The Braw and The Brave Meet....Christina Rose Leon

Meet Christina Rose Leon a Glasgow-based jeweller. Specialising in stone setting and enamelling, Christina works closely with each client to create a beautifully bespoke piece of jewellery that will be treasured for a lifetime. From engagement rings to diamond encrusted pendants, Christina is sensitive to the sentimentality of gifting and receiving a something that is not only handcrafted but totally unique and this is evident in her impeccable customer service, as well as the time and effort spent behind the scenes to ensure she produces the perfect piece. For Christina it's all about the client and the vision they are entrusting her to bring to life on their behalf.

Attending evening classes in jewellery making aged 20 was the defining light bulb moment Christina had sought after. "On the first night I made an ugly copper ring. On the bus home I couldn't stop looking at it. I was in awe of this thing I had just made". Whilst she recalls those around her being intimated by the materials and the tools in the workshop, Christina felt instantly at home, confident to just get stuck in and give it a go. Leaving school, unsure of the career path she wanted to take, Christina had been temping in offices and dabbling in photography, trying to gain some experience in the world of work. "I'd recommend this to anyone. It made me more confident. Going straight from school into further education can be difficult for some as staying self motivated and sticking to deadlines can be challenging. Getting paid for something made me realise that my time was worth something and that made me want to work harder". 

Showing a real passion for jewellery from a young age, Christina was fascinated with cleaning and inspecting her child-minder's rings as a kid and obsessing over a jewellery box filled with the intricate 'treasure' she had been gifted by a relative. Growing up she had great interest in how things were crafted and could be found dreaming up all sorts of creations."I've always been good at making stuff but never thought I was that creative. I am a passionate maker". It is an understanding of where her strengths lie that has led Christina to carve out a very successful career. She gets real satisfaction in designing bespoke, one-off pieces for her clients where she is able to breathe life into their ideas. Through her ability to extract all information and inspiration they can offer, problem solving her way through a brief brings Christina to the final design. 

Graduating in 2009 in bench making skills, Christina worked as a freelance jeweller for many years, keeping close links with her college by attending open classes regularly. When her lecturers a few years ago suggested she return to study computer aided design she admits she was rather reluctant at first. Having had no experience in using this kind of software, she realised that the year-long honours course would be somewhat intensive but a worthwhile endeavour. " The first day we were given an image of a ring and told we had less than a week to prepare a 10 minute presentation on how you would make it on CAD. I was studying alongside others who had been using it for 3 years and I had to learn it from scratch!". 4am rises and 16 hour days saw her immerse herself in her studies, determined not to fail at something she was completely new to. Persuading the college to allow her to concentrate solely on stone setting briefs, she was able to make sense of all the skills she was gaining through re-teaching a fellow novice student what she was learning on a daily basis. This is something that was of real benefit to her studies and she now continues to support other jewellers by offering one to one sessions to assist them in their work. 

The creative process can be lengthy with great attention to detail being bestowed on each piece of jewellery commissioned.  It can be months in the making from idea to the finished article being in the owner's possession. As well as the design concerns, it is in Christina's interest to present her clients with all the options within (and sometimes out-with) their budget parameters. Becoming a mind reader and working off of her intuition, it becomes a process of elimination with her presenting a few options based on the information initially given, to eventually narrow it down to the design and materials that fit perfectly. "Some people have no idea what they want but in chatting with them, likes and dislikes they didn't even know they had can be revealed.". The indicisiveness and uncertainty that inivitably comes with trying to extract and pinpoint what it is a client actually wants can add to the challenge of defining the exact details. Armed with everything she has collected, Christina gets to work on each commission liaising with the client throughout the process but has, over the years, learned not to be self critical of what she knows to be her most productive way of working. "I used to lie about when I got up. I now know that I work better at certain times. I'm confident to say what works for me and I won't apologise for it". Quite often having to put her own preferences aside, the journey is entirely client-centred. However working on a something for such a long time Christina admits "I always end up loving it in the end! I know every single bit of that piece of jewellery and you've been handling it for so long that you do become attached".

