It can be tough to keep a hold on creativity. We learn the rules, we follow them, we become nazis of grammar, and we broadcast our expertise in all things word-related. Letâs not forget the fun of invention. From Jelly Toast â The FUN in Language, March 16, 2015
December CMVancouver: Audience Takes the Stage! Allen Pike, Sophia Hsin, Alanna Munro
Photo credit: Aura McKay
All ways lead to Rome and only
He knows how to walk them,
With an epos in his heart and
Yearning years filling his mind.
He is alone but he is far
From, as I read in both his eyes.
He bathes in books,
Lingeres in language
And holds his hat just for disguise.
Registration for Sam Bradd starts on Dec. 28th with the actual talk happening on Jan. 8th! Mark your calendars.
https://creativemornings.com/talks/sam-bradd
Sam Bradd - CMVancouver January speaker on Language
Sam Bradd is a graphic facilitator: he uses visuals to help groups connect, learn, and lead. Together, itâs Drawing Change. Samâs worked with Google, the David Suzuki Foundation, and the World Health Organization. He co-founded the Graphic History Collective because how we tell stories can change the world. He lives on unceded Coast Salish Territories.
How do you define creativity and apply it in your career?
First itâs really personal: Creativity is about being in âflowâ. That feeling when Iâm making something - anything - and I forget about time passing. I feel alive and like I have the ability to surprise myself about what might come next. As it relates to my career, I have to structure time for flow to show up. Itâs not spontaneous, itâs a habit. I get up every day at the same time and do what I need to do, and then the flow comes. Itâs my favourite state where I canât predict what will happen next, itâs a feeling of being very present. The making becomes more important that judging - the judging and being critical comes after. Iâm really good at setting aside time for client work to be in flow, I want to get better at being disciplined for non-time sensitive work.
The other part about creativity is being social and building great community around me. I drag my introvert self out of the house to be a part of some very nice, low key groups - Iâm in a collective and also a community of practice with other creatives - and this really feeds me.
Where do you find your best creative inspiration?
Bike riding. I really donât like exercising but once Iâm on my bike everything changes - I start daydreaming, singing, smiling at strangers, and itâs easier to wander. Usually by the time Iâm home Iâve solved the thing I was thinking about. Iâm also really inspired by other people, but for unlocking the things inside my brain I need to be in nature.
Whatâs the one creative advice or tip you wish youâd known as a young person?
I wish someone had told me itâs going to take a lifetime to build the art that you know youâre capable of. Itâs okay that you have no idea what that is going to look like. But you have to start somewhere. So start.
Who would you like to hear speak at CreativeMornings?
Iâd love to hear Cease Wyss, whoâs an interdisciplinary artist and the Indigenous Plant Diva, talk about her work. She connects food security, art-making, her traditional knowledge, and always speaks truth to power.
How would you describe what you do in a single sentence to a stranger?
I listen and draw whatâs happening at meetings - on giant paper - so people can see connections, solve problems, and lead. If you were a stranger at a bus stop I might also tell you how much I love it, and how excited people get to see themselves be heard.
If you had fifteen extra minutes each day, what would you do with them?
I should say something like âwrite moreâ or âphone someoneâ but honestly, a better sandwich is always a great return on investment. I would put a lot more effort into my sandwiches. But that might only take up 8 minutes, so maybe the other 7 minutes could be spent on better posture. Artist self-care, friends.
Creative Mornings Vancouver - Sophia Hsin Submission
I am an independent graphic designer, type designer, and lettering artist based in Vancouver. I am fascinated by letters and their place in human communication. When Iâm not enthralled by letters and design, Iâm busy being a mum, playing video games, and reading books (mostly about lettering and type design though).
How do you define creativity and apply it in your career?
Creativity is about considering a problem or task from a unique perspective, which comes from an individualâs personality and life experience. I use creativity as a process to solve problems in the most functional and interesting way that I can think of.
Where do you find your best creative inspiration?
My creative inspiration comes from looking at a balance of things that are both similar and different from what I am working on. I surround myself with creative people from the community by going to speaker events, meeting up with other local designers, and following talented people on Instagram.
Whatâs the one creative advice or tip you wish youâd known as a young person?
Self-initiated projects are never a waste of time. Side projects are an amazing way to stay creatively fresh because of the freedom to explore passions and new skills.
Who would you like to hear speak at CreativeMornings?
I would love to hear from Johnny Earle of Johnny Cupcakes â one of the most creative business owners I can think of.
What keeps you awake at night?
The obvious answer would be my three month old son :P But, I am also often plagued by all the possible changes I can make to the shapes of the letters that I am working on in my typefaces.
Where was the last place you travelled?
I went to Tofino last November and spent a week in a cozy cabin surrounded by endless waves, Tacofino burritos, and forest hikes. I spent a lot of time there working on a self-initiated typeface project. Thereâs nothing like beautiful scenery, cozy chairs, and a passion project to make you feel refreshed!
Super cool artwork for our December theme: Time. What are you doing with your time?
