How do I inspire creativity? Just like the Nike slogan, I “Just Do It”.
Write, draw, paint, read, dance like a fool…whatever it is that I want to do better, I do as often as I can.
Create experiences. Being out in the world inspires ideas. Travel is wonderful. I love to travel. But if traveling isn’t in your budget, just open your eyes to your own neighborhood. I love living in Brooklyn. I just walk out of my door and I’m hit with experiences. In one three-block walk to the subway I’ll see a nanny waiting on the corner with a little boy, his arms wrapped around her leg and his head resting on her thigh. The comfort between the two makes me think she’s cared for him since he was an infant. There are the dogs I recognize but always forget their names. There’s the Vietnam Vet with the prosthetic leg and a sign in his window commenting on the state of politics (it changes weekly). There’s the guy whose garden of ceramic animals grows by the day…and the “can man,” who collects a shopping cart full of bottles and cans—the sounds of him sorting them at night ring though my window. All of these things inspire creativity.
Once you’ve taken the time to experience, then create. And don’t be a critic. I’m my worst critic. So the only way I’m going to create is if I don’t stop and analyze it. If I do, then analyzing turns into criticizing and before I know it, pen is down and no more writing. I have to get my ideas out and not edit myself. First, I write it all down and walk away. Then I look at it later that day or later that week. If the idea still calls to me, then I start to edit. Sometimes that edit turns into a complete rewrite. And if I’m drawing, I draw with a Sharpie pen as often as possible so I can’t go back and erase. Often I’ll find those first lines with a Sharpie are so much better than the refined and cleaned up picture I end up with after reworking it a hundred times.
In a nutshell, to inspire creativity: pause, take it all in. Look, read, walk, socialize, experience life. Then don’t “try” to write, draw, create.
Just do it.
Write, draw, and create. As often as you can. Every day if possible. Do it for yourself. If you have something to say, say it. Don’t worry about what others will think or if it’ll sell. Just do it.
Diane Kredensor is thrilled to set her second OLLIE & MOON adventure in the city she calls home, where they make the best pizza pie in the whole world. FUHGEDDABOUDIT! Diane is an Emmy Award-winning artist for her work on such hit shows as Pinky and the Brain, Oswald, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and WordWorld, to name a few. She runs her own animation production studio and happily makes her home in Brooklyn, New York, with her family. Keep an eye out next summer for her third book in the series, OLLIE & MOON: ALOHA!
Diane is represented by Jen Rofe of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Follow Ollie, Moon & Diane’s adventures on Twitter @OllieandMoon.
You can also follow their adventures when you win a signed OLLIE & MOON book! Just leave a comment to enter (one comment per person). A winner will be selected in one week. Good luck.
139 comments
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November 20, 2012 at 12:10 am
Kerri Kokias
Good advice. I’m not an illustrator but your comment about drawing with a Sharpie reminded me of how my high school art teacher used to always scold me to, “Stop drawing with my eraser.” Its true that I often used it more than the other end of the pencil. Thanks for your post!
November 20, 2012 at 12:14 am
Ashley N. Bohmer
Live it…Write it…Love it! 🙂
November 20, 2012 at 12:19 am
thatssojen
Great advice! I love that slogan ‘Just Do It’.
Jennifer Lorrekovich
November 20, 2012 at 12:19 am
Gayle C. Krause
As a teacher, who incorporated art into my classroom, I would never think to use a Sharpie on the first try. That will stay with me. Thanks. Great creativity.
November 20, 2012 at 8:18 am
Diane Kredensor
You’re very welcome! The marks from a Sharpie may stay with the kids in your classroom a while too, since it’s permanent. So maybe the Sharpie is just for you 🙂 Cheers!
November 20, 2012 at 12:24 am
Gary Masskin
I definitely agree with adopting the rules of brainstorming, ie. no editing or criticising at first… just get those ideas down on paper (or recording device of choice)
November 20, 2012 at 12:25 am
Sheila Wipperman
Good advice! No editing as you go! There’ll be time for that later. Thanks for the reminder. 🙂
November 20, 2012 at 12:25 am
Anjali Amit
Thanks for sharing. Indeed, we have to turn off the inner critic to start the process.