Realising the importance of being social media savvy is something Christina has always been switched on to. A successful Youtuber and former Dailybooth creative, her love of interacting with like-minded creatives on-line has served her well in promoting her business as a jeweller. "I am on so many social media creative groups as I like to bounce ideas off others. Nowadays it's such an integral part of your business, compared to 6 or 7 years ago". Scheduling in time to promote her work online, as well as catching up on what others are doing in the industry is part of her working week. As a freelance artist Christina not only finds it imperative to stay connected from a business point of view but as a creative, collaborating and sharing ideas helps to keep her motivated and inspired.  Clients' testimonials and their publicity of her work assist in securing that next commission, with the real highlights being in those "she loved it!" emails. 

Christina is invested in every single piece of jewellery she lovingly produces, greatly valuing her client's decision to select her to be their jeweller. The rewards outweigh any of the challenges presented and she is highly motivated by the story and the people behind each and every piece. I was very lucky to be gifted a bespoke ring designed and made by Christina and it's something I cherish dearly. You are made to feel very special when something has been painstakingly produced with you at the heart of every decision made and Christina's exceptional craftsmanship and creativity makes that dream a reality. Christina is a people person and it is her friendly, approachable, professional manner, married with her undeniable talent that makes her exceptional in her field. 

If you could have an unlimited amount of something, what would it be?

"I really want to say sleep. I love a cat nap! Oh, tea too!"

Who dresses like a badass?

"The whole of France! I've always watched French movies and I love how the women manage to look so effortlessly fabulous! I've never been one to follow fashion trends or celebrity style"

Biggest pet peeve?

"People not following the rules. I recently was on a tour of the City Hall in Belfast and the guide asked everyone to stick together and the amount of people that wandered off and then we had to wait on them. When people are late for things it stresses me out too" 

Hidden talent?

"I can hoola-hoop for 2 hours and 10 minutes! I was doing a Youtube video during the Olympics and discovered that I could just keep going!"

Favourite smell?

"I have a candle that smells exactly like these little jelly sweets from when I was a kid. I used to get them on top of milkshakes that my dad took me to get. I cherish that smell as it takes me back to such a nice time" 

Website 

https://www.christinaroseleon.com

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/christinaroseleonjewellery/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/christinaroseleonjewellery/

Twitter 

https://twitter.com/crljewellery?lang=en

The Braw and The Brave Meet....Martin Corcoran

Meet Martin Corcoran, Senior Tutor at the community music charity, Reeltime Music in North Lanarkshire. I am already feeling rather guilty about labelling him with a singular job title, as in reality, what Martin does on a day to day basis would blow the minds of the busiest of multitaskers. Martin has grown up with the charity and indeed, Reeltime with him. From humble beginnings in the late nineties, Martin and Project Manager Ryan Currie invested the blood, sweat and tears required to elevate what started as a room with a drum kit and some amps, to the multifaceted organisation which sees literally 1000s of young people each year being supported and given opportunities through the arts. Music tuition, song writing, recording and music video production, Reeltime’s goal is to spark confidence within their participants to explore their own potential within a safe, friendly, relaxed and encouraging environment. Their story to date is extremely inspiring and the success of Reeltime and in particular, its youth work, has been possible because of the drive and determination of those who believed in it enough to make it a reality.

Martin’s love of music started at a young age and although it was sport he had initially considered as a career path, when his best mate’s dad had given him a handful of guitar lessons, told him to "bugger off and learn the rest yourself!" , he soon realised where his passion and a natural talent lay. Immersing himself in learning to play guitar riffs and the chords to his favourite songs, Martin could usually be found in the school’s music department or at a local youth music group (later named, Reeltime) devoting much of his time to being in bands and creating music.  With his heart set on studying Electronics with Music at the University of Glasgow, the slight, if not vital issue of not having a qualification in music didn’t faze him. With his eye on the prize he was given the go-ahead by his school to crash Higher Music in his final year, achieving the ‘B’ he needed to get on to the course. His appetite to learn everything there was to know and to hone his skills saw him use his student loan to buy all the equipment he needed to have his own set up at home. “Studio techniques were my thing, I’d record anyone and anything just to get the experience!”

