The magic is in the mess

What’s your creativity process look like?

For me, it’s a whirlwind of jotting down ideas on anything within arm's reach—tablets, phones, laptops, or even random scraps of paper.

Revision here, adding a new insight there, deleting that new insight and adding in 5 other ideas out of nowhere…

…before the whole thing is re-imagined.

It’s a messy process, and it often leads to a mix of excitement and doubt.

On one hand, there’s the thrill of capturing a fresh idea. On the other hand, there are those nagging thoughts: “Will this idea ever see the light of day?” or “Who am I to bring this idea to life?”

This is exactly how I felt about the scope of my branding photo work when the idea first popped into my head back in 2016.

The self-doubt was strong, but fortunately, I didn’t listen to those demons. Now, every time I face similar doubts, I remind myself of why it's important to push through.

The ideas, no matter how small or messy, can develop into something incredibly worthwhile and valuable for those I serve.

Sure, it’s not easy. In fact, it can be downright frustrating.

Throwing ideas against the wall and seeing what sticks is a pain in the ass. But it’s also what makes the process amazing. It’s a reminder that despite the challenges, this work aligns with my purpose and meaning. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing a messy idea transform into something useful.

The truth is, if you cut yourself off at the pass before you go further, you’ll never know what could’ve been. Embracing the messiness, the doubts, and the frustration is part of the journey.

It’s what makes the end result so rewarding.

Next time you find yourself surrounded by a chaotic pile of ideas and doubts, remember this: the mess is part of the magic.

Keep pushing, keep creating, and keep reminding yourself that your work has value and purpose.

And people you serve need it most.