What a year it’s been so far. It’s going by so fast and here I am racing to do all the things I set out to do at the beginning of the year. Through this first half of the year, I’ve been taking time to get inspired and stay inspired. The demand on output for work has been at an all time high and I’ve had to learn to fight for inspiration in days where it’s so easy to go through the motions.
With that being said, I wanted to share a few things that I’ve consumed over the last few months, in hopes that it would impact you as much as it’s impacted me. I hope to do more of these in the future but I’m not putting a parameter around it to prevent burn out.
There are three main areas/categories that I want to focus on which are: things I’ve heard, things I’ve watched, and things I’ve read.
For the thing I’ve heard, Zeal by Kings Kaleidoscope. This band stands as one of my all time favorites. Their creativity is unmatched and the way they translate the heart of the father into letters, colors, words, and sounds is simply put, inspiring. I’ve seen them in concert twice and each time it has left me fueled. Their music has unlocked me creatively time and time again. This album in particular is all about regaining that childlike faith. Stepping out of cynicism and diving head first into wonder. Which is a message I feel like we could all use.
For the thing I’ve watched, Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse. Now for this film I was late to the party. I was fully confident of how good this film would be but I just didn’t get around to watching it until a lot later. Once I did, I was blown away. I don’t feel like I’ve been this obsessed with a film since Black Panther. The soundtrack, the animation, HIS SUIT. They were intentional with the styles they chose, the sound effects, and the emotions that it pulled on. I was left amazed, visually stimulated, and would watch this film over and over again.
Lastly, for the thing I read, The Illustrated Summaries of Biblical Books. I got it as a gift from my best friend. It has not only helped me as I study the Bible but it’s helped me creatively. I’ve gotten into illustrating a lot more and have been exploring what it looks like to artistically convey the gospel. It not only includes imagery but also summaries. Both of which, have had an intense impact on me. Not to mention, their videos that I have been following now for years. It seems to be a whole Bible Project package and I’m loving it.
A common theme within this month’s inspiration seemed to be “childlike” interestingly enough. From album themes, to cartoon films, to illustrated bibles. Maybe it’s the ruthless abandon or the innocence or the connection to one’s true self. Whatever it is, it has left me with wells of creativity. If you get a chance, check out one or all of these things. They will leave you impacted.