Martin’s commitment to his studies and his craft is impressive but it’s his relationship with Reeltime, spanning almost 20 years and his dedication to the cause (particularly in the early years) that is truly inspirational.  Throughout his time at university, Martin became Chairperson of Reeltime’s Management Committee and with the group’s determination, the formation of new partnerships with other organisations and endless funding applications resulted in Reeltime finally being able to build a recording studio in 2003- coincidently the same year Martin graduated from university. Enthused by their achievements thus far, Martin made the bold decision to continue working at the charity unpaid for a further year, helping to steer them towards further growth and success. Martin, Ryan and joining staff over the years have developed a strong bond and have equally invested their time, energy and life’s work to making Reeltime a place for young people to be creative and become more confident in their abilities, providing endless opportunities to try new things, discover hidden talents and form relationships with like-minded people. Closely collaborating with the local council, as well as organisations such as Creative Scotland and The Princes Trust, tailor-made projects are created to suit the needs of the participants to ensure they are providing a service that does more than just tick the boxes- Reeltime’s work touches lives, makes a difference and gives young people a chance.  “My job has completely changed over the years and will change again. Now it’s more about working with young people to get them engaging and building on their skills and organising projects.....every day is different and I love that!”. Speaking with Martin it’s evident that his love affair with Reeltime has never wavered. He is immensely proud (quite rightly so!) of what the ever-growing team has achieved and he clearly gets that same kick out of the job that started out as hobby aged 16.  “It’s really unique. Other organisations now come to us to model their forms of practise on how we do things at Reeltime! I’m so proud of our reputation and what we’ve been able to do.”   

As with any demanding career, it’s often difficult to make time or muster the energy in your precious downtime for hobbies or interests and Martin admits that up until recently he’d been finding less and less time to practise his instrument. All that changed when he received a phone call from an old school friend 2 years year ago looking for a guitarist for his Thin Lizzy tribute band, Still Lizzy. “It was the kick up the backside that I needed. I hadn’t played in bands for about 5 or 6 years and although it was such a busy period in my life I was determined to do it….and learned 17 Thin Lizzy songs in the space of 3 weeks!”. The band have enjoyed great success playing gigs up and down the country and getting the opportunity to perform and work with fellow musicians is something which Martin considers a real source of inspiration. Mentoring, tutoring, planning, facilitating, recording and delivering are momentarily laid carefully to one side as he is given the chance to step on stage and relive his earlier years of being a musician and it only being about the music.  He recognises the benefits of taking time out to do something he enjoys and to be creative. “It’s about trying to keep a balance! It’s difficult but you almost need to force yourself to take that time to do something for you creatively!”

In addition to playing guitar, his love of song writing from a young age had also fell by the way side over the years and pinpoints joining the Still Lizzy as the catalyst to him releasing his recently completed EP Background Noise Dusting off melodies and lyrics he’d written in his teens and early 20s, Martin decided this summer was the time to finally record and produce the music he’d planned to for several years but never quite found the time to make it happen. Past failed attempts to get other musicians on board, he made the decision to go solo, writing every part, playing every instrument and recording his 6 chosen tracks at his home studio. “The music I write isn’t the kind of music I listen to which I find quite strange! It’s more like the music I listened to when I was about 16. However my playing style has changed. When I was younger it was all about long, intricate guitar riffs…..now it’s more about a nice melody and meaningful lyrics”. What Martin aims to instil in the young people he works with day in day out is the importance of play and being creative- something which he’d forgotten to allow himself to do. “The Picasso quote ‘Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up’ is so true. Everyone wants to play, whether you’re 3 or 63! I just had to get it done, get it out there and let people listen to it!”.

