By Nicki Yowell, Office & Communication Specialist
It’s another one of “those days.” You know the kind I mean. It’s an unremarkable Tuesday, and I feel the bleak blahs coming on and a deadline peering over my shoulder. But fear not, brain, it’s a creativity ritual to the rescue! So, I pop on the old headphones, plug in to a cherished playlist or album, and bop around the creaky floors of my office for a dance break. Right now, I’m favoring the disco-infused no wave of Press Color by Lizzy Mercier Descloux to energize my stagnant afternoons. The music, while certainly beloved, is not as important. The movement…that’s a good start for sure…but this is really about the ceremony of it all.
Is there an object or practice that helps facilitate your writing and/or artistic process? Something even a bit magical perhaps? These articles of kismet might set the right mood, like a waft from a bubbling pot of coffee chugging away in the morning. They may be more of a personal trinket that provides a mental reset or positive association…a cute snapshot of your husky on a sunny boardwalk perhaps?
To herald the season of all things spells and supernatural, some of our fantastic Indigo team members have generously shared their own tokens and rituals for fostering creativity.
“I’ve been a Bullet Journal person since 2016, and after trying a lot of pens and notebooks, I’ve landed on the Rhodia Goalbook and a fountain pen as my favorite. The fountain pen and ink get changed out pretty often. In the picture, I have a Pilot Vanishing Point retractable pen filled with Jacques Herbin ink in Poussiere de Lune, a purple color. I buy a different color Rhodia every few months. The leather pen holder is from a company called Arrow, and it moves from notebook to notebook. I use this combo to keep to-do lists, draft essays, take reading notes for book reviews, track progress on projects, do brain dumps … just everything. It is utilitarian and absolutely not fancy or pretty inside.”
–Kristen Hall-Geisler, Senior Editor, @kristen_hg
“The ‘object’ that helps inspire and facilitate my creative and professional processes is my Siamese cat, Dash (aka my editorial assistant). Like so many people these days, I work from home. Having Dash around, gives my day little moments of joy and levity that I just wouldn’t have without him. I truly believe I wouldn’t be nearly as productive without him to keep me company.”
–Deborah Jayne, Marketing Specialist, @paperjayne
“My desk is a little accidental shrine to joyful creativity, and looking at my collected objects in front of me when I sit down at my computer is always a nice way to get my writing and editing energy flowing. Some of my favorite objects include a hunk of quartz crystal that’s supposed to be a conduit for transformation; photos of my friends and me that make me think of my loving, artistic community; and a couple of character statuettes from Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron and My Neighbor Totoro to remind me of the power of fantasy and storytelling to communicate deep human truths. With those talismans and a bracing cup of coffee or tea, I feel invigorated to dive into my wordsmithing work!”
– Sarah Currin, Senior Editor, @sing_ariel_sing
“I don’t have a specific writing ritual, but I enjoy using this basic Pilot fountain pen to brainstorm or take notes, because it writes smoothly. Not so smoothly, you can see where I tend to fidget and worry, having rubbed away the pen’s coating. I guess it’s better than biting my nails!”
–Monte Lin, Associate Editor
“Years ago, I read that putting on a pair of ‘workout’ or ‘work’ shoes can help you stay focused. Whenever I have a cover design deadline (that I’ve been avoiding!), I put on my pink walking shoes that never leave my office.”
–Olivia M. Hammerman, Senior Designer, @ochbookdesign
“My son gave me this beautiful pottery that sits on my desk, a special treasure he brought home from a trip to Greece. The seashell motif reminds me of my home on the Oregon coast and love for my family and serves as inspiration to write about faraway places.”
–Melissa Eskue Ousley, Associate Editor, melissaeskueousley.com
“On my desk, I keep a small figure of Joan of Arc, Jeanne d’Arc. I love that she, as a young woman, even existed. I’m as in awe of the mix of mystery and accomplishments that comprise her life as I am horrified by the brutality of her death. I’m not a religious person, but I’m willing to believe in the voices she heard, and I believe writing can become a kind of interdimensional channeling too. But most of all I love this miniature Joan of Arc because it was a gift from author Lidia Yuknavitch, and I’m honored to hold her friendship and wisdom close to my heart, to be in creative conversation with such brilliance.”
–Monica Drake, Senior Editor, @monicadrak3
Nicki Yowell is a lifelong enthusiast of all things print. She’s been writing ever since her childhood years at the helm of The Nicki News, a slightly factual personal periodical. Since acquiring her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism, she’s spent time freelance writing for a variety of publications. She also has been self-publishing her own zines for over a decade. When she’s not writing or working on creative projects, Nicki enjoys scouring the country for the best slice of pizza and adapting dinner recipes based on the contents of her fridge.
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