A different sort of post today…

Most of what we want to see are endpoints. We like conclusions and clear results. Nobody watches the making-of film before seeing the actual film and similarly, most designers only share when a room or home is complete. With several in-progress multi-year projects, I’ve found it challenging to get even a single one out there. To make matters worse, my perfectionist tendencies immediately cast shadows over my in-progress designs.

There’s nothing unique about this struggle; nearly every creative person has struggled with getting in the ring. Even putting work out there after years of success can be daunting. When one puts work out there you expose yourself. You are vulnerable. Creative work inevitably has a personal element that’s a reflection of one’s values, beliefs, and point-of-view.

But putting your work out there, even in a work-in-progress state, opens up the possibility of a conversation. The conversation enables us to connect. And connecting with people makes your work matter.