Analog Creativity

Here is how I write and create without ‘modern’ technology. I find this method to be ‘thought cleansing’.

First and foremost my Micron 05 pen and Field Notes:

• I always carry these with me
• Jot down ideas, memories, or experiences
• WRITE

I have gotten into the habit of wearing shirts with pockets strictly so I can have my notebook and pen accessible. In here it doesn't matter what you write, how your grammar is, or how bad you are at spelling (my kryptonite word is ‘Tomorrow”). All you have to do is write.

Here are some sections you might find in my Field Notes:

1. Lists, I love lists. To Do, Grocery Lists, Lists of words I don’t know, and lists of prompts
2. Blue Prints/Infographics/Brain Maps: I like doodling but I can’t draw. I make sense of some of my notes by making flowcharts or brain maps. I also am a guy that likes to tinker, making blueprints is a favorite pass time.
3. Stories & Memories: If you see a page in my Field Notes full of text, you have stumbled upon a story or a memory (I want you to guess, it makes it more fun). there are times when I am with family or friends and I remember or get re-told a story; I write it down. I also like (when I am bored) to write stories. If I am stuck in the car waiting for my girlfriend to finish shopping a tiny store might catch my eye and I will write a story about the owner or what I think their life is like.

Next we have my Canon AE-1 film camera:

I have always loved photography. My Dad passed down his love for it to me. While I own 2 Digital Cameras, I find my film camera to always be my first choice. I have listed my reasons below:

• No Photo Editing (At least from my end)
• Pure experience
• Film is experimental
• Point and Shoot

David Bartus from Pexels

Time to create

Once I have my notes and photos in comes the typewriter. I own a Smith-Corona Cartridge Mark I which I bought from a lovely lady off Facebook Marketplace.

With all my pieces scattered around I then type, describe, and transcribe.

Here is what my output looks like:

• A poem: Typically written from an experience with a 35mm photo to match. While I love being descriptive, a photo/visual piece to match completes it for me.
• A video script or outline: Like what you are seeing now with talking points and visuals.
• Article/Blog “Post”; A gumbo of ideas, thoughts, designs, and questions.

If you liked this, there are more to come! Less about marketing and digital media but more about life, creativity, and experience!