Anjali
November 20, 2012 at 12:27 am
Carrie Ann Brown
Too many times I will analyze my ideas and work too early. Then later I think about the idea again, wishing I would not have crumpled it up and thrown it away. Thank you for helping me change my approach. I will “Just Do It!”
November 20, 2012 at 12:33 am
Dee Almond
Create. Every day. Find inspiration wherever you happen to be. Great advice. Love it.
November 20, 2012 at 12:36 am
Rebecca Colby
Ooh, that Sharpie idea has me thinking. I write only but it’s the same thing. Going over and over my work and changing it. Time to invest in a permanent marker! And time to take a few more circuits around the neighborhood!
November 20, 2012 at 12:47 am
Elisa Robinson (@elisaitw)
This resonates with me as I’m doing Nanowrimo this month as well. Just “do it” seems like a Nano theme- if you’re truly writing 50K words in a month, there isn’t time to listen to that internal critic- your typing fingers must outrun those nasty messages. . .
November 20, 2012 at 12:57 am
Kerry Mazengia
Thank you for the great advice. I am often getting hung up on whether an idea is truly marketable. I’m going to stop over-thinking everything and just write what I love! Thanks!
November 20, 2012 at 1:06 am
thewritingblues
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November 20, 2012 at 1:12 am
The Backdoor Artist - Mary Livingston
Wonderful reminders, not just for the creative process, but for life as well. Nice post, thank you.
November 20, 2012 at 8:14 am
Diane Kredensor
Yes, exactly! I try to follow my own advice in life and not question myself. Practicing it creatively helps practice it in life.
November 20, 2012 at 1:44 am
Lisa Olson
Thanks for all of your advice!
November 20, 2012 at 1:47 am
Yvonne Mes
Your neighborhood sounds so exciting! Even though mine is a little more staid, I get inspiration from being outside or even driving the car.
November 20, 2012 at 2:13 am
julietclarebell
Thank you, and your trip through your neighbourhood reminded me of a scene I saw years ago and planned to write as an adult piece. But I think I might just be changing it into a children’s story with a slightly modified scene. Thanks.
November 20, 2012 at 4:19 am
Boo Stad
Thanks Diane, great post. If a certain sportswear company came across it, your feet would never be bare again.
November 20, 2012 at 4:28 am
cat jones
Wise words. A timely reminder that I need to banish the editor sitting on my shoulder! 🙂
November 20, 2012 at 4:45 am
Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards)
I agree! Some of my best ideas have been from just going out for a walk. Write, Draw, Create. Love it. Thank you Diane!
November 20, 2012 at 5:04 am
Genevieve Petrillo
Very wise. I have always found that thinking gets in the way of creating. I try to think as little possible, as a general rule in my life. 🙂
I am not an artist, but I draw a lot. Always in Sharpie!
November 21, 2012 at 9:31 am
maria johnson
You made me laugh. Love it.
November 20, 2012 at 5:28 am
lindamartinandersen
Thanks, Diane. Create experiences is good advise. There’s lots out there to stimulate our creativity. How wonderful to spotlight your area!
November 20, 2012 at 5:28 am
mona
I love the ‘just do it’ motto. I’m not sure about the permanent marker though. I can’t draw, but I make whirls and scratches all over the place. I wonder how they’d look in bold color instead of light pencil squiggles. Guess I’m going to have to put a few markers beside me, just to get the curiosity out of my system. Thanks for a new idea to find ideas!
November 20, 2012 at 5:45 am
Tami Charles
really good advice. I just have to get over my fear and just keep writing. I have a habit of trying to make it perfect on the first draft…womp womp womp!
