Distracted by the tools

I am a sucker for new (mostly productivity) apps. Tell me about your latest notes revolution, or calendar, or browser/whiteboard, and I just have to try it. I’m seeking that elusive optimal productivity, while ironically wasting time farting around with the tools rather than actually creating.

I’ve noticed this tendency with art books too. Rather than picking up my pencil and notebook, I’ll grab a bunch of drawing books from the library and half-heartedly flip through them looking for the tips to drawing that will make me better, frustrated that every one starts with the same boring exercises. I guess this is the analog equivalent to browsing Pinterest (is that still a thing?) or Dribbble for inspiration.

It’s funny, but the best art sessions are often when one of my boys asks me to draw with them and I just start sketching. I guess not having the pressure to make art makes it easier to make art.

I don’t know what the takeaway is, other than being aware that I am easily distracted by new tools (of which there are more than ever), and making time and space to be creative.