048: Don’t be embarrassing …

How to focus on work after some time away

Long time readers will know that I start my day in the studio at 4am.

On a recent holiday, instead of the studio I would still find a table or kitchen counter to do some work-ish stuff everyday. The session ends when my toddler runs into the room.

The last time I was on a break, it took me a week to get back up to speed. This time was different. I scheduled a small deadline for the day I got back to work which made me push myself up to speed right away. Followed by deadline in quick succession.

I think I’m quoting the illustrator Christoph Niemann when I say that, great work is not something that is really in our control. It’s something that happens occasionally if you’re doing a lot of good work. Or work that won’t embarrass you and your client.

Anyone can make insane quality work with unlimited time. Professionals are people who can ship work that’s not embarrassing when they say they will. And sometimes the work might even be great!

¹

1. Every Month some members of

illoguild

answer the same question. This is my response to the question “How do you refocus on work after some time away” Follow illoguild, and read everyone else’s answers on Monday