November 20, 2012 at 6:38 am
Elaine Kearns
Ollie & Moon- SCORE! 🙂
November 20, 2012 at 6:41 am
Terri
Great piece. I do write everyday sometimes life gets in the way and I find I need to warm my chair again to stay happy and sane. It is the same with research which I love to do. I finally have to stop the research, sit down and just write, just show my story.
November 20, 2012 at 6:58 am
Jennifer Hawes
So much to write about just right outside our front doors! Thanks!!
November 20, 2012 at 7:05 am
rlkurstedt
Reminds me of the picture book “Nothing Ever Happens on 90th Street”
November 20, 2012 at 7:31 am
thiskidreviewsbooks
Great advice! I would really like to win the book! You have a lot of giveaways going on. 🙂
November 20, 2012 at 7:36 am
Catherine
PiBoIdMo has inspired me to look for ideas in what I used to consider the most mundane of places. Now we are halfway through I am finding it easier to be creative with my everyday surroundings and conversations. Thanks for giving away the book.
November 20, 2012 at 7:40 am
Marcy P.
Haha! I love the new “FUHGEDDABOUDIT!” title! LOVE!
Thanks for your advice! It’s true… I feel that when I write daily… my writing improves just because it’s in the practice of creating! JUST DO IT!
November 20, 2012 at 7:41 am
laurieajacobs
Thanks for the post. Can’t think of anything more critical to creativity than turning off that inner voice of doubt and doom.
November 20, 2012 at 8:25 am
Diane Kredensor
Doubt and doom get us nowhere, right? No need for it. Insecurity has no place in creativity!
November 20, 2012 at 7:56 am
Alexa
Can’t wait to read Ollie & Moon!
November 20, 2012 at 7:58 am
Sue Poduska
Right! Inspiration is more about how you look at things than what you’re looking at. Thanks for being inspiring! 🙂
November 20, 2012 at 8:22 am
Diane Kredensor
You’re so welcome!! Thank you.
November 20, 2012 at 8:09 am
Susan Halko
It’s so hard to just do it–but you are right! Thanks for the reminder.
November 20, 2012 at 8:12 am
Jenn DesAutels Illustrator
Right on! The value of fresh experiences is something I often fuhgeddaboud in the day-in-day-out of stay-home parenting… I scheduled a weekend afternoon off and went to a fine art open-studios exhibit over the weekend. It seemed like such an indulgence and I almost felt guilty enough to cancel it. When I returned home, however, I was full of indescribable joy for my family and eagerness to push on in PbIdMo and creative work in general. It is something I couldn’t have conjured up from inside without that experience. Thank you for sharing your inspiration with us.
November 20, 2012 at 8:20 am
Diane Kredensor
Yes! I’m so glad you didn’t cancel. Taking time for yourself is essential. My family always thanks me afterwards!
November 20, 2012 at 8:13 am
Therese Nagi
It;s amazing if we look at our world with a new set of eyes, to see the small wonders surrounding us. So many times we are in a rush and shut out all the unique things of everyday life. Thanks for sharing your post and I’ll be
sure to shut off my internal critic when writing:)..
November 20, 2012 at 8:22 am
Daryl Gottier
Thanks for the inspiration…you don’t need to tell me twice to go out and play!
November 20, 2012 at 8:26 am
Diane Kredensor
Love it!!
November 20, 2012 at 8:28 am
Pat
Totally distracted by the cuteness of your son…you were saying?
November 20, 2012 at 8:49 am
Diane Kredensor
hahaha! Thanks! Yeah, he’s kinda distracting…but I don’t mind one bit!
November 20, 2012 at 8:33 am
DaNeil Olson
My goal today – have fun and observe the world around me. Thanks for the inspiration!
November 20, 2012 at 8:44 am
Gail Kamer
Whooo hoo. It’s off to play I go.
November 20, 2012 at 8:49 am
michelleol
OH – quieting the inner editor… so hard. And SUCH good advice.
Thank you!
November 20, 2012 at 9:02 am
evelynchristensen
Enjoyed reading about your experiences and how you stimulate your creativity. I plan to keep my eyes and ears open wide today.
