How hobbies can help your design process
This summer, I’ve taken up a new hobby — film photography.
My reason?
I was tired of taking so many photos on my phone, and I felt like I was losing the memories. I wanted to capture images in a more thoughtful and tangible way.
Through film photography, I aimed to carve out time to observe the world around me — whether I’m taking a deliberate photo walk, or just happen to have my camera with me.
Initially, this was just a new habit to support my wellbeing (like drawing), but strangely, it has actually improved the way I think about my design work.
So, instead of diving into the overwhelming amount of design content on LinkedIn and YouTube, pick up a film camera because…
👇 Here’s why 👇
Strategic mindset… because film can be expensive, I think strategically about how I position my camera and where the light is. This has allowed me to hone my ability to make decisions quickly and strategically when I’m designing.
Curating ideas… after I develop a few rolls, not all images turn out as well as others. Through observing a large collection of ideas, I can hone my eye and understand what makes certain images (or ideas) better than others.
Storytelling… while a lot of images may turn out well, when I share them they get a far better response when they align with a narrative. Whether its a “day out on Columbia rd” or a friend’s rooftop party, the film photos feel even more natural when they tell a clear story and are taken with a calm and strategic eye.
This week…
I challenge you to pick up a film camera (or a new hobby) and think about how it impacts your creative or design process. Let’s continue the conversation on LinkedIn. 👋
