Well howdy Reader! <Wayne tips his hat> 🤠
I can't believe we are already in December....and at the same time the past 12 months have been the longest 10 years of my life. 🤣
It's been an 'eventful' year 🤨 , and I think we all deserve a rest. However, the thing I have recently realised is that no-one is gonna GIVE us a break. No-one can create peace of mind FOR us and no-one can MAKE us relax and take a breather.
It has to be a choice.
In fact - now more than ever - I think actively CHOOSING to take a moment (or a week or a day) to intentionally cultivate some peace & quiet (literally!) is what the world needs us to do. To opt out of the noise, and let ourselves breathe deeply for a bit. To take time to refocus and recognise just how much we do, we have, and we put up with!! 🤪
So while I know the festive season is usually a little chaotic, as a fellow business owner, creator and friend - I challenge you to be brave enough (and kind enough to yourself) to CHOOSE to take some time for you before we tackle a new year of new adventures. Not only do you deserve it, but I bet you NEED it. 🖤
Smooth moves
We know that motion grabs attention - especially on social channels. But you don't have to be a video wiz, or create complicated edits to make an impact. In fact Canva is still a perfect tool for combing basic elements and simple animations to make something super engaging.
With all the changes and shiny, new tools that Canva has launched recently, this week I wanted to get back to basics and focus on something that was simple to create, but gives maximum impact. All just using a few image frames and our favourite transition.😁
You can watch the full tutorial here – and please drop a comment if you find it helpful! Thanks - as always - you lovely people. 🖤
Meaningful Creations
I am genuinely so excited to share this little piece of magic with you today. (I'm such a geek 🤣)
We hear a lot about storytelling and how important it is to us as humans. But few people really break down what MAKES a good story or narrative - especially VISUALLY. Personally I think a great visual story is less about fancy effects and more about intention. It’s the quiet little decisions – the spacing, the pacing, the colours you choose, the way you design with a message in mind – that give your audience something to feel, not just something to look at.
That’s why I love this gorgeous animation by motiongraphic designer Youngjin Kim, from Seoul, Korea. When there’s nothing to say, the design has to do all the talking. Every movement carries meaning. Every frame is a choice. And you can literally feel yourself becoming invested in the outcome. It’s a brilliant reminder that in our own content – whether we’re making a Reel, a sales page, or a carousel – the power isn’t in how much we add, but in how clearly we guide the eye and shape the emotion.
When you design with that kind of intention, your content stops being just ‘something to post’ and becomes a moment your audience genuinely connects with. Sure, we don't always have the time to create masterpieces, but it doesn't mean we should stop trying to create something that is meaningful.
Check out the video on Vimeo here (be sure to watch full screen) or on Instagram here. And tell them I sent ya! 😉
OK folks - hope this newsletter brought a little inspiration and a little joy to your day. Take care of yourselves and keep. creating. 🖤
