darren r hill

the creative minimalist

  • Why songs, and other creative projects, stay unfinished

    Why do most unfinished songs or art fail early in their creation? Most art fails early because decisions aren’t made. Too many options stall progress Decision fatigue can significantly hinder creativity. Each choice we make requires mental energy, and as that reserve diminishes, so does our ability to think creatively or approach problems with fresh

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  • Waiting to feel ready just keeps you stuck

    Waiting to feel ready to create just keeps you stuck. If you start, you’ll realise you were ready to learn, to grow and create.

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  • What I believed about creativity that turned out to be wrong

    Some creative beliefs only make sense in hindsight. I believed in perfection; I needed faith in the imperfect. I believed my creations needed to be perfect. I was wrong. Learning that has enabled me to create, and enjoy creating.

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  • Consistent habits can save hours over time when creating.

    When I am in the creative zone, I always wish I had more time. When the muse turns up, I want to make the most of it. That’s where time-saving habits come in.

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  • How to start writing a song, or start any art, when you have no ideas

    Songs don’t start with inspiration, they start with action, and that is the simplest way to start a song, or piece of art when nothing comes.

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  • What creative consistency really is

    Consistency isn’t about daily output, it’s about repeatable effort.

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  • Imbolc and creativity

    Imbolc and creativity

    Imbolc and creativity text, an image of me and dark clouds

    Into February and despite the weather not quite being springlike I have been inspired by the festival of Imbolc for a creative nudge. FAWM and festivals combine in this week’s vlog, and also a little poetry.

    Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
    namaste
    d
    xox

    If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.

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  • How to Create it all!

    How to Create it all!

    How to create it all text with an image of me

    I want to create it all! I have far too much clamouring for my attention, from social media to hundreds of unfinished creative projects. How can I create what I want and need to create? This week’s vlog explores how I am attempting to create all the create!

    Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
    namaste
    d
    xox

    If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.

    Sign up for my (ir)regular newsletter to keep up to date with my creative adventures, including special offers, and join me on Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Pinterest

  • 3 Steps to Creative Heaven?

    3 Steps to Creative Heaven?

    3 steps to creative heaven? text with an image of me walking

    3 steps that are helping me reach my creative goals. This vlog looks at what works in my planning, to-dos and habit tracking. After just a few weeks of the year, I am already noticing what does and doesn’t work.

    Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
    namaste
    d
    xox

    If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.

    Sign up for my (ir)regular newsletter to keep up to date with my creative adventures, including special offers, and join me on Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Pinterest

  • Creativity, Just do it! – vlog

    Creativity, Just do it! – vlog

    Creativity. Just do it! text with image of Darren

    Two simple steps are helping me get back on the creative journey. In this week’s vlog, despite tech issues and other annoying things, I am managing to be creative.

    Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
    namaste
    d
    xox

    If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.

    Sign up for my (ir)regular newsletter to keep up to date with my creative adventures, including special offers, and join me on Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Pinterest

  • rhythm as a metaphor: vlog

    rhythm as a metaphor: vlog

    rhythm as a metaphor, goals for 2024 a vlog - text overage of harbour

    A simple introduction to how I will be achieving my creative goals in 2024. Part vlog and part poetic metaphor. Watch here or on YouTube.

    Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
    namaste
    d
    xox

    If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.

    Sign up for my (ir)regular newsletter to keep up to date with my creative adventures, including special offers, and join me on Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Pinterest

  • My word for 2024

    Image of the word Intent, with the meaning of the word blurred in the background

    Each year I choose a word. A word to guide me, a word to inspire me, a word I can see above my desk when I doubt, or fear, or worry, or… celebrate. This year, 2024, my word is INTENT.

    “Too many wasted nights
    obsessed with the flickering things in my life”
    Ancient Water by Future Islands

    I get distracted too easily
    by the flickering,
    the incorporeal,
    the incorruptible,
    the sublime and the ridiculous

    But 2024 will be focused
    2024 will be met with INTENT

    Every flickering moment of my existence will be intentional.

    Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
    namaste
    d
    xox

    If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.

    Sign up for my (ir)regular newsletter to keep up to date with my creative adventures, including special offers, and join me on Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Pinterest