Top Tips For A Successful And Creative 2013

Thinking back over 2012 I feel very blessed about the experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve been able to work with on various projects. In fact the year has left me with a lovely warm glow and an urge to share some of what I’ve picked up along the way. Some are wise words from the experts while others are simply observations I’ve made about my own ability to be creative and to pull something out of the bag when it’s needed. I hope in some small way you find it useful for your own creative journey in 2013.

Surround Yourself with People Who Have Great Ideas, Energy And Vision

I have long admired the talent of the Restoration Man, Mr George Clarke, architect and presenter. Over the years I have watched him help to restore tatty houses, smarten them up and bring empty ones back into use. So when I got the opportunity to work with him on ‘Amazing Spaces’ his vision, energy and ideas made it just, well, brilliant!

Listen To People Who Think Out Of The Box

Finding William Hardie was key to Amazing Spaces being such a success. He is a super talented arts/craftsman and a genuinely nice guy too. His team of co-workers are all pretty cool and handsome, and to see the way William involves everyone in creative problem solving by harnessing each of their abilities lifts the spirits every time…. sofa bath anyone?

Use Past Successes To Inspire Future Ones

Big projects like my cool shed are always slightly terrifying, but when they receive good reviews the hard work suddenly becomes recognised (thank goodness!). One never knows quite how they will be received and I’m so grateful to the journalists who reviewed it nicely. I’m especially grateful to The Times’ Damian Whitworth, for the quote ‘a delightful piece of property porn’, and The World Of Interiors for the description of me as ‘a rescuer of the dowdy’. Bring it on!

Embrace The Generosity Of Contributors

While working on Amazing Spaces and my cool shed I realised how generous people are and how they truly enjoy sharing their wonderfully creative havens. From the humble back yard sheds of Junkaholique, to the spectacular West Virginia ‘Shack’ and Richard Texiers watery art studio at the end of his own pier. Their generosity and willing-ness to share these private palaces is appreciated.

There’s So Much Talent Out There

Tina Hillier was the talented number 1 photographer on the ‘my cool shed’ book. However, when our schedule and budget were stretched beyond any further stretching, others supplemented their photographs for projects overseas. Anice Hoachlander, Art Grey and Jay Carrol, all of whom produce stunning photography, came to the rescue and provided exquisite images of the incredible cabins, vast landscapes, vintage trailers and LA former garage now ‘to die for’ art studio. Our eyes were opened from the close up and homely to the expansive and inspiring, and all these talented people need a huge thank you.

It’s Amazing What You Can Find To Inspire You If You Know Where To Look

Stylists always rely on finding props from varying sources, and as in all creative spheres one needs to grow and develop and keep fresh all the time. Finding new sources is invaluable. The Great English Outdoors in Hay on Wye has been a great new find for me. Its owner Athene English is a woman of admirable taste that sources products that have beauty and integrity throughout. Similarly The Conran Shop in Fulham Road, which has for decades been the ‘go to’ shop for designer homewares has been re-launched this year with even more fabulous new products, and they kindly hosted the my cool shed book launch in their own funky apple green sheds shop displays. And now from these dark winter days looking back at the little film we made I’m finding it’s inspiring me for the coming summer.

New Experiences Bring New Skills

I have begun to fully value my experience, across different media. Styling for stills photographers, for commercials and short films, working with the great and the good to young photographers starting out. There is much to learn from each experience and to apply to new projects.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help If You Need It

I’ve really valued the help I’ve been given from the lovely Kirsten Taylor, my styling assistant on the Amazing Spaces show, and Emily Lutyens, who helped me with organisation and research on the ‘my cool shed’ book. Both are great and very talented people… thank you!

Connect With Your Audience

Social media makes it easy to hear what your audience has to say, and to help you stay connected. Even this week of relative down-time to get the lovely tweet from @jamjarcrafts who received a whole pile of craft, business and inspiring books for Christmas including the shed book. How wonderful, inspiring and rewarding is that!

… and finally

I also wanted to take the opportunity to say farewell to 2012 and welcome 2013 by saying a HUGE THANK YOU to all of you. To those who have read the blogs, bought the books, built the cabins, renovated the vintage caravans, taken a trip in a vintage campervan, shared their experiences, followed the tweets, liked the my cool facebook page and have been genuinely lovely, lovely people. You know who you are and I am so very grateful for your support.

In the words of Tim Sands who was recently featured on Amazing Spaces…

“May your wildest dreams come true and your darkest fears be forgotten in 2013″.

Happy New Year!