Loved the article on the creator’s lifecycle by David Adeleke in Communique.
You’ll notice from the sketchnote that very few creators shift from the inception to the growth stage. But I won’t bore you with the ‘why’ because I think there’s something more interesting to note: The distance between inception and growth can get longer for some creators (spacing totally for dramatic effect).
We seem obsessed with this idea of things unfolding fast—whether in terms of one’s work going viral or people achieving great feats at a young age. But this puts unnecessary pressure on creators, making them focus more on the numbers and less on getting their fingerprints all over their work.
That fingerprint is a signature. A style and substance that sets one creator apart from the other. Something Jay Acunzo often writes about and I recommend reading.
If you’re a creator building for the long haul, it makes sense to focus more on infusing your fingerprint in your work, especially if you’re at the early stages of your journey. Because it sets the tone for (1) longevity and (2) the strength of your community. As a maker, I’ve found that it also helps keep your mind on the right cards, deflating the pressure to ‘grow fast.’
:Sidebar:
I offer Sketchnote Design as a freelance service for educators, businesses, authors, course owners, event organizers, and anyone looking to communicate their biggest ideas through visual storytelling. Send a message if you’re interested.