November 20, 2012 at 9:03 am
Jennifer Faragitakis
Great advice! Thanks for the post!
November 20, 2012 at 9:06 am
Cindy
The world is filled with so many wonderful, strange and unique stuff (some scary too, but that’s yet another story…). It’s a good reminder to look with the eyes of a child, with wonder and don’t be the critique by stifling that inner voice. Thanks!
November 20, 2012 at 9:07 am
Cindy
Oops, meant “critic”. See, it’s hard not to leave well enough alone, lol!
November 20, 2012 at 9:25 am
SevenAcreSky
Diane, you helped me realize that I have that ‘edit’ chromosome…before I get to the period on an idea I write down for PiBoIdMo, I’ve begun to think about changes. I need to learn NOT to do that…to let the pen move and the idea grow. Thanks.
November 20, 2012 at 9:26 am
SevenAcreSky
Thanks – Damon Dean
November 20, 2012 at 9:43 am
Lori Alexander
A great reminder! So interesting, how you sketch with a Sharpie. Thanks for the post.
November 20, 2012 at 10:01 am
Sue Heavenrich
“Pay attention” is my new motto. I agree – there is a lot to see; we just need to open our eyes. thanks for reminding me to get out of my chair and into the world – and to pick up that paint brush and play…
November 20, 2012 at 10:03 am
loriannlevyholm
I had to laugh at your post. If I waited for inspiration to hit me, I wouldn’t get anything done. If I waited until the mood struck me I’d never go to the gym! Thanks for the reminder!
November 20, 2012 at 10:05 am
Carolyn
Ollie & Moon looks like a fun book. Inspiration is definately everywhere.
November 20, 2012 at 10:05 am
Marcie Colleen
Thanks for the great post, Diane! I am a fellow Brooklynite and I agree, its the best place to walk out the door and get inspired. 🙂
November 20, 2012 at 11:28 am
Diane Kredensor
yay Brooklyn!!
November 20, 2012 at 10:07 am
C. C. Gevry
How very true. Thanks for the great post.
November 20, 2012 at 10:13 am
Diana Murray
Thanks for the great post. I’ve got my writing sneakers laced up and ready! As Yoda said, “There is no try. There is only do.”
November 20, 2012 at 11:32 am
Diane Kredensor
Yes!!
November 20, 2012 at 11:55 am
Diane Kredensor
Yes!! Love Yoda.
November 20, 2012 at 10:15 am
Natasha
Nice post. Thank you. I love Ollie and Moon’s names- hope to win a signed copy of your book .
November 20, 2012 at 10:22 am
Sheri R
Thank you for the post about being your own worst critique. I have to agree that usually stops the creative process when I get critical of it.
November 20, 2012 at 10:33 am
Jacqueline Adams
I really needed this one. I was hit by a cute scene in the grocery store parking lot last night, but I stopped to analyze it too quickly and let it go. Now I’m going back to it. Thanks, Diane!
November 20, 2012 at 10:42 am
Maria Gianferrari
So true–we don’t have to go far, we just have to be open to everything around us.
And “just do it” applies to so much with writing!
Thanks!
November 20, 2012 at 10:47 am
Christie Wright Wild
Wow! I just visited your website. You are quite the adventurer (yak) and very awesome work with Nickelodeon and Disney. Are you going to add your picture books to your website?
November 20, 2012 at 11:30 am
Diane Kredensor
Thank you, Christie. I have a separate website for Ollie & Moon, http://www.ollieandmoon.com, but will eventually have to expand to include non Ollie & Moon books! A re-org is in the works 🙂
November 20, 2012 at 10:54 am
Kristiane Pedersen
Dare I do it! The pain……drawing with a sharpie, no rewrites, no criticizing…oh what am I to do? Oh yes, just do it! Ok, I’ll try it. Thanks for the advise.
November 20, 2012 at 10:57 am
Jill Proctor
Great reminder. I find myself sitting in ‘my chair’ when I should be walking, visiting or site-seeing. Thanks for the push!
