Well hello there Reader! I hope you're having a good week.
We are finally getting some good summer weather in the UK (which basically means everyone is moaning about how hot it is π€£) and I am always a little torn during the summer. I love how the early sunrise always makes me wake up in a better mood, raring to go; but I also find that I DEFINITELY get summer fever and just wanna be on holiday lol. π€ The older I have got the more I understand why some countries basically just shut down for a month in summer and let everyone take a break.
Fortunately I am soon gonna actually be taking a week off...which really SHOULDN'T be such a strange occurrence. But when you are building a business of your own, it is so easy to just keep going and neglect to take time off. (I'm sure you can relate!) After all, we are all told that 'time is money' as soon as we can hold a penny, right?
BUT, I have also realised that constantly working and always focussed on what more I can do can really take it's toll. Not just physically, but in terms of feeling a little exhausted creatively too.
I have always loved the saying "You can't pour from an empty cup" - it's a good reminder to those of us that put everyone else (and our business) first that if we don't top up our OWN creative batteries, eventually we will be no good to anyone.
So just in case you need it - this is your reminder to take care of yourselves. And by that I mean accepting that taking time off and time to recharge is not a luxury...it's a necessity. In a world where we are constantly told we have to ALWAYS be available and productive and busy...rest is a form of rebellion.
It's on the cards...
I'm always on the lookout for interesting ways to present information in video and on social media that I can share. And this week on the 'Tube I have published a short animation tutorial that makes use of the idea of 'cards' that we can animate to reveal information.
Its a great way of building a little intrigue and also adding motion to keep attention and engagement. And it is SUPER versatile - you can use it for so many different uses and businesses.
So if you wanna add a little card trick to your animation repertoire π check out the video and give it a go!
Meaningful Creations
One of the things that fascinates me is how people find that unique, magical thing that only they have, or they can do. Something that makes them stand out from the crowd and attracts their own loyal and passionate audience.
Harrison Alcock is one of those people. He's a pretty unique tattoo artist...he tattoos shoes and bags. Yup, for real.
I am so obsessed with watching how he uses his art in a new way and creates SUCH beautiful things with it. And one of the things I think is REALLY interesting, is that it's such a great example of how finding your niche can be so valuable. Harrison's creations sell out, and are always in demand, despite the fact that they are not cheap and are pretty niche.
He has found his audience by being REALLY specific about what he does and who it's for. And it's all based on what he loves doing. And his art is even more meaningful because he also gives back by using his platform and talent to support charities that help children and families who need a little support.
His creations are not for everyone...INTENTIONALLY not for everyone. Because the audience that DOES love his work, will happily pay for it, and will become his ambassadors.
I find it so fascinating from a branding and business point of view....and from a personal point of view...well, I just need to find a way of justifying buying some beautiful tattoo'd sneakers π€£.
Check out his instagram HERE , and tell him I sent ya. π
Right, I'm off to work on some exciting new resources that I'm gonna be releasing into the wild in the next month or so π. (Yeah I know, it's not nice to tease...π)
Have a fabulous weekend folks. And don't forget to rest up and recharge. You deserve it. π€
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