Taking a break from daily life is always a good move. I should do it more often!
I'm referring to my recent trip to the UK here. Where technology doesn't work in the places I stay, so I'm forced to actually think!
So I think. And ponder. And evaluate. Then re-evaluate.And work out which direction I want to go...
I have a couple of projects I am working on, but can't give my full attention to both at the same time. If I work on one, I feel guilty that I'm neglecting the other. Guilt is a pointless emotion and I don't want to experience it any more.
I have been studying graphic design for a while on a distance learning course. I'm finding it hard going because of time constraints and an almost vertical learning curve.
Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying it immensely, but it's taking longer than anticipated to complete the course and it's a lot harder than I thought it would be. My brain is out of practice when it comes to learning. This course takes up a LOT of my brain space. I find it hard to disconnect from 'what I should be doing to complete the course asap' and this is affecting my ability to be creative.
As for the second project; I had an idea for a book to write about a year ago - did loads of research on the subject. But again, I haven't had time to get far with it. This is battling for brain-space with the graphic design course.
While I was away, I found I was far more inspired by the book project than the graphic design course.
So, after some very hard thinking, I have put the graphic design course on hold for a couple of weeks while I work on the book, in a different way.
Taking a break from the concentrated graphic design pressure I was putting myself under will be good as I will be able to return to it refreshed and raring to go. This is a good thing.
As for the book, well, that will come later. What I am doing instead is setting up a website based on the same subject.
I've had the domain names for a while now, I've just taken a crash course in Wordpress, created the site and am almost ready to launch it!
This week I've fried my remaining brain cells learning about SEO, Google Analytics, taxonomies and linear vs cascading 'chapters'. And my brain hurts.
I need to write a lot of content for the new site too, so this blog will definitely take a back seat now. Not that I've got anything remotely interesting to write about on here.
I feel more excited by this project than I have about anything for a long time. And also very nervous. It's hard to know if something will take off or flop when you've nobody to discuss it with. But I'm going for it in my usual gung-ho fashion and will hope for the best.
There are a few issues I'm not yet sure about.
For example, monetising the new site by way of sponsors and advertising and so on, but I'm still researching that.
If anyone has any hints and tips, or mentoring ideas (free of charge, please, I'm broke!) please do get in touch. I will need a lot of help in the way of spreading the word, marketing, social media advice. And probably a lot more besides.
Please watch this space! I'll let you all know when the site is properly launched in the next week or two.
Ultimately, I will be able to run both the new site and complete the graphic design course at the same time.
Onwards and, hopefully, upwards!