November 20, 2012 at 11:00 am
Ashley Bankhead
This was fantastic advice. Thank you for this post. I need to be better at just writing and not stopping and analyzing. I am my own worst critic. I am going to try harder to just do it.
November 20, 2012 at 11:04 am
Talynn Lynn
So now, illness tucking a notebook and a sharpie around in my purse:) thanks for the “You can it!” attitude!!
November 20, 2012 at 11:05 am
Penny Klostermann
Oh! It is so easy to be my worst critic. Write erase…or write…backspace! That stops me in my tracks. I get critical and I don’t explore ideas that have potential. Guess I better go with the Sharpie Strategy!
November 20, 2012 at 11:21 am
Dawnyelle Moore
Just doing it, drawing with a sharpie! Thanks for the great post!
November 20, 2012 at 11:45 am
Mary
I’m frequently telling my students to “just get it out of your head and onto the paper or computer screen.” I must remember to follow my own advice. Thanks for the reminder.
November 20, 2012 at 11:56 am
B.J. Lee
Great post, Diane! And so necessary for me – I let doubt and doom stop me from writing pbs for about l 1/2 years. I’m now back at it and hopefully the doubt and doom won’t stop me this time. Thank you for putting a name to what I was doing to myself. 🙂
November 20, 2012 at 12:04 pm
Diane Kredensor
Always remind yourself that what you have to say is valid! And if you don’t say it, people will miss out on hearing your voice. Who cares if there’s criticism, there will always be critics. If the critics offer good advise, that resonates, then take it. If it doesn’t resonate, then leave it behind. And keep creating!
November 20, 2012 at 12:16 pm
S.H. Sherlock
Love the advice of drawing with a sharpie.
“Fuhgeddaboudit” as a title is making me laugh already- I know it will be a great read-a-loud.
November 20, 2012 at 12:19 pm
Laura Zarrin
And another great post! Very good advice, thank you.
November 20, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Anne Bielby
The first time I had to draw for a class, I was so intimidated, I actually covered the paper with charcoal and erased until I had the pic. Will definitely try the sharpie for pic journaling. Great post!
November 20, 2012 at 1:00 pm
h1jackson
Just Do It! OK, I will! Thanks!
November 20, 2012 at 1:19 pm
LeslieG
Great post! One of my favorite things about writing for kids is re-learning to be present enough to see the world again as they do, as though for the first time.
November 20, 2012 at 1:40 pm
Linda Campbell
thanks. I have to try harder to just get something out without “worrying” it to death first. Cheez even do that with picture books. But maybe a sharpie would help.
November 20, 2012 at 2:03 pm
Stephanie Shaw
Great reminder for those of us who live out here in Nike Land (Oregon). Thanks, Diane!
November 20, 2012 at 2:12 pm
Laura Renauld
Inspired to experience!
November 20, 2012 at 2:33 pm
Donna Black
My pencil and eraser need to take a break. It’s Sharpie-time.
November 20, 2012 at 2:55 pm
Michelle Proper
I just found a pretty new sketchbook with no marks in it when I was cleaning and I’ve been hesitant to put it to use. I’m grabbing a Sharpie tonight!
November 20, 2012 at 2:57 pm
Cindy Breedlove
Now my eyes are wide open and I’m ready to take it all in. (And then write it all down.)
November 20, 2012 at 3:28 pm
daniela weil
thank you for the inspiration.
November 20, 2012 at 3:43 pm
Sally Matheny
Loved your post. My “neighborhood” is quite different. One only hears crickets at night and barnyard animals in the day. Still, an adventure of inspiration awaits. Think I’ll take a walk.
November 20, 2012 at 3:55 pm
Laura Anne Miller
I have a new slogan from your post…”Don’t critique – just CREATE!” I tend to criticize myself as I work…no more—I’ll just have fun in the process, in the ambiance of the experience. Wonderful post, Thanks Diane.
