My rules for making
Principles to live the life you've always wanted
Before we dive in, I want to say hi to all the new readers who have joined the apartamento 710 community in the past few weeks. We are almost 3,000 now, and that makes me cry happy tears every time I think about it. I see you, and appreciate that you are here. If you ever want to say hi, collaborate, or work with me, don’t hesitate to shoot me a message.
What is apartamento 710?
A newsletter where I write about living intentionally outside of the Internet, sustainable consumption, my passion for art and design, and whatever else is crossing my mind during the week. I have a section called Sobremesa, where I interview creatives in different industries about their process of making cool stuff. I hope you enjoy your stay, and please don’t forget to share apartamento 710 with someone who might love it.
In the past four years, I have been able to achieve many of the biggest goals in my adult life: restarted my life in a new country, pivoted to a career that I am passionate about, launched this newsletter, ran a half-marathon, and more. I attribute these achievements to my rules for making. Simple principles that guide my life, and allow me to live a creative and fulfilling life, where I am the only one responsible for my happiness and success.
The other day at the library, in a moment of inspiration, I grabbed a pen and my blue notebook and wrote down these ‘rules’ that have been scattered in my brain for some time. More than rules, these are gentle reminders that I come back when I need a push. Things I have learned since I decided to start taking myself seriously as an artist.
As you venture into a new project, start with what you have. You don’t need to buy the newest camera to start a YouTube channel. Or build a super fancy website for your new business. Or get the best running shoes on the market to start training for that race. Commit to the process with the resources you already have (or if you must: borrow, buy for cheap, thrift), but don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need these things to start.
Build in small steps. As you begin, have a clear vision, but don’t worry too much about the final outcome. Commit to the process. Slowly, things will unfold and you can iterate, and fix things as you go.
Even if a lot of people are doing the exact same thing you want to do, your POV is unique, so your art, product, or service will be different. There is no such thing as market saturation. There is someone out there who is waiting for your creations.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to people and let them know you love their work. Don’t be shy to ask for their advice either. You never know what will come out of sending a cold email to someone you admire. A friendship, mentorship, a collaboration, even a job opportunity.
Detach yourself from the outcome. This one is hard because, as creatives what we are making is deeply personal. Try to remember that you don’t win if everyone loves what you make, or lose if the critics don’t like it. You win because you are doing what you love. That is all that matters.
More often than not, your biggest supporters will be strangers, and that is ok.
When you start seeing discipline as an act of self-devotion, and prioritizing consistency over perfectionism, everything changes. How does this look in real life? Maybe doing a tiny little action every day that takes you closer to that dream, to finishing that project.
If you are stuck and don’t know what to create next, start by observing your surroundings closely. Pay attention to the details, the unusual corners. One of my favorite photographers, Lisa Cyang, shared with me that when she is searching for ideas for new projects, she goes to her kitchen for inspiration and looks at the shapes of different ingredients, or the unique color combinations of the flowers in her garden. Observe closely and you will find hidden patterns that will inspire you.
It is essential for your creativity to spend time in silence. To allow yourself to be bored. The more overstimulated we are, the less in tune we are with our intuition. It helps me to go on walks with no phone, or do a weekend per month with no social media.
Very often, creative jealousy stems from admiration. Learn to channel your envy and transform it so you can use it as motivation.
You don’t have to be the best at something to enjoy it, or even to make a living off it. However, you have to be passionate about it and strive to be better at it every day, however that looks to you.
You don’t need an audience to start creating. I started this newsletter with 0 readers, with no TikTok following, or prior editorial experience, and 1.5 years later here I am with almost 3,000 readers. For me that is incredible growth, with no ads or promotion in any social media channel other than my personal Instagram. Over time the right people will find you. The key here is consistency and patience.
What do you think about these ideas? And most importantly, what are your rules, principles, or mantras for creating? I want to hear all about it!
I needed to read this
Super rad. Loves these rules! Might borrow a few for myself.