it turns out

i have to turn in

in the middle of deadlines, photoshoots, package design edits, designing catalogues and linesheets, refining patterns for clients, invoices, whenever i undoubtably have the least time for myself —- is when i force myself to make something.

when the last thing i want to do, is make something for me.

i remember saying this to a group of students studying, when i was asked to be a guest lecturer in 2020, and i naively said yes, (i knew, i still know, nothing for sure ) but one of the things i said with such gusto, that even i believed it (i think i was just talking to myself ) TO TAKE TIME TO CREATE FOR YOU.

so, whenever i am overwhelmed with work, usually one of two things happens. i completely re-do my website, or i challenge myself to create something within 20 minutes. no overthinking, just an intuitive practice to remember i still live inside my body with a point of view of my own. one that doesn’t have to think about R.O.I., and conversions, one that doesn’t worry about alignment and centering and whether or not the balance is ‘right’ (whatever that means).

if i’m being honest, it’s my truest self. the rebellious, off-centred, colour centric, grainy, interior obsessed, fashion obsessed, poetically OBSESSED self.

that or i cry in the shower. (i’m probably still crying in the shower)

todays challenge - was to write this substack within 10 minutes, and include the 20 minute challenge inspiration:

SOME INSPO PHOTOS:

FINAL PRODUCT <3

All this to encourage you to play. Tag me in your creations, : ) @NIKISAINT

love u,

n