Finding Balance

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It’s been three weeks I’ve been working here at Pixel Dreams and what a journey it’s been so far. Having experience in either a corporate environment or a laid back photography studio a few challenges arise. One I now face is the ability to produce high quality designs at a reasonable pace. I don’t want to sacrifice quality for time, but I think it’s always about finding that balance. Not compromising one aspect for the other but allowing each to work together, for you, throughout the entire development process.

Easier said than done you say. Well, at first yes, but I think once you learn to create without feeling that pressure, where you’re aware of the deadline but still allow your mind to relax and just let it do its thing. In there lies the secret; stepping back and trusting the process.

I’ve experienced the same thing in the martial art of Capoeira. When stepping in to battle your opponent there are lots of chemical reactions occurring, all within a millisecond which alter your normal state of mind. Time and skill are of the essence. What’s the best approach? Now, you can do either one of two things. The first is to remain calm, concentrate and allow the game to happen. The second is to attempt as many moves as you can to make contact with your opponent. The latter, you end up wasting your energy faster than your opponent which leaves you vulnerable and weak, thus sacrificing skill and technique. The former you surrender to the moment, letting go of the pressure to make contact, all the while allowing your body to express itself and find the perfect timing to execute. The goal is always the same, but the path is different for everyone. Wow…deep right?

I’ll be doing some experimenting for the next few weeks to see what works best for me. Khalid, recommended I time myself when designing, and through repetition, I’ll find my own process and explore every possibility. I’ve asked a few people what their process is from concept to completion and how they work under deadlines. Some begin by gathering ideas in their mind before they even reach for that pencil. Others sketch and then research, and the list goes on. I’m curious to find out from you.

What’s your development process, and how do you pace pace yourself when you hear tic, toc, tic, toc?…