Remember the Vietnam Festival of Creativity and Design 2022? That's when I really flexed my leadership muscles. After a year of playing with reed and cattail fibers, I had a lightbulb moment. Why not introduce these weaving techniques to the young'uns? They've got the smarts and the flexibility to keep these crafts alive and kicking!

So, I rallied the troops (aka my friends) and we dove into research mode. Only when everyone was on the same page did we chart our course. The best part? Seeing young folks at the exhibition light up about a slice of Vietnamese culture they'd overlooked. But you know what really made me grin? My team's realization that my problem-solving approach helped everyone get the big picture. It wasn't just about scratching my creative itch!

Learner Mode: Always On!

Here's the thing: even when you think you know stuff, there's always more to learn. Us learners, we're like energizer bunnies - full of energy and time to experiment. But we gotta set some boundaries:

• Personal goals vs. overall objectives: Sure, "I'm here to learn" sounds great, but businesses want profits. So, ask for clear instructions, get the workflow, and don't be shy about what you don't know.

• Know your peeps: Take time to understand your colleagues, bosses, and clients. Trust me, it'll save you from some awkward moments!

Finding a mentor who gets you, a clear work environment, and clients who vibe with your values? That's the dream! But when life throws you lemons, let your personal goals be your North Star.

In larger corporations, roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, but in startups, employees often wear multiple hats. Regardless, employees from different backgrounds bring unique perspectives and skill sets. Learning from diverse perspectives can broaden a learner's understanding.

Additionally, companies often publish their vision, mission, and values. This can help learners compare the company's stated goals with its actual practices.

The Big Picture

Being both a leader and a learner has been like having X-ray vision into both worlds. I've seen leaders with brilliant ideas but tongue-tied when explaining them, and eager learners without a compass

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In both school and work, lack of clarity is like trying to drive in pea soup fog - frustrating and potentially dangerous. When we're clueless about our goals and how to reach them, it's easy to feel lost or used.

So, I'm all about keeping it real and transparent in my projects. Understanding my team and clients? Just as crucial as leveling up my own skills. And when I empower my team? It's like sprinkling magic dust on the work environment!

The Grand Finale

As the Buddha said, "Be a lamp unto yourself." For me, my quirky, unconventional attitude is my trusty flashlight, cutting through any fog that comes my way.

So, here's my challenge to you: What lights your fire? What makes your heart sing? What do you believe in with every fiber of your being? Let's hear it!

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Notes:

(1) & (2) I've borrowed the following definitions of 'design' and 'art' to highlight the fundamental differences between the two fields.

"Design is a plan for arranging elements in such a way as best to accomplish a particular purpose." ― Charles Eames, American architect, designer, and filmmaker

" 'Art' is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power." ― Oxford Languages Dictionary