November 20, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Patricia Tilton
Great words of wisdom. Just do it and don’t be a critic.
November 20, 2012 at 4:08 pm
Larissa
Yes, I too am guilty of being my worst critic. I’m about to go remedy that now with some pens, paper, and brainstorming!
November 20, 2012 at 4:33 pm
Julie
I love the notion that we have to experience life in order to create. It’s easy to forget that sometimes. Great post!
November 20, 2012 at 4:33 pm
Lauri
I find inspiration in everything I see-falling leaves, fluffy clouds, my neighbor’s pristine lawn, the precocious little girl down the street, everything.
November 20, 2012 at 5:22 pm
viviankirkfield
From one Brooklyn girl to another…thank you!!!! I spent the first 25 years of my life in New York City…and I truly feel that enabled me to see beauty in everyone and everything.
I appreciate your advice to just ‘do it’…and, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve tried to step out of my comfort zone to experience all that life has to offer. Next May I will be traveling half-way around the world to Singapore to speak at their AFCC conference there. 🙂
Diane, I’m thrilled to add your golden nugget writing tip to my PiBoIdMo treasure chest…it’s heaped with sparkling ideas, just like this one!
November 21, 2012 at 3:15 pm
Diane Kredensor
Seeing the beauty in everyone and everything—love it!!
November 21, 2012 at 9:04 pm
viviankirkfield
And I love that you have responded to almost every comment…that was a lot of replies…but I can guarantee that they are much appreciated. 🙂
November 20, 2012 at 5:28 pm
Stacy Couch
Would love inspired first attempts…but CAN’T…STOP…EDITING…shout out to Pinky and the Brain…still doing my mousy work
November 20, 2012 at 5:37 pm
Mary Flynn
Thank you for the advice, sometimes I’m also my worst critic. I also have a bad habit of procrastination. I really do need to work on something everyday to keep those creative juices flowing.
November 20, 2012 at 5:45 pm
Debbie Mickelson
Great advice. “Just Do It” is so important for me. I love this challenge to not self-edit, but write down ideas and be open to ideas everywhere.
November 20, 2012 at 6:03 pm
Deb B.
thanks for the post. I agree with your advice to just open your eyes. No matter where we are, we’re surrounded by ideas, we just have to be ready to see the story in them.
November 20, 2012 at 6:15 pm
julie rowan zoch
I advise my kids to write their stuff for school like that too – just get it all down, and chuck the bad stuff later. Of course, that requires they do some real research reading first….he, he, he. Just wait til yours are grown, Diane!
November 20, 2012 at 6:42 pm
Kelly Parker
Great advice! I hear the same thing all the time with my artwork too, don’t be so critical everyone says…I guess it’s just a natural feeling! Must. Stop. Criticizing. Think of all that time spent on criticizing that could be used for something productive! Thanks!
November 20, 2012 at 6:54 pm
Jenny Boyd
Thanks for the advice! Now I’m all motivated to get out there and study my neighbors/neighborhood to see if there’s a story waiting for me to “just write.”
November 20, 2012 at 7:20 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
So true, our inner-critic can crush creativity.
November 20, 2012 at 9:58 pm
Linda Graden
Best advice yet for avoiding sitting in that chair or picking up that pen (or sharpie)! Thank you so much.
November 20, 2012 at 10:34 pm
Joanne Roberts
Create experiences, then create. Let simmer. Create some more. Thanks. Congratulations on your upcoming Ollie & Moon cartoon. Can’t wait!
November 20, 2012 at 11:39 pm
Cheryl
Great advice, Diane!
Cheryl
November 21, 2012 at 12:37 am
janelle
Thanks!!
November 21, 2012 at 8:05 am
laurasalas
Love that you do a first sketch with a Sharpie. We writers need a similar thing–maybe a Word doc that CAN’T be edited, or a special unchangeable font or something!
November 21, 2012 at 8:18 am
Laura Thieman
Thanks for your practical examples!