Martin is a grafter and will be ungrudgingly generous with his time, energy and expertises to assist others in their creative journey. He adores music and values the power it has to literally change and shape lives.  As a Creative, however difficult it can sometime be, he continues to dedicate time to his instrument and maintains an element of play to keep those all-important juices flowing. He loves what he does and he does what he loves! Now, if that’s not inspiring, I don’t know what is! 

What’s on you iPod right now?

“Recently I’ve been listening to Spotify’s ‘Discover Weekly’ playlist when I do the dishes. That’s where I discovered Zervas and Pepper- their sound is reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac”

Favourite Scottish word/phrase?

“Aye man! I say it all the time!”

What would you like to overhear someone say about you?

“He’s a good guy!”

Biggest pet peeve

“Untidiness”

Who is Braw or Brave?

“My idol Bruce Lee-it’s amazing what he was able to achieve in his short life. What he had to overcome in his life to achieve what he did is just unreal”

Favourite Smell?

“Playdo-I have a tub on my bedside cabinet. When I smell it takes me back to my childhood, in my aunt’s house aged 7 playing with my cousins. It has to be real Playdo though-not the fake stuff!”

I’m happiest when…..

“Chillin’….or when I’m playing!”

What advice would you give your teenage self?

“Push yourself more. I used to be a shy person and although I was confident in a practical sense I found it hard to speak up and give my opinion on things!”

Check out Martin’s EP Background Noise:

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/background-noise-ep/id1153272629

Check out Still Lizzy :

https://www.facebook.com/Still-Lizzy-1458591184453717/

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad......YOU?!

As a Creative person fervently working away, honing your craft and attempting to make an honest crust in the process, it’s often difficult to find the time or the inclination to pop your head up out of the rabbit hole every once in a while to assess what it is that is making (or indeed breaking!) a success of the career you’re lovingly carving out for yourself.  It’s inevitable you’ll be in a constant state of changing, challenging and tweaking your skills, practice and end product but taking in to consideration what your other selling points are can be a real eye opener….and hopefully, will ultimately involve opening some doors too.  Yes you want to deliver the best possible body of work you can-one that you’re certain your audiences/clients/fans will devour and delight in. However what I personally have found is a real key in the world of freelance and being a Creative is your personality. Credentials and accolades aside, what gets your two feet in the door and under the table is the YOU in it all. Allowing your personality to come through in every aspect of your creative life I think is essential to achieving those successes you aim for. 

‘People buy people not products’ is a phrase that resonates with me. Yes I can dance, choreograph and teach well but a lot of the feedback I receive is not always focused on the content of my lessons or the work I present but how I was received by others when I was delivering that session or that particular project. If I allow myself to be the truest version of me, even in the most professional of situations or environments and remain confident in who I am, I know I will be better equipped to deliver the goods. This also rings true in scenarios where I haven’t even got the job yet. If I go to a meeting or interview about a potential choreography job, yes my knowledge and prior experience is paramount but of course, they will have been the driving force behind me getting the interview in the first place. The next step is to let my personality and the drive and excitement I have for the work I do shine through. If someone is considering working with or hiring you to do what you do best, they want to feel like YOU are the one they need, as well as your work being the perfect fit.

Now reading this back to myself, I fear it may appear that I'm somehow implying it’s all about charming your way up some career ladder or indeed that I consider myself to have this awe-inspiring, totes amaze-balls personality that folks just can’t resist!. It’s not that at all!  Most Creatives will tell you that they aren't preoccupied with any manner of climbing apparatus, after all what goes up, must come down. There is no ladder, no end point nor final goal for creative types and so, a life’s work is only about new experiences, new information and new connections.  In my experience, in order to take full advantage of one’s ability as a Creative it’s important to play to your strengths and worry less about what you consider to be your weaknesses. YOU are your own unique selling point and not being afraid to allow your personality stretch it’s (fabulous!) legs can be a real barrier between you and your potential. If you’re funny, caring, witty, whatever you feel is you at your best, it’s vital you don’t dull that sparkle for fear of appearing unprofessional or less committed or focused in a work setting. If you are being you, you are relaxed and feel more confident in even the most unfamiliar of settings. In turn, those around you will be motivated, inspired or comforted by how at ease you are and they will feel more able to be themselves. This creates the optimum environment for creativity to flourish! Simples!

