There is nothing more satisfying and rewarding than seeing the smile on someone's face when you create something they want. Something that they had in their minds, and you create it into an item that they can wear, display or maybe even sell. I've experienced it repeatedly in the last 10 years that I have been a Creative.
Creative is the title that I have given to myself. I probably saw or read the word somewhere and thought, "that's a unique way to describe myself other than just a home crafter," and just started calling myself that.
The Art of Being a Creative, in my opinion, is to open your mind. Listen to what people are saying, really look at the penciled drawing provided you, and really see what they are seeing. You may actually see more than they do and be able to embellish it and really make it special. Isn't that how you are supposed to be in life? Walk a mile in someone else's shoes? Close your mouth and open your ears and heart and really listen?
I was a Hairdresser for a few years in my early 20's and people would walk up and sit in my chair, open up the magazine or pull out a photo and say, "this is the hairstyle that I want." Now, if you have ever done it to your hairdresser, you may have had them run their fingers through your hair while looking at the hairstyle and asking you questions about it. For example, is it the color you like, the length, the way it contours the face, or all of the above? Not every head of hair is created equally, and it's along the same line as re-creating a design for someone.
I had someone ask me for new parent shirts a while back. To me, that was an open-ended question that required a little more investigation. Could I have opened up Illustrator, typed new parent, new mom, or new dad in a cool font, and that would have been the end of it. I don't know how happy they would have been with me or how much the new parents would have appreciated it. I started a dialog. What do they like to do together? What are some of their hobbies? From there, I can take notes and start designing. I never do just one design; I always feel I need to provide some options (add my personal touch). Let's not forget the worry about the potential for copyright infringement.
Just typing this made me think of an idea! Does anyone remember those physical education shirts with the white box in the middle, and you used a sharpie marker and put your name in it for gym class?
Oh, yes, I just did! Typing this article inspired me. Is it simple? Yes, it is, but anyone who remembers doing it may find it funny. What about ones for new Grandparents? Created in Illustrator with Varsity Font that I have had forever and the Marker Font that I found at CreativeFabrica. Now to make some adjustments.
There you go. Some people might think that is cool. I have a free download available on my Facebook group, CraCra4Crafts SVGs and More.
What inspires you? Join the fun, become a Creative!
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