It’s almost officially Fall, and that means I’m officially really behind on finishing up our GoPro video from our Europe trip last summer. But this week I finally had the time and it’s done! I love how casual these videos always seem in comparison to the photos, I hope you enjoy seeing it from our perspective!
Made in the Middle 2018
This weekend I attended Made in the Middle, a creative conference in Kansas City founded by Tad and Jessica Carpenter of Carpenter Collective. I wasn’t able to attend their first conference two years ago so I was thrilled it worked out to go this year! The conference started with a day of workshops on Friday (I attended a live recording of Andy J. Miller’s Creative Pep Talk Podcast!) and continued with an opening party at Messenger Coffee.
Saturday was a day full of lectures, and below are a few of my key takeaways from each of the six talented artists/designers/engineers who spoke. To say the weekend was inspiring is an understatement, and I’m truly proud to be a creative working in the Midwest.
Amber Goodvin
Defining myself loosely opens doors for me.
If I put out the work I want it comes back to me.
My creativity comes in seasons.
Taking time to reflect is an important part of my process.
Amber took time to audit her work and pursue styles that she wanted to work on, even if it was different from work she was known for.
Dawn Hancock
Lift each other up.
100% of perfectionists think they are imposters.
The more you put projects out into the world the more they come back to you.
Take the risks.
Hire people who are smarter than you who truly give a damn.
It’s okay not to be okay.
Steve Frykholm
The first in-house graphic designer at Herman Miller, Inc.
If you have what you believe is an original, creative, terrific idea but you get timid and wonder what your client might think ... present it anyway.
You must disrupt the status quo.
We are all extraordinary.
There can always be a first time.
Mina Markham
Purposely Lucky
Just say yes, it is okay to be scared.
Collaboration breeds creativity.
Visibility has consequences.
Create without regrets.
Communicate your place in the market, know your unique value proposition and build connectivity into your business.
Andy J. Miller
The key to your creative career path is waiting for you to say yes.
Life is hard, but it doesn’t mean it’s bad. Hard and bad aren’t the same thing. (Andy’s Dad)
You have to go through all the levels, the maze is the key.
A creative path can be rocky.
You don’t know what dark places your creative work might pull people out of.
Dana Tanamachi
Be grateful for seasons where you can learn and grow in anonymity.
Who is flourishing because of the time, resources and skills you possess?
Relearn what you thought you already knew.
Seek out and plan those teachable moments, have a willingness to learn (teachability).
Write down your 5 year/10 year/20 year goals.
Early Fall Wishlist
While it doesn’t exactly feel like Fall yet i’m starting to crave sweaters and walks through the neighborhood. Here is a quick roundup of some items on my wish-list as the seasons start to shift:
1. Ruffle Sleeve T-Shirt from Nordstrom
2. Mirrored Picture Frame from Williams-Sonoma
3. Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist from Herbivore
4. Mini Instax Acrylic Album Photo Frame from Urban Outfitters
5. Mock Neck Sweater from Topshop
6. AK! Jump Rope from Amanda Kloots
Hallmarket Artists
Friends, if you live in KC you need to stop by Hallmarket on September 15th! Here are just a few of my talented friends who will be selling their artwork at Crown Center:
Lisa Hadley @friendsofhadley
Chloe Daven @positivepennants
Meredith Cox @meredith.e.cox
Alyissa Johnson @alyissaj
Kelly Castor @kellcastor
Lynn Giunta @lynn_giunta
Barb Mizik @barb_mizik
Megan Reed @meganleighletters
Diptychs 31
August Around The Web
Hello, friends! This month I went to the lake with college friends, attended a wedding, spent a weekend at our family lake house, and went to a Royals game with Dale — the perfect end of summer fun! I'm just beginning to crave Fall, having wrapped up a bunch of projects at work this month it almost feels like back to school. One thing I will miss about Summer is all the flowers — I loved this floral centerpiece inspiration pictured below. Here are a few of my other favorites this month:
I just purchased these knobs for an old dresser in our guest room!
Got lots of ideas from this home tour.
I love the idea of a rosé party!
This dress isn't screaming Fall, but I'm obsessed with all the color.
Thinking of making a similar DIY for our living room.
I am constantly learning from Podcasts, take a look at this article from A Cup of Jo
We tried these stuffed peppers this month, I'm really getting back in the mood for cooking.
If I were in NYC I would LOVE to visit The Color Factory!
And the prefect way to wrap up the month, an Autumn bucket list