What's Next?

As kids, we always know what we're supposed to do next. We know after 5th grade we go to 6th; after middle school, high school. Most people go straight to college after high school. You don't have to think about what path you're going to take, it's already laid out in front of you. You know that to be "successful" you have to graduate high school then go to college (or at least that's what conventional wisdom says). 

After college though, so many people stall out seemingly waiting for someone to tell them what to do next. They drift along in a retail job or waiting tables, living with their parents, mumbling about the economy and telling people "thinking about grad school!"

Don't get me wrong, I know the economy sucks and I know a lot of people live with their parents out of necessity not choice. But don't use the economy as a crutch. Don't use the fact that many more people move back in with their parents after college than ever before as a reason to do so yourself. By doing these things you're selling yourself short. You can get a job in this economy. You can get an apartment. You can support yourself financially. 

There's no clear path to success after college, as we've been conditioned to believe since kindergarten. But that's a good thing. What it means is that there are many paths to success, unlike in school when the only way to succeed is through doing what your teachers say and getting good grades. There are jobs you've never heard of out there. There are ways to do exactly what you want and get paid for it. As a grown up, you call the shots. You decide if you take a year off to travel, if you quit your job to freelance or start your own business. But first, you have to begin your life after college.

The time to start your life is now. 

Go out there and do something remarkable. 

You're ready. 

Let's go.

How to be More Creative

Realize Nothing is Original 

 Stop trying to come up with things from scratch, even the world's best artists have to start somewhere. Once you can get past this you'll have a much easier time creating things.

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Let Yourself Be Inspired
 This is really the key to becoming more creative. People who think they're not creative just aren't letting themselves be inspired enough. If you don't know where to start, get inspired by other people's art: DeviantArt, Tumblr, Pinterest and Flikr are all good places to start. Try letting something completely random from the real world inspire you-- converse sneakers, kitchen tools, insects, taco bell commercials, etc.

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Take Your Time
 Don't try to rush creativity. Wait until you really have some time (preferably alone) to really go at it.

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Don't Be Afraid of Screwing Up
 I can pretty much guarantee that you won't like the first thing you create; whether it be written, sung, composed, painted, decoupaged, sketched or whatever else. But that's okay, if you're just being creative for fun, there's no reason you need to be hard on yourself. Throw it out and start again. I can guarantee that any successful artist didn't create something inspiring their first try.

 

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Repeat & Don't Quit
 There's a reason "practice makes perfect" is such an overused phrase-- it's true! You can't expect to get better if you try something once and quit. So your first effort at drawing a Day of the Dead skull looked like a flower patch vomited on the page. If it's something that you're really interested in, you'll get better as long as you keep trying. 

Sunday Style Tips

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See what you can mix up in what you (or your roommates!) already own // Never leave the house looking too perfect-- mess up your hair a little, untuck your shirt, anything to look just a little more natural // Make a point to make small talk with a stranger // Browse pinterest, tumblr or lookbook for outfit ideas or inspire your next purchase // Learn how to put on false eyelashes so that they look natural (and not halloween-ish) and wear them as often as possible // Put on body lotion as soon as you get out of the shower // Find your signature drink