I like to think of Fashion as self-expression, that is why Fashion Illustration in the form of drawing can be so exciting to work on! That is just a small side project for me, but I really enjoy using design in different disciplines. I don’t think it does any harm to know to design more. 

I have recently done a series of Illustration on Vogue magazine on my Instagram, @christine_official_design, which were the first ever fashion illustrations I made. I don’t plan on becoming a fashion designer ( or just yet), but understanding how to apply my skill to many industries - fashion, beauty, advertising, product design, video editing…etc.  is very beneficial. I think it makes  you develop better knowledge of the industry, better confidence when you work with various clients. Also if someone approaches you with a new design task, its always good to have more options - people want to see different examples, various skills and how you can apply your design thinking to any product! The more - the better! I still believe in being expert in one field and that can potentially bring you much more meaning, but trying new things in the beginning of your career can only bring you more experience for the future.

Ask me any questions on design on IG @christine_official_design & I will create a blog post  with my answers x

1. Success habits

-Reading.

Leaders are readers. Common phrase. Here I want to emphasize that you need to read books and articles that can TRANSFORM and IMPROVE your life. Everything else is nice to read but ask yourself would it push you forward? 

For that sense depending on your dream weather it is to be a fashion designer ( reading fashion books), graphic designer( focusing on software mastery),  photographer ( reading on photography mastery)…you get what I mean. Focus on your niche. Focus on your role models and the books or materials that they have shared about their success. Once you do that read to transform your mind, I strongly suggest  getting fully into personal development and self-help books. This will make you think positively and improve your outlook in life. If you want to be the best at what you do, negativity won’t help you. In the design and other creative industries people’s skills are truly important -making a great impression at an interview, pitching your work, talking with confidence and dressing up with confidence - all are a NECESSITY for the creative industry. You have to stand out to make a difference. Books on all topics are available for you, and here I suggest not a change of who you are, but a change of your mindset. You should never pretend to be someone who you are not.

- Constant learning.

As a designer,  the first thing I did to be excellent and achieve success in my industry was to focus on my skills. I had to master hand-drawing, Photoshop, Sketch up, Video making. Of course not all at once. I have been in an art school since a very young age and took private drawing lessons to really help me build this portfolio. But what else ? The world is constantly changing. The technology requires you to know drawing on a digital tablet, motion graphic, App development. Being in the design industry means that you have to constantly push yourself to be relevant. If not, your skills won’t be needed. Being a student doesn’t finish with your undergraduate or Master degree. You have to keep taking additional courses, read books to become expert at your field.

Learning is part of design passion. I hope I helped you here to get going and challenge yourself to be better. Also this is part of my creative challenge for you! 

Coming soon: Training for creatives, if you are interested, drop me a message!

This week:

-pick a new book.

-develop one new skill/ at least start.

-share your favourite quote and what you learned on social media!

Enjoy your day x

“Creativity feeds the soul”

1. Get out of your current environment.

Sometimes being stuck in one place makes me the opposite of creative. You can’t expect to be full of ideas if you seat on your couch every day.

-Go some place you haven’t been.

-exercise in fresh air.

-get out of your comfort zone. Push yourself to do something you haven’t tried before.

2. Work every day on a project you want to accomplish.

It can be 30 minutes or 1 hour. When you think, plan & do the work, you will feel excited every day. Even if you are super busy.

3. Inspire yourself first.

-create a ritual that you will do every day to keep your motivation up.

For example listen to a 15 min podcast on a topic you are passionate about.

4. Do the things you are afraid of.

Not only it will make you more confident, but it will make you trust yourself.

that thing was moving to London, climbing the highest mountain peak in Bulgaria; well not so scary but was scary for me: getting a driving license.

Everyone’s list is very different so find these for yourself.

5. Create new habits

When you start growing in one area of your life, you ultimately grow in other too! If you keep one new habit a day it will make you more alert and inspire you to take action.

6.Be present

Pay attention to your thought and people around you. We, creatives often get ideas from each other.

Put your phone down and focus on the moment.

7. Change up your routine.

Are you a graphic designer? Learn something new about interiors. Are you an artist? Check what fashion designer create. I mean break off your genre. Now we live in a fast changing world, where everything is overlapping.

8. Observe what works.

Try different things until you learn which creative discipline fits best for you. Sometimes designers focus on one thing too much. Variety will bring you ahead of the game. For example- motion graphics, 3D printing, new course.. try which one is your thing.

9. Read books & watch fiction.

If you are too focused on the “real” you will forget the magical. And this is where creativity happens. Give yourself the time to develop your mind though reading.

10. Free time for yourself.

I think last but most important point is that you need to free time - to feel better,alive and renew your energy.

Free time just for yourself- could be a morning walk, or a quiet evening, will move you miles ahead in your creative process. When I took months off, that is when I actually started paying attention to my creative work, that I would have never gotten into such depth before.

The moments when you create magic are the moments when you dedicate to yourself- to recharge, be quiet.

That is where brilliant creative ideas come from.

I hope I helped you or at least gave you some ideas on how to improve your creativity.

Here I also want to mention, If you liked this post you will also like my new product in store:

Creative Coaching Course.

I have a new section in my blog called TRAINING for DESIGNERS and I would love to bring more to your life! This product is coming soon in a few weeks, but the value it contains can completely transform your career and thinking!

You can message me now:

@christine_official_design ,

@christine_mihnevaa

to book your place, or ask any questions! I strongly suggest you this, if you feel like you need a creative push!