To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: … a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; Ecclesiastes 2:1-2

Creativity is seasonal. The very foundation of creativity is the expectation of a harvest:

1. We plant seeds of idea and concept.
2. We nurture with faithful attention to detail.
3. We weed and prune with constructive feedback.
4. We harvest with implementation and presentation.

Genesis 1 shows us the first example of a creative season. Our Creator spoke words and concepts into the dark abyss, and in six days we see the culmination of the greatest creative work ever in the history of the universe. Then came day number seven.

(Silence)

God rested. God had a season of creative dormancy. This was for our example.

Creative Dormancy

A deprivation of dormancy can render our creative field deficient and deplete.  Dormancy is not laziness, it is restoration. The curse of a creative is the compulsion to create constantly. We all need a seventh day. There are no eternal batteries.

Sometimes you just need some time – sometimes five minutes – sometimes a day – sometimes a week. Sometimes you need to walk in the fresh air. Sometimes you need to read and learn. Sometimes you need to pray. Sometimes you need to sleep.  Sometimes you need to be yourself. Sometimes you need a hobby. Sometimes you need to laugh. Sometimes you need the Creative to create something in you.

The most fruitful times come after we rest. Let us never forget the most important season of creative dormancy.

When beginning a project there are three things you can choose from. You can only have two, you can’t have all three.

1. Time
2. Quality
3. Cost

Scenario 1:

You don’t have a large budget, but you need your event postcard printed quickly.

1. Time
2. Quality – You’re just a number.
   
3. Cost

You will probably go to a large wholesaler who puts out product in large runs and doesn’t inspect each job for quality. Their turnaround is usually very quick since they deal in bulk and their prices are very low.

Scenario 2:

You want to get letterhead and business cards printed. Since this is your branding, you need quality to be a top priority, but you still need to watch your budget.

1. Time – You’re on their clock.
   
2. Quality
3. Cost

After quite a bit of research, you could find a mom-and-pop print shop that needs to pick up some clients. Normally, these shops have limited staff and work on individual jobs. Since they are cutting you a good deal to get your business, you can’t ask them to rush the job. You must put yourself on their production schedule.

Scenario 3:

You are a recording artist and you’re extremely late getting your artwork to the printer. Since this is your record, you want premium quality and turnaround needs to be yesterday.

1. Time
2. Quality
3. Cost – It’s gonna cost you!
   

Any printer that specializes in cover art does quality work, and they are used to doing rush jobs. You will get your project done in a quick turnaround, but it’s going to cost you some hefty bucks.

If you find someone who will give you all three, you will find someone who is not making any money in their business.

I think leaders should realize this principle when tasking their creative team with production pieces. Sometimes a leader wants all three, but in the creative world, you can’t have your cake and eat it too. A creative needs to have this list handy in awkward situations, and politely ask their leader which two are most important to them. Then, find the best route that will take care of those two needs.

All of these images are available for download to use in your church. Some are flattened images, others are PSD files you can edit. If you like Joe’s work give him a shout and tell him what you think. You can find Joe here on  Twitter – @joecavazos or on his website. Beware: Following Joe on Twitter will push you out of your design comfort zone.

Go to CreativeMYK.com