Creative Bulletin n.252

The two hefty books with the ADI Design selections (what a thrill to see BAD among the pages!) arrived just as I was about to write the bulletin, and I was wondering which photo to share this week. Nothing happens by chance. 😅

The secret to successful works. Since the release of The Creative Ambush, I’m often asked this question: "What’s the secret? The idea? The execution? The talent? The method? What can I do to ensure my work—my novel, my project, my business—is successful?" (By “success,” we mean that it has a life of its own, that it can expand into the world).

Writing my daily reflections on Instagram, I’ve been asking myself this question as well, and I believe one of the most important aspects is attention to detail and a healthy reluctance to compromise.

Let’s not settle. The other morning, I rewrote the first chapter of my new novel for the fourth time. Something felt off, so I deconstructed and reconstructed it for four hours. Working with me can be a nightmare: I’m capable of reworking a product endlessly if I feel it doesn’t work; I once drove a printer crazy over a one-millimeter error; if there’s something about the cover or even a single page that doesn’t convince me, it won’t go to print.

Attention to detail isn’t an attitude you impose on yourself: I have it because I love what I do, I love books, I love printed products, and, simply put, I feel bad putting something poorly made out there.

🌈 Creative takeaway: the world reflects who we are

A printer once told me, “Come on, it’s a tiny mistake; no one will notice.” I wanted to smash everything. 😂 I’m sure he was right (no one would have noticed a one-millimeter misalignment), but that’s not the point: I believe people can sense the passion, care, and love we put into what we do.

To answer the question above, I’m convinced that if we approach things carelessly, the world will reflect back a lackluster response.
But if we pour energy into what we do, sooner or later, the world will return the success we deserve, in whatever form it may take.

With ❤️,
Matteo

P.S.
Speaking of passion, I’ve just bought all the gear to create stop motion. I can’t wait to dive in. 🔥

*** Sefirot’s Creative Bulletin ***

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