We can all think of that one person that, whenever you're with them, they are always the same way. It's refreshing to be in the company of someone who is at ease and is confident that their unique personality will suffice in any situation. They don't feel compelled to mask or alter who they are for each new encounter and that's inspiring stuff right there. In a world that at time feels preoccupied with concealing who we are, in favour of a contoured, enhanced version of the truth, it's empowering to identify and celebrate what makes us the person we are. It isn't about nailing the interview, getting the job and making the big bucks- Que sera sera! Essentially,  if you be you, creatively sparks will fly and we all live for those kind of fireworks!  

Now go DO YOU! x

The Braw and The Brave Meet....Jack Jarvis Gouther

Photo by Robert Pereira-Hind

Meet Jack Jarvis Gouther a 21 year old singer/songwriter from Cumbernauld who is carving out a career for himself in the music world. First and foremost, I feel it important to say that Jack is a really nice guy-it’s not very rock n roll, I know (sorry Jack!) but he is and spending time with him you get the vibe that, although he is undeniably driven and passionate about his music, he is not arrogant nor self-absorbed-he’s just a good person trying to do something he loves.  And that kinda thing goes a long way in my book!

Jack has had a real thirst for music from a young age, encouraged from the outset by his family to give it a go and it’s clear that the support given,   which he values dearly, is a real driving force. Being part of tight-knit family who have always been behind him has allowed Jack to develop and nurture a natural talent and passion for playing, singing and writing songs. Ditching the keyboard aged 11 for what he thought was “more cool”, he learned a few chords on the guitar from a neighbour and continued to teach himself into his teenage years. A positive reaction to high school performances by his peers gave him the confidence to audition for Britain’s Got Talent and start busking on Buchanan Street in Glasgow. 
“My advice to anyone starting out is to make yourself uncomfortable! Get out there and play in front of people you don’t know, send your demo to everybody and anybody… it’s scary but just go for it”. Although Jack appreciated the admiration of his mates and family, he recognised that, in order to grow and develop, he had to seek out more opportunities to share his music.

As with any artist, Jack has various musical influences from all genres that inspire his writing. A massive Biffy Clyro fan, he’s avidly followed the band from their humble beginnings and although he likens his style to theirs, he assures it’s not in any way an imitation of his Scottish heroes’ sound.  His dad being involved in amateur theatre productions throughout his childhood also inspired Jack, seeing how confident he was on stage. “ My dad never sang in public until he was 30! That’s why I think, growing up, he’s always encouraged me to try new things”. After leaving school a natural progression for Jack was to form his own band and despite a few necessary hiatuses along the way Last Exit have remained together over the past few years writing, recording and gigging at a number of events and festivals. As with any band, their sound has changed over the course of their existence but as the front man, Jack has been able to develop his style by writing much of band’s material. “When we started out it was definitely alternative rock sound but now we've went a lot more electronic”. The creative process is a meeting of conscious and unconscious, where endless random voice memos on his phone and screeds of paper filled with melody lines, lyrics and ideas lie in waiting to be plucked and perfected into songs. “Sometimes I’ll think ‘I really want to write a song today’ and I’ll sit there for ages coming up with nothing.  Other times I’ll be messing around on the guitar and start to create something and just go with it. More recently I've realised I've written songs through my subconscious, not realising that they’re about something specific that I hadn't intended to write about”.

Photo by Paul Anderson

  Jack enjoys the comradery of being part of a band, relaying hilarious stories of their drummer falling off a tiny stage at one gig, as Jack and the guitar player tried desperately not to get electrocuted in the pouring rain. Each rehearsal and gig is another nugget of experience which he enjoys and thrives on, regardless of the potential pitfalls an up and coming band can encounter along the way. Although continuing to do solo gigs, he’s keen to see the band flourish and Jack’s appreciation of the opportunities and support they've received thus far is evident. Amidst all the positivity, he admits that self-doubt is a reality for him. Moments of writers block or periods where the offer of a gig isn't there, it’s near impossible to avoid questioning your ability or your chosen path. “ It’s hard not to compare yourself to others. I always try to support local bands and artists but when you see them doing well you sometimes start to think ‘Why is that not me?! What am I doing?’”. Reflecting on the success he has had to date helps him to realise that the inevitable roadblocks a creative mind present are just par of the course.

