Welcome, Processs.
Hello all and welcome. I have moved almost all my newsletters over to Substack and plan on doing an update every two or three weeks about thoughts, work, and inspiration. I hope you will find these as value to your life, as this is my ultimate goal. I have some new work I want to share with you, but first I want to talk about...
Process is defined as a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end. It’s viewed in countless ways in creative endeavors.
As I have gotten older, I am questioning and rethinking how I work. A large part of my creative process, in art and design, revolves around discovery, exploration, and trusting my gut. I used to think the objective was the “final work,” but the most valuable product is what you learn from the process of creating. The process is the destination, regardless if the final work is completed or not. This is what you build on for future works also.
Earlier this year I decided that documentation was part of the process to anything I make. This can be a pain point because I make a lot of work on each project and documentation requires time and reflection for the narrative.
The errors are as important as the wins, as they help define future works. Examining the process allows you to step back and analyze your work so you can troubleshoot problems (tone, composition, etc), thus improving quality and understanding your own work, and for others to understand it as well.
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I am starting a new format to my existing portfolio which is a more in-depth process journey of the work I make. In upcoming weeks I will start to show sketchbooks, past projects, artwork, etc. The first project I want to present is the work I did earlier this year for Galcher Lustwerk’s seminal 100% Galcher mixtape from 2012.
Extra Inspiration
I had started this text a few weeks ago and have been reconnecting with Folkert Gorter from Cargo. The Cargo newsletter (recommended) this previous week read…
“creative discovery” is antithetical to “recurring presentation.” It seems less that joyful breakthroughs and repetition are separate states but more like you are lacking a certain modesty of spirit (this is not an insult). ALL aspects of your creative practice and self should be fueled by a unified commitment to personally understood joy. A shift towards more meaningful (magical) regular work will have to be introduced slowly — with a force of constant, personal commitment. At first the change may feel petty and even sad, but if you are serious and give it time you will be a powerhouse, nay a wizard of discovery and joy.
Folkert’s documentation sites were the missing pieces that I needed to make this all a reality. I hold him and his work in the highest regards.
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The new Deru - We Will Live On recording is now out. Recommended, especially if you are a piano fan. I worked on the package design on this as well. He has a great site documenting his process. I have been listening to his 1979 all month.
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I got Covid this week and dived into all things Italian (my roots) and made nine playlists of Italian music. No cover artwork… yet. ;) V1, V2, V3…
🇮🇹🎶🤌🏽