Creative Block is a weekly newsletter that gives you a glimpse into my life, creativity, design, and music. It's like a little pick-me-up that you get delivered straight to your inbox each week.
Dear Creatives,
Sometimes, finding the right words to share our thoughts can be a challenge. However, here I am today, showing up and breaking through that barrier. I believe it's crucial to embrace vulnerability and open up about the things that have been occupying our minds. So, in this newsletter, I want to take a moment to share some of the ideas and reflections that have been on my mind this week.
1. Why do people cry on social media?
Have you ever wondered why people shed tears on social media? Lately, it seems like an increasing number of individuals are hitting the record button and letting their tears flow. The question that lingers in my mind is: what prompts this surge of emotions? Is it a genuine cry for attention, or does it stem from another source altogether? These occurrences have left me both intrigued and slightly perplexed.
I can understand the tears that emerge naturally during heartfelt conversations, where emotions overwhelm someone in the midst of expressing themselves. It's understandable when someone becomes teary-eyed while passionately discussing a topic, with tears arising unexpectedly during the course of their speech. However, it is the deliberate act of pressing record and crying right from the start that raises questions about the authenticity of these emotional displays.
There's an element of suspicion that arises when individuals take the time to set up their phones, hit the record button, and immediately begin shedding tears. It leaves me contemplating the genuineness of their cries. Perhaps it is just my perception, but I find myself growing weary of the prevailing inauthenticity that permeates social media platforms.
2. I think I have ADHD with a mild OCD
I believe I may have ADHD alongside a mild case of OCD. Although this is a self-diagnosis, it resonates with my experiences and offers an explanation for various aspects of my life. It never occurred to me that there are individuals with high functioning ADHD, particularly in creative fields. I find great satisfaction in organizing things and frequently catch myself subtly adjusting objects both in the digital and physical realm. Being highly observant has brought both joy and stress into my life, and when combined with OCD, it's evident how my mind can become overwhelmed at times.
3. I think too much and it’s paralyzing.
I totally get it. Keeping this newsletter alive has been a real struggle for me. Sometimes, I have these nagging thoughts like, "Hey, Temi, don't go on about yourself too much. Your readers might think you're self-obsessed." And then there's the fear of running out of ideas, worried that people will find my newsletter dull and lose interest. It's tough, you know? Oh, and then there's the internal debate about whether I should even discuss my faith, even though it means the world to me.
Every time I log onto Substack, these thoughts bombard me, and it's paralyzing. But despite all that, I'm determined to push through. I may not know where this newsletter is headed in the future, but one thing's for sure—I'm proud that I keep showing up.
Right now, I'm desperately searching for a rhythm, a way to capture ideas as they come to me. I need something to fall back on when I sit down to write. So, here's my question to you all: Do you have any specific topics or ideas you'd like me to cover? Maybe we can spice things up with an AMA (Ask Me Anything) for an entire month. You ask, and I'll answer in my newsletter. I'm open to suggestions because, hey, we're in this together. Let's make it happen!
4. WATER YOUR GARDEN
Social media has played a significant role in shaping our perception of a better life, often leading us to believe that having certain things or accomplishments would make us happier. Nowadays, it seems unacceptable to be a 25-year-old still navigating life's uncertainties. Instead, the expectation is to be a 25-year-old raking in a million dollars a year; otherwise, we're deemed failures. But let's face it, this narrative is far from realistic.
I can assure you that a vast majority of these seemingly successful individuals probably come from wealthy backgrounds, with access to resources generously provided by their parents. Alternatively, many of them might be fabricating their stories altogether. It's disheartening to witness the extent to which some people are willing to deceive others for personal gain. I've encountered real estate agents claiming to have sold numerous million-dollar homes, yet when you dig deeper, you discover they've only sold one house worth $750k. To make matters worse, they try to sell you a course promising to unlock your dreams.
The truth is, it's becoming increasingly scam-ridden out there, with opportunistic individuals taking advantage of those yearning for a "better" lifestyle. Sadly, you're the one left footing the bill while they fund their own so-called dream lifestyles using the money you've given them for their courses.
So, my advice to you is this: instead of chasing after illusions sold to you by others, focus on nurturing your own growth and well-being. Water your own garden, metaphorically speaking. Be cautious of those who sell you an extravagant lifestyle they themselves don't live, and who conveniently omit that crucial detail. Instead of falling for their empty promises, invest your time and resources in genuine self-improvement, personal development, and building a life that aligns with your values and aspirations.
