Some time in the past year or so, I had the privilege of hearing Juliet Funt speak about WhiteSpace®. Coming from a marketing background “white space” is a simple idea that is harnessed especially well by big established brands. In your design, thoughtfully leave room in so it’s not over cluttered, making it easier to take in. Think Apple or Nike, their brand connection is so strong they don’t have to show you much more than their logo or a simple product image. And even it you aren’t a designer, you know can recognize it (or the lack thereof) when you look at an ad that’s “too busy.” The ad, document, presentation’s lack of white space makes it hard for you to connect with the message.
Similar concepts apply in design and art, too. As my friend Heather Sams (an art curator and procurement specialist) tells me, curation is the art of knowing that what you leave out is just as important as what you leave in.
Juliet has a different take on it, it’s not about marketing, it is about your time. That we’ve left no “whitespace” on our calendars. And it’s true. I have been so blessed over the last 3 months helping clients, that there are some days I don’t know which direction I am going. In fact on a call yesterday, I said I’ve bungee-corded myself to the center post so I don’t run off too far in any direction and can bounce back to work on something else. In speaking of WhiteSpace®, Juliet reminds us that we need that time to recharge, to be more creative, and to enjoy life more.
I don’t know about you but I LOVE the THRILL of it. Getting things done, making clients happy, eking out just ONE MORE PROJECT before taking a break. WHEW. It has been a blessing, but it also has been exhausting.
Yesterday as I was taking a little personal time to clean my kitchen I caught myself trying to do 3 things at once. I had the water running for a mop, I was going to hang out the rugs, and wash trying to start the dishwasher. SHEESH. I had to tell myself STOP! This is not a race tonight, take it down a notch or three.
And that’s when I realized … I’ve forgotten my own white space. BOOM.
I said it outloud to myself.
I have been so busy taking care of clients that I’ve gotten addicted again to that rush of marking things off my list. It’s time to breathe a little, to relax a little, to reflect, A LOT.
My challenge for you for the new year is to find your own whitespace. You probably will have to schedule it, like I am going to do — right on my Google calendar!
Have an amazing holiday, and get ready for an amazing New Year, with LOTS OF WHITE SPACE!