November 21, 2012 at 9:28 am
erin o'brien
Very good advice. I often think too much instead of just going for it.
November 21, 2012 at 1:49 pm
Desiree B.
Good reminder not to edit your ideas before giving yourself a chance to really consider each one.
November 21, 2012 at 5:08 pm
Heather Soodak
Your advice to just do it and not think encourages me to go back to how I felt when I was a kid and just make up stories, no second guessing!
November 21, 2012 at 5:38 pm
Angie Breault
Thank you for this post. I’ve been in a bit of a rut lately, and I think this advice is perfect. “Just Do It!” Hopefully I’ll get a couple of ideas down tonight. Thank you for the opportunity to win a signed book as well.
November 21, 2012 at 8:17 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
I appreciate the advice to hold off on the self critique until after you’ve got what you want to say down on paper. Such a good point!
November 21, 2012 at 9:03 pm
jessica shaw
It’s not easy for me to turn off my internal editor as I write. Something I’m working on! Thanks for the reminder, Diane:)
November 21, 2012 at 11:47 pm
Lois Sepahban
Just what I needed to hear! Thank you for a great post!
November 21, 2012 at 11:54 pm
Carol Munro
Diane, Two lines resonate with me most: “Whatever it is that I want to do better, I do as often as I can” and “Do it for yourself.” I currently raising money for a local org by writing a poem every day in November. I’m sharing what I write with the people sponsoring me. I think I would benefit so much more in the growth of my poetic skill if I wasn’t sharing (no feeling of being judged), and doing it only for myself. Just getting those poems down on paper, and later, editing and sharing them. Thanks for the tips!
November 22, 2012 at 12:26 am
MaryAnn Loo
Oh i absolutely miss living in Brooklyn!!! Diane, i love your advice, to just do it and then walk away and come back to it later. i am gonna try that today and not allow myself the chance to self-criticize!
November 22, 2012 at 1:22 am
Peyton Leung
Thanks for the post, Diane. It’s always a good reminder to pause, take it all in and capture the creative sparks that are in the air.
Thanks Tara, for creating a wonderful forum for discussion and inspiration!
November 22, 2012 at 9:54 am
Carla
I love how you use the sharpie pen–such a great practice!
November 23, 2012 at 8:38 am
Sharon Putnam
Great advice! It’s always good to remember to look at the world through the eyes of a child and stifle that inner voice that says your ideas stink.
November 23, 2012 at 11:44 am
Kimberly
Just do it. You are SO right. I really need to buckle down…
November 23, 2012 at 5:52 pm
Lynn Anne Carol
I love that advise, “. . . whatever it is that I want to do better, I do as often as I can.” That is such an eye opening thought. I has made me be more introspective.
Thanks,
Lynn
November 23, 2012 at 8:26 pm
Rachel Smoka-Richardson
Thank you for sharing your inspiring words!
November 24, 2012 at 11:06 pm
Jen Carroll
A good reminder to just do it. I wish I had a switch to that part of my brain that wants to analyze through the drafting process. Aahhh!
November 24, 2012 at 11:31 pm
Kevin J. Doyle
Thank you for the great post – “Ollie & Moon” looks amazing!
November 26, 2012 at 1:10 pm
laurimeyers
I am going to try dancing like a fool to see if I can shake any ideas loose.
November 26, 2012 at 4:32 pm
diane kress hower
wonderful post. thanks
November 27, 2012 at 9:31 am
Lisa Anchin
Great advice. Letting the inspiration of that first idea shine through is so very important. Going to do my best to quiet the inner editor.
November 28, 2012 at 12:37 am
diandramae
Wonderful advice, Diane! Making the first move without over-thinking is a crucial step! I can’t commit to Sharpie, but ball point pen is a go. 😀
November 30, 2012 at 2:23 am
Kathryn Ault Noble
“If you have something to say, say it” is good advise, Diane! Looking for my sharpie. . .
December 12, 2012 at 8:01 am
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
Thanks for the advice. I will “Just Do It.”