Being forced to focus on a topic to complete an assignment is so different than how you might work without that discipline being forced on you. Learn from it.

I tend to only work when I feel inspired, and of course this can be abused as it can turn into an excuse (I just don’t feel inspired!).

Both positions are opposite swings of the pendulum and perhaps some blending of the two approaches would be useful. Perhaps a semi-forced discipline that causes one to get inspired?

Great thought, thanks Kylie.

Cole

I enjoy receiving your newsletters by email, and always open them as they arrive. (Just found your blog today) I particularly enjoy the “inspirational” video or thought that you often include.

I’m studying photography at college at the moment, and that forces one to “focus on a topic” for each semester’s folio. One of my instructors had some advise about “grazing” though…if you have a number of different images or ideas that excite you that’s great. Take your camera out with you everywhere, and shoot whatever you want, whatever appeals at the time. Just keep the “folio subject” in the back of your mind. You’ll still be able to graze, but you’ll find yourself thinking…”oh, that’d be great for “textures” group, and look, there’s an image I’ll capture for my “faces in repose” section”…I’ve found it works well for me, anyhow.