As I sit here on the final day of my January intensive at STEAMhouse, I can’t help but marvel at how quickly the month has flown by.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned during this intensive is the power of time pressure in driving creative output. Knowing that I had only a month to work within the STEAMhouse environment meant making the most of every hour.
Setting realistic goals was paramount. I quickly realized that attempting to create a large, intricately engraved piece within the constraints of the available resources simply wasn’t feasible. Instead, I focused on smaller projects—digital drawing tests, ink experiments, and innovative mergers—that were both achievable and meaningful.
Collaboration has been another key aspect of my experience at STEAMhouse. Connecting with fellow creatives has been incredibly inspiring. Each brings their unique perspective and expertise to the table, enriching my own creative process and opening up new avenues of exploration.
Effective resource planning has also been essential. From pre-booking machinery to stocking up on materials in advance, every detail has been carefully considered to ensure a seamless workflow. Understanding the relationship between time and materials has been crucial in maximizing production space and minimizing wastage.
Maintaining discipline in the face of tight deadlines has admittedly been a challenge for me. Because I know this is a weak area I created a visual chart and an excel plan to force me to recognise the real time available (i.e. a month isn’t 31 working days it’s 10 by the time you factor in work, care responsibilities etc.).
Taking the 10 days I knew I had I broke them down into hours, equating to 60 hours of working time. Checking the timings on the digital files beforehand meant it was possible to be realistic and still allow time for experimentation.
Discipline doesn’t mean staying static. Taking short breaks to recharge, whether it’s grabbing a coffee or engaging in a quick chat, has been essential in resetting my focus and maintaining momentum. Knowing I’m a person who needs lots of breaks meant I planned these in too!
It’s been a time of profound growth and self-discovery, as I’ve explored new techniques, forged new connections, and gained invaluable insights into my own creative process.
In conclusion, my January intensive at STEAMhouse has been a transformative experience, highlighting the powerful role that time pressure plays in driving creativity. Embracing deadlines as a motivator has pushed me to new levels of productivity and innovation, ultimately propelling my creative journey forward.
REFERENCE LINKS
Welcome to STEAMhouse! The perfect place for your business to grow!
Rachael Akers – Akers of Art (akers-of-art.co.uk)
Furniture Artist | Sofia Karakatsanis Furniture | Worcestershire
Charlie Kirkham 
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