5. Authentic Relationships
Being in the stage of my career where I am right now, it's a real struggle to form genuine friendships. It seems like so many people are only interested in me because of my connections and not because of who I truly am as a person. And let me tell you, it's only been getting worse lately.
But hey, I want to take a moment to express gratitude for the friends I do have—the ones who have stood by me through thick and thin, celebrating my victories and comforting me during the tough times. Genuine friends like that are a rare gem, especially when you're all swimming in the same creative pool.
It's disheartening when those who are supposed to be your friends start seeing you as their competition. I've actually had ‘friends’ who went as far as holding back opportunities or projects because they believed that if they couldn't have it, no one else should either. It's such a toxic mindset, isn't it? But here's the thing: My philosophy has always been that if you win, I win, and if I win, you win. I firmly believe there's more than enough space for all of us at the table of success.
Now that I'm 30, I'm craving genuine connections and meaningful conversations more than ever. And you know what? It's actually become easier for me to spot the people who are only interested in what I can do for them. I'm becoming more discerning, and I'm learning to invest my time and energy in relationships that are built on authenticity, trust, and a mutual desire for each other's growth and happiness.
So, my friend, keep pushing forward, stay true to yourself, and surround yourself with those who see you for who you truly are. Authentic relationships are worth the wait, and I have a feeling that as we become more aware of what we want, we'll attract the right people into our lives.
6. We are all Creatives
I'm really excited about my upcoming talk at the convention this week. Whenever I start my presentation, one key message I always emphasize is the fact that EVERYONE possesses creativity. Society has somewhat limited the definition of "creative" to just art, but it's so much more expansive than that. Being creative isn't solely about artistic endeavors; it's about using various tools to achieve a specific objective, and that objective can be anything from art and music to cooking, fashion, sports, cleaning, and beyond. It's a concept that deserves to be explored further.
In fact, I'm considering dedicating a newsletter to this very topic soon. I want to delve deeper into the idea of creativity and how it extends far beyond the traditional notions associated with art. Stay tuned for that, as I believe it will be an enlightening discussion.
7. Broken crayons still color
I'm definitely going to elaborate on this topic further, and it's something I'm excited to dedicate a whole newsletter to. Lately, I've been reflecting a lot on crayons, and a particular thought has intrigued me: "A broken crayon still colors." This idea holds a deeper meaning for me—it signifies that even when our hearts feel broken or damaged, there's still potential for something beautiful to emerge.
When it comes to the art I create, it draws inspiration from both my Nigerian culture and my personal journey. Growing up, I struggled with accepting my skin color, feeling that I was "too dark" after coming to America. However, through my creative process, I have found empowerment and a way to celebrate the beauty of being Black.
My designs now feature people who look like me, radiating power, vibrancy, and reminding me that BLACK IS A BEAUTIFUL CANVAS™. It serves as a constant reminder that there is no mistake in how God created me.
I'm excited to delve deeper into these thoughts and experiences in an upcoming newsletter. It's an opportunity for me to explore the intersection of art, identity, and self-acceptance, and I can't wait to share it with you all.
That’s all for now. I hope some of these thoughts resonated with you.
Weekly Column of Inspiration 🧶
📔 Read:
Why Designer should Write | A collab between some of my favorite Substacks
and
👁 See:
I’ve been playing a lot more with 3D on portraits and loving the results. It’s been a new exploration that I’m obsessed with.
🎧 Hear:
Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse soundtrack Produced by METROBOOMIN
Hey Temi, as someone who grapples with similar thoughts about his own newsletter. I want to share my perspective, as a writer and one of your readers.
You seem like a genuine dude who’s a true artist. What do I mean by “a true artist”? Someone who shares their work and vulnerabilities. That’s what I respect and like about you.
I think its thoughtful of you to ask your readers about what they want to read, I’ve done it myself. However, I think it’s a trap. I think you have loads of content that only you can create. I’m not religious; however, I wouldn’t mind reading your experience with faith because it’s a huge part of your life. I’m not a graphic designer, but I appreciate your spin on things. Being yourself I think is the best formula. Which is something you do better than many.
You might lose a few readers in the process, but they’re not the right readers. I’ve personally sacrificed a few subscribers to save my substack if ya know what I mean.
Writing about things that don’t move you, like crying in front of a recording camera doesn’t move the internal needle.
Thank you for your vulnerability Temi! I look forward to your newsletter, it helps me feel less alone in my thoughts as a designer. We can be critical of ourselves and forget what's important, to explore and be open to what life brings.