THIS TIME BOMB IS ALIVE

I tend to be attracted to projects and activities that allow me to be creative and independent on some level.

Graphic design. Playing and writing music. Podcasting. Woodworking/Building. Decorating/Organizing. Cooking. Business/Marketing projects and now, blogging/writing.

I’ve learned that when some things in my life are not properly aligned and there are no tangible consequences, I lose my motivation and inspiration to continue producing consistent work.

I feel super motivated this week because I created a gig poster for a band that I love and support, The Dollyrots. The poster is for their new record’s release party in Los Angeles, the city where they are based.

As a person who used to be in a band with a record, I’ll say that a record release show in your hometown is one of the more important and sentimental shows that you will ever play. You might get more gigs playing in front of a larger crowd or opening for your favorite band, but at a record release party in your hometown, all of your friends/fans show up and to hang out and appreciate the music that you spent hours and days and weeks writing and recording, not to mention the time that goes into package design and other things.

The graphic for the gig poster was mainly created to commemorate the event and hang onto as a keepsake for the fans, but more importantly the bands that played. I’ll post the image later.

As the designer, if I dont complete the job on time or give the band something they would be happy to share and admire for years after the event, I feel like I would have struck out in a big way and that would be my consequence.

Working on this project this week has both inspired me and motivated me to continue to produce creative work more regularly on some level whether there are consequences or not.

Whether it be something like a graphic design project or something as simple as attempting a new recipe or reorganizing the garage, I need to stay motivated and inspired to continue doing these things. I also need to stay aware of what inspires me, what motivates me and if I do not produce… what are the consequences?

If you share some of my personality traits, you should also continue to ask yourself these things…

What motivates you? What inspires you? Will you have consequences if you do not produce?

Make a list if necessary.

Thanks for reading.
Jasper.

I’m at a point in my life where I should have a better grasp on my priorities, but I dont and I’m fine with it. In fact, I make myself proud.
Right now, I’m unemployed, without a steady income, and would rather go out for dinner and drinks with friends or go to a rock show once in a while than pay all of my bills on time.
My thought is, bills will always be there and I’ll pay when I’m able to.
In some circles I might be considered an entrepreneur, a risk taker.
The term entrepreneur is used mostly in business when one invests money in something with hopes to grow his or her investment.
I feel that I am investing money in my personal happiness.
I know that this phrase is very cliche, but “Carpe Deim.”
Those really are words to remember when making decisions as to how you want to spend your free time and live your life.
Try to think of the big picture as much as possible.
(I have life goals. I’ll share them in upcoming entries)
Another cliche, but very relevant to this thought is… “You Could Die Tomorrow”.
Death is not something that I think about, but I do know that I’m not getting any younger. Therefore, I want to take advantage of every opportunity to do things that make me happy. Sometimes these things are not exciting things(like eating out), but they do cause me to spend money that I dont have.
I don’t want to encourage folks to spend money carelessly or make poor financial decisions, but just be aware of what makes you happy and choose your own adventure.
This entry was originally going to be a review of The Donnas show that I attended over the weekend. It was a charity event for breast cancer and the $24 ticket price was higher than a normal rock show. It was an amazing performance. I had fun with friends and I’m very glad I decided to go, rather than stay home.