Fortunately, there's one thing that has kept me afloat and inspired, meeting with folks who are like me. In the last three weeks I've met with fellow bloggers for lunch, some freelance/independent workers for coffee, and a pair of graphic designer friends for pizza. With each sitting we caught each other up on the latest: concerns, ideas, complaints, good news, etc. Each time I left feeling rejuvenated and inspired.
Setting up time to meet with like-minded people really helps. Of course we should always be open to meeting others who have different interests. That too helps our creative growth, but it's superb being able to share whatever's going on with someone else who completely relates. Somehow new ideas, perspectives, and thoughts are formulated. You feel like a brand new person. Oh don't get me wrong, I adore my friends, I LOVE my mom and boyfriend but when I have a design idea or a blogging concern they can only help but so much. (Here's my mom, "Andrea, you can do anything." Thanks mom, but how do deal with this client?)
So set up some time to meet with a person or group once a week. Someone you know or why not even try to arrange a meeting with someone you would like to meet. You never know. Bring your ideas or consider creating a small activity for you and your group to stay motivated. My designer friends and I create tiny projects that we present to one another each week we meet. It's great to see what we come up with. If you don't have the time to meet then make a phone date. Those are always great, too.
