I first read about Brooke and Grant when I saw that they made the chalkboard speech bubbles on Photojojo. And wouldn’t you know it, within a few clicks I was reading their blog Playing Grown Up. Well, let me just say I was sure they were the type of people I could instantly become friends with. You see – Brooke, Grant and myself share a certain philosophy towards growing up. That is – it should be fun! Take a moment to read the about section of their blog and  it’ll have you believing that these two are closer than anyone else to finding the fountain of youth. Even if they’re not, they make growing up no big deal since it’s clear they don’t ever plan on taking things too seriously.

New ideas are always resisted, even if they’re great. You know that. Maybe the idea seems too far-fetched and ambitious, or perhaps it’s so simple that everyone who didn’t think of it is hoping it’ll fail. That’s it right there – sadly, there are people out there that don’t want an idea to take off unless it’s theirs. Such are humans, unless they know better.

And it’s hard to deal with that. Because maybe you just had the epiphany of a lifetime and no one gives a damn. It’s ignored, criticized, called stupid and pretty soon you’re believing the words coming out of everyone’s mouths instead of how you really feel. So make like Hugh MacLeod and ignore everybody. If you need to vent and shout “Fuck him/her”, do it (in your own privacy). But know that when I say ignore everyone, know that I really just mean ignore unconstructive feedback. Criticism without an explanation drives me mental, but learning from people constructively tearing you down is essential. Learn to recognize the difference and channel any rage you have into energy towards your projects.

Photo by William Mahnken

Just think how ridiculous a lot of things we have today were at conception. Weren’t the first trips into outer space ridiculed by doubters? Wouldn’t social media seem ludicrous to explain to someone 20 years ago? My point is that progressive change doesn’t come from people fearing being shot down. They just find a way to make it happen. Your struggles probably aren’t nearly as insurmountable, unless you’re figuring out time travel, and in which case I REALLY want to meet you. But yeah, don’t be afraid to pursue something just because someone thinks it’s silly. I’ve always liked the Wayne Coyne approach where he admits he makes something he likes and believes there are other people out there that will too. Everyone doesn’t have to. And it might take you 9 different ideas and a whole lot of emotional energy before something sticks, but trust that you’ll get there and it’s worth it.

Ready to take action? Be sure to check out:
Procrastinating Writers – Some guidance for writers but you can apply it to anything really
Best 8 Ways to Deal with Detractors – A great gameplan from the always awesome Zenhabits

Need more reminders? View the entire How To Be Creative series here.

I didn’t really get into Matt & Kim until I decided to check out their set during Pitchfork Music Festival in 2009. But something about that show reminded me that sometimes music’s not just about the music, but the personalities behind it and how they make you feel. The couple’s enthusiasm is just so infectious that it’s hard to imagine anyone feeling miserable around them. I’m probably not the only one that got pumped for their new single Cameras after this interview, but it’s out today and it’s a sing-along so have a listen below.

Matt & Kim – Cameras

The United States is a country with more lifestyles than some countries have television channels and I think that sometimes we’re all too quick to take for granted the freedom of choice that exists. That’s what Jake Stangel’s photography collection reminds me as I flip through the beautiful images. Be a devout cold weather surfer in Oregon, a city slicker in NYC or a farmer helping the nation’s children grow up strong. And why choose just one? You’ll probably live long enough to sample a few different flavors.

I’m not sure what it is, but sometimes I have a really hard time trashing old sneakers. They could be filthy, worn down and giving me a heel injury but I’ll still sport a pair that reminds me of good times. My Vintage Nike Waffles and Black Vans have got to go, but I also don’t think I plan on straying too far either. They’ve been out for a while (sneaker snobs don’t hate) but I’m absolutely feeling the Nike Air Pegasus ‘89 remake. It’s clean, urban, back to school (even if I’m not) and keeps me in touch with my running roots. Best bet’s eBay for these.

Something I always wonder about when it comes to creativity is the quandary over when to do one’s work. I’ve always found that great work doesn’t necessarily mean hours of forced concentration. Sure, that has it’s place when you’re talking about delivering on a project, but more often than not I find creative pursuits to be more about catching a wave – a right place, right time kind of thing. When is that time for you? Do you fancy yourself an early morning lark, a night owl or just somewhere in between? And why do we always use birds for these metaphors anyways? It’s like either way we just want to tell people we’re fly.

I know I’m not a lark. I detest mornings and can’t understand why I’d need to talk to anyone before 9AM. Hit me up at 1:37AM and that’s cool though. Even if I establish a sleep pattern to be functional in the early morning, it never feels as good as starting the day a bit later. The thing I’ll readily admit is I enjoy aspiring to be a night person. There’s a certain sexiness that follows the label and I love how it feels to create something you believe is brilliant in the late hours. I’m about to sound like I’m just getting high every night, but it’s as if the daytime is gridlocked with interference from everyone going about their business. At night, my mind is free to breathe and use any transmission or channel I’d like. But enough about me. Who do you think is the most productive…creative…awesome?