A Season of Sowing #03: fear boosts growth

Looking ahead, risking failure + leaning into the what-ifs

Doubt and fear can leave us frozen on the edge of pursuing our dreams, plagued by the thought that our goals are too foolish, too lofty, or simply not meant for us. But growth doesn’t sit on the other side of ease. Occasionally, we need to embrace discomfort.

I recently embarked on a rejection challenge, aiming for 30 rejections in 30 days, and it's been an education. The sticky feelings haven’t just come with the dread of asking or failing. Sometimes there’s tension when I get a ‘yes’. Because…what if I mess up?

Rising above rejection

In my 20 years as a designer, I've encountered rejection many times. It can be disappointing and frustrating, but when I approach opportunities with a playful mindset, encouraging early experimentation free from the pressure of perfection, I find it leads to a greater sense of possibility.

And this philosophy isn’t just limited to my design work; I'm actively incorporating it into my approach here on Substack! And while I realise I may stumble along the way, there's also the potential to produce something of value for myself and others. This practice helps me focus less on the final outcome and more on the creative process.

Milestone marking

You might like to catch up on parts one and two of my Season of Sowing before reading on. Each post in the series charts where I am in the process of developing the Brand Seasons project and offers a little peek behind the creative curtain.

1. Playdeck

   Now I'm shifting into the design phase I've been thinking about naming, and I’ve settled on the Brand Seasons® Playdeck for my cards. It felt good to go for something with roots in the creative services I offer through These Are The Days, and some of you may be familiar with my Branding Playday. I'm also joining Oracle Creator to give me accountability when finalising the design. A client led me to this while I was creating their cards earlier this year.

2. Podcast

   My next step is to secure a podcast sponsor to a) help with production costs and b) support me with marketing the season. I created a pitch deck to present to a potential partner, and I'm now patiently awaiting a yes or a no! The sponsorship package is so valuable, so I hope it comes off! I'm also interviewing some lovely creative folk and can’t wait to make something meaningful for you to tune into!

3. Paper

   A magazine editor kindly offered to answer any questions about production, which I’m delighted about since the Brand Seasons® Paper is shaping up to be a fun part of the project. As well as getting the chance to interview one of my favourite authors, there will be articles on seasons, music and colour! Plus features with an illustrator and photographer. I still have some connections to make and hope to have more conversations before I complete the planning, but it's coming together.

It’s all beginning to feel a wee bit stretchy but I’m still so curious to see how things unfold!

Moodboard making

Moodboards are primarily used to set the tone for a project and ensure everyone involved has a feel for (and agrees on) the visual direction for a design. This preparatory work is one of the most exciting parts of the process—a visual way of exploring colour, texture, type and shape.

I almost got carried away with a new look and feel for the project. However, in a nod to consistency and simplicity, Brand Seasons will become an extension of These Are The Days. The idea here is to build on the stability of my existing business while offering recognition (and conserving some energy, too).

Brand Seasons will be drawing inspiration from my existing colour palette. However, I’ll change the typography and may opt for a lighter style with decorative touches, something I’ll experiment with as I shift into the design phase over the winter months.

Whether it’s a brand, book, or business, I’d encourage you to create a moodboard for your project too. A visual approach can make such a difference. It brings power to the process, makes our hopes and goals more tangible, and, in my experience, lightens any sense of doubt or fear.

Mindful moments

While I'm drawn to quietude over the festive season, I'm also pulled to mindful moments of design and moving the creation of each element to a "mockup" stage by February.

The current plan is to crowdfund in the spring, and I hope you’ll support me in kickstarting this practical addition to your branding and business toolbox!

I’m so looking forward to making the most of this cycle of creativity, and to leaning into the what-ifs.

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If you’re ready to craft a brand that feels like home and access exclusive insights and resources, consider upgrading to join my Brand Seasons paid community. Here, I support you with a gentle, nurturing, and playful approach to brand strategy, styling, and storytelling. I’d love to welcome you!