In addition to honing their style of music, the band have established and marketed themselves as a brand, from their clothing to merchandise. “It’s good that we all have the same style and dress similarly. I've always been conscious of what I wear-it’s not that I'm materialistic, it’s just another way of expressing myself”.  In trying to build a fan base and get more work, they know the impact marketing the band with a cohesive look in their styling and the promo material can have. Gigging in some well-known Glasgow venues, over the past few years, the band have enjoyed the experience of playing to captive audiences keen to hear fresh new talent. “When you walk up the stairs at King Tuts and see all the posters of the bands that have played there, it’s amazing! To think that’s where they started too”.

Photo by Paul Anderson

As with many Creatives, Jack’s talent doesn't stop with music. About to embark on an Acting degree in Edinburgh, he hopes that his efforts in either medium will be fruitful. “The ultimate goal would be to be playing music and making money from it. Or acting! For me it’s not about being famous- it’s about doing something I love!”. Jack is always looking to stretch himself creatively and choosing to continue his studies after finishing his college course, he’s keen to make new connections, gain more experience and extend his knowledge of the performing arts. He’s a people person who values the input of his friends, family and fellow Creatives, who he also enjoys sharing his successes with but it’s notably his father’s backing and the respect he has for his dad’s own achievements that keep him plugging away. “It might sound cheesy but my dad has been a massive influence on me. He’s one of the best singers I know!”

First single/album you bought?

It was either a Gorillaz album or Eminem ‘Relapse’. 
I actually still like listening to rap.

Where’s your happy place?

When I’m with my family having a good time. I look back to Christmases and those happy times to inspire my writing.

Last book you read?

‘Mr Mercedes’ by Stephen King. I don’t read as much as I should but my girlfriend reads all the time and she’s always trying to get me to read more!

Biggest pet peeve?

I’ve got a thing about people making noises when they eat. Also, people talking when they’re eating! It really annoys me!

Life motto/mantra?

'You can achieve anything you want, if you want it badly enough!'. 
My mum drilled that in to me at a young age. 

Roasted or toasted cheese?

Toasted! (I subsequently corrected him!!)

Who dresses like a bad-ass?

I think any big rock star because they can get away with it!
 Mick Jagger-if I was to walk down the street dressed like him I’d get funny looks. I do love a funky shirt or suit though!

Favourite smell?

I really love the smell of petrol. Since I was wee I've just had a thing for it- I’d rolling down the car window at the petrol station!

What would you like people to say about you?

That I am ambitious!

Sing in the shower? If so, what song?

All the time! I don’t even realise I’m doing. The other day my girlfriend said I was singing Adele-I don’t even listen to her music!

If you could do one thing to help the world, what would you do?

I went to Kenya and helped build a school with my high school. After being there and spending time with the kids, I’d love to travel to other underprivileged places in the world and try to help make a difference.

The Vitals

Jack's Official Facebook page to keep up with his music and gig guide 

Jack's You Tube Channel 

Last Exit's  You Tube Channel 

See Jack play LIVE in September! 

