And we’re back…!
Recently, the 15-minutes of “Slater-dom” we experienced promoted a resurgence of flag-waving among the over-worked and disenfranchised. And then it was gone. Trendsters take note: it was inevitable that someone would reprise the “I’m mad as hell and I can’t take it anymore” anthem made famous by Peter Finch’s “Beale” in Network, whose character was being drummed off the air due to lack of ratings. Instead, the “network” watched the ratings soar because of Beale’s rant.
And so it goes…
Frustrations have mounted in the wake of the economic downturn. I previously wrote about this PTS (post traumatic stress) mindset. I say; let’s move on and stop wasting time on the could-a/would-a/should-a. Consequently, I’ve been focusing on connection…inspiration…the stuff at the core of vitality – highly in demand – and from which creativity develops. In seeking out “what’s next”, I’ve met some amazing people who are making a difference and in fact, thriving rather nicely (thank you very much) during this economic downturn.
One such inspiring person is Robin Horton.
Robin was a creative maverick long before solopreneur became a noun. Running her own creative consultation and design firm now for more than 25 years, Robin has experience partnering with businesses to analyze issues, generate ideas, and inspire creative solutions.
Prior to founding her company, Robin was VP, Manager of Design Services at Burson-Marsteller, where clients included an interesting mix of such organizations as Andersen Consulting, Merrill Lynch, The Kennedy Center, AT&T, and General Electric. As well, Robin has worked with some of the world’s leading design firms like Rudolph de Harak & Associates in New York, and Baltus und Rüegg in Zurich, Switzerland.
I had a virtual meet-up with Robin as a result of an interesting challenge – and outreach – on LinkedIn to rename the Grannies on Safari. Robin had a smile-inducing suggestion: Mother Trekkers. Well, I thought it was pretty cool. And when I met Robin a few weeks later, my thoughts were confirmed; she is indeed one super-cool lady.
Writer, designer and creator of the Urban Gardens blog, Robin spoke with me about navigating the road less traveled and how people like Ann LaMott (memoirist, columnist, author of “Plan B”), for example, have inspired her to greatness. Over lunch, I had an opportunity to ask Robin a few questions…and find out more about what piques her interest…and creativity.
(Note: I’m interested in personal history and like the interview format. Hope you do too. What follows is a Q&A I had with Robin Horton.)
Q: So, how do you go from a BA in French at UC Berkeley to Design and Writing?
I was at UC Berkeley and had an opportunity to take some creative courses. I submitted a project which got me a seat – and an opportunity – to study at Cooper Union.
Q: What inspires you to greatness? Is there someone in your life who has inspired you?
Milton Glaser – of NY Magazine fame, creator of that iconic Bob Dylan poster (you know, the one with the psychedelic hair?) and the “I Love NY” ad campaign. I had an opportunity to take a course with him along with other up-and-coming creatives. I teamed up with one of my classmates and for our final project; Glaser challenged us to come up with a fully fleshed-out original magazine concept – within 24 hours! My team-mate and I came up with Urban Gardens. We were proud of our efforts as it has really “blossomed”, so to speak. So, Urban Gardens originally started as a final project, but now includes a website, blog and more. Funny, but Glaser thought it was a terrible idea. If I can say one more thing about inspiration it’s decide what you want – then research, research, research the competition.
Q: After 25 years plus producing spot on creative work; what’s your process – do you have a daily routine?
Really? I’m an “all over the place” creator. I have a free-form routine. I’d like to get more fully focused, but I’m embracing my free form style which is at odds with what needs to be organized. My desktop tells it all. Right now, I’m involved with a restaurant to help name their menu items – fun work! The creative process is a wonderful thing. I’m also collaborating with my partner James Nave (“Nav-ay”). I met him in Taos, NM where he approached me about a blog workshop and media facilitation (In fact, The Blog Workshops just did a mini-workshop on September 26th. Check out their website for more information).
Q: For burgeoning writers what would you say are the top three skills they should have or endeavor to cultivate?
Take a writing course to develop skills is a good place to start. I took a writing course with Susan Shapiro at the New School. Her “instant gratification takes too long” style of writing taught me about generating ideas. For example, I blog a lot and all at once. I’m very excited about this approach. I schedule some time every day to free write about a visual, word, whatever vehicle, I’m not set on any one thing. This creative catalyst helps cultivate ideas.
Q: Speaking of cultivating; I was on my way into the City on the train and saw a community garden between the avenue and the river just before the Harlem River Bridge – it was an inspirational moment for me to think that someone was growing a garden in such an urban location.
While I understand that Urban Gardens started as a magazine concept project, it truly appears to be an extension of your creative process, was this a natural progression for you (no pun intended)? How were you inspired to bring Urban Garden’s to fruition?
I have always been interested in organizing, putting together, connecting the dots and Urban Gardens is a vehicle for my need to organize. While in Paris, I visited the Paris Community Gardens. Community gardens are a microcosm of organization. Subsequently, I attended a Garden Writer’s meeting and well, the rest is history – in the making! I’d really like to see the Urban Gardens blog launched elsewhere too like LA, Seattle, Portland, Paris and beyond.
Q: Focus – you seem to have the key to honing in on what’s important – for clients and for your brand – I have a hard time with that and although I love to write how do I keep focus instead of being all over with the creative process?
Concentrate on narrowing your niche – what’s your point of departure? For instance, my blog workshops; I’d like to find ways to monetize this effort. I’d also like to be more zen, more simple in the creative approach. It’s a real dichotomy for me. Either I have this logical approach or I’m more free form. Like, in the way I began my blogging journey. I met Scott Belsky from Behance Network and read his book “Making Ideas Happen” . It was cathartic.
Finally, I asked Robin, “Do you need any help?” Robin says she would like people to bring content and needs some help with Twitter to promote blog workshops, clickbacks, trends, etc. Posts on Twitter and the Blog will be about people who come up with great ideas – “lynchpins” of creativity, generators, and those who inspire. Like Robin; a true world-changer.
Wanna help? Contact Robin Horton by clicking on any of the links in this post.
What do you think about this “personal history”/interview format? Please feel free to leave your comments!
