Less, but Better

On the side of a building on Long Lane in Dublin, there’s a small sign that says Less, but better. I think the building might be an ad agency, but I saw it when I was out for lunch with a friend at the end of last year and I’ve remembered it often over the last six months.

For the last two years, I’ve said yes to almost every opportunity that has come my way. Despite how many different creative hats I’ve been wearing, it seemed like the best way to get a creative career off the ground was to take advantage of as many opportunities as humanly possible. In all, I think that plan has really worked. But that system can only work for so long, and I’ve realized recently that it’s time to start saying no. Not because I don’t want to do things, but because it’s time to start narrowing the number of creative hats I’m wearing so I don’t go absolutely bonkers trying to keep up with such a manic schedule. And happily, I’m in a place where I can narrow things down and still be making a living. Phew!

Funnily enough, the six titles I’ve included in my new portfolio site are the ones I’ve narrowed it down to for now. I don’t think that necessarily seems like that could be less, but it is. And I think it’s a set of titles I really love and that provides a certain balance – a good mix of just enough projects to keep me challenged, to keep me on my toes, and to keep me from sitting behind a desk every day. And just few enough that I have a tiny bit more time: time for thinking of new ideas, time for finishing off our house makeover that has been abandoned for months, time for a few projects just for fun, and more time with friends and family.

The one thing that I haven’t been willing to cut down on is posting here. It is, of course, a title and project I take very seriously, but it also falls into the category of something I do just for fun. So here is a thank you for joining me in this place that continues to be such a gratifying and challenging role. Thank you for helping this place be so much darn fun for me! I have some really fun posts coming up that I think you’ll enjoy – a product of having more time to create specifically for this space. I can’t wait to share them with you.