I recently asked the question on twitter: ‘If you could learn one non 3D or graphics related skill, what would it be?’ with the intention of trying to discover if there are any similarities in the rest of our lives, or if it is purely graphics that binds our community.
Turns out we are all very similar. The most common answers were creative and constructive, with many people wanting to learn a practical craft like wood working or engineering, while most of the others turned to music, with many wanting to learn an instrument. These both make sense to me, as we are fundamentally buildings and creators and these skills will obviously overlap the various parts of our lives.
What struck me more though, was the large amount of people who added a second choice to their replies. Although the actual activity varied, almost everybody who gave two options chose an ‘extreme sport’ as their second.
These ranges from flying a helicopter, snowboarding and rally cross to MBX and park our (which would be very high on my list too).
As for me I already play a number of instruments and have trained as a producer but I don’t often put those skills to good use. I play the guitar every day without fail, even if only for 30 minutes but the bass, drums, piano and violin barely get touched.
I have a guitar in most rooms of the house and often just pick one up to mess around. It helps me relax as well as stay creative and keeps my mind (and my fingers) supple.
The main reason I asked the question was to try and work out what drives us. How do we relax? What are our common interests, if any.
Now I have some responses (quite a lot of them too – thanks!) it raises more questions.
What made our choices? DO we seek adrenaline rushes and adventure to get way from a monitor and out into the open? Or do we need to de-stress from the pressure of working in a creative field? Are the two linked?
Is creativity the key to who we are. Most people’s first response was a creative one. I wonder what the replies would have been if I had said non-creative.
I think I will delve deeper into this, as I find it fascinating. Please take a minute and make a comment below. I would really love to know what you think. I’m not just saying that.
Rob
p.s For now here is my indulgence. To get away from the monitor and relax I keep nature aquariums, my little piece of nature indoors. I won’t talk much about it here, as it’s not what this blog is about but here is a little peak at one.