C.R.E.A.T.E

Every Creative's process differs from the next. Carving out 'your way' comes with experience and with each creative encounter new techniques are formed, as you discover your potential & the many innovative ways you have up your sleeve for creating your work! There's no 'right' way of doing things and accepting that is a huge step in becoming the truest version of your creative self. Here are some tips that I find particularly useful when creating: 

Connecting with the world around you is vital to sparking those light-bulb moments when you need them most. Using all the senses to experience what life is offering you minute by minute, day by day will continually charge those creative batteries, without you even realising it. Being aware of what's available to you and what you can potentially tap in to is a gift from the universe ready for the taking! Go to a city and walk slowly down a busy street, observing and absorbing everything. The voices, snippets of conversations and languages you can hear; look high and low at the signs, window displays and architecture you can see; breathe in the scents and try to identify their source; take your hands to the varying textures and feel the rough, the smooth and everything in between. Sounds a tad creepy perhaps but slowing down to appreciate and take stock of your surroundings can enlighten the mind. If you get one tiny speck of inspiration, it's worth your time. We can't expect our poor creative brains to churn out masterpiece after masterpiece without refuelling it, now can we?! As Creatives we are preoccupied with constantly making something new to offer up to the world but you must remember that, in order to knit the jumper, you need the ball of wool. If you're switched on to your surroundings, you're speaking less & listening more, you'll be more likely to hear what you need to! 

Recycling is good for the environment- your creative environment, that is! Never be afraid to reuse what you have previously tried, tested and bought the T shirt of. If an idea has worked for you in the past and seems a perfect fit for your current project, it shouldn't be deemed a cop-out to slip in to that 'one size fits all' concept one more time. After all, you may be sporting the same T shirt but you can customise & accessorize to remodel any previously worn look, producing something very different from the original. We all endeavour to create unique pieces of work that have been born out of brand spanking new sources of inspiration each and every time  but if that's forced, you could be missing out on a golden opportunity to up-cycle. Sometimes it's okay to go with a 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' vibe, if what you plan to do with it this time round is subject to  some tweaking. 

Experimenting is about taking risks, going with your gut and making mistakes that you can learn from. In the creative process a  'Try before you Buy' approach will ensure you get exactly what you are looking for eventually but, like with any new journey, you have to be willing to explore and potentially get lost before locating your desired destination.  An idea is one thing but in order to know if it's the missing jigsaw piece you've been searching for, you have to pick it up, play around with it and try to make it fit before you can know for sure it's the perfect match. Fear of failure threatens to stop awesome ideas in their tracks before they've even made it off the starting block. When an experiment goes spectacularly wrong, there's something to be learned from it, so you have to be up for trying it out. Where they say baking is an exact science, creativity is more like cooking- a pinch of this and a dollop of that won't always work out the way you expected but you're more likely to be able to cover up any mishaps with more spoonfuls of creativity. Who knows what you'll end up with and that's where the fun is! The power of the unknown is exciting & inspiring, so be more open to experimenting! 

Aim high! Pushing yourself and your work to be the best it can be takes hard work and determination but the rewards are worth the effort. It's okay to strive for what you deem 'perfection', as long as you enjoy the journey- there's no point in creating something beautiful if the process was damn  ugly, as it will be the latter you'll remember most. All your connecting, recycling and experimenting will help shape the ultimate goal you're striving for and then all that's left to do is more of the same to get it just right. The sky is the limit when being creative-so don't seek shelter when you have the chance to dance in the rain! 

Take time to create. Those light-bulb moments can be fairly sporadic so best not to expect to be able to turn your creativity on and off like a switch. Breaking the task in hand in to manageable chunks will avoid you feeling overwhelmed with the need to create something amazing on a deadline. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will all your masterpieces. When I'm choreographing a dance, I find myself working on it to a certain point but then having to step away from it for a while to take stock of what I've produced thus far, before being able to move forward with it. That's it to say I'm not lastminute.com with projects (I'm often found procrastinating over a To Do list until it's absolutely necessary to start creating!) but I know the process is more pleasurable when I can work at a leisurely pace & take pauses intermittently to mull over things.

Evaluating your work as you go will inevitably help create something you are happy with overall. Yes, there's always hindsight to flag up the 'what I shoulda/coulda/woulda done'  but if you're able to continually critique and question your creative choices as you're making them, the final product is more likely to meet or even excel your expectations. 

And there you have it, 6 pointers that may help you create more efficiently and effectively. I'd be interested to hear from you as to what your hints and tips are!

Lisa