Rules of a Creator's Life

 

via Will Yan, et al.

The Gap: A truth

As it turns out, this is supremely true.  And probably applies to most things in life. Even to you, my dear friends and readers.

Word to Ira Glass.

Getting Started

I don't buy Moleskines anymore. Or any cool, trendy, pricey, or generally beautiful note/sketch book for that matter. 

I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts the other day for creative people, where they challenge you to start. A lot of us get hung up on the method of doing things, or why we can't do things, or ideas not being perfected before they are even started.

A few more recent notebooks that I'm known to juggle and flip between.
The one with the broken binding has earned its stripes.

It has a lot to do with being afraid that it's not amazing. But when it comes to fancy notebooks and crazy ideas, sometimes it feels like the idea has to be well presented and packaged in your mind before it makes it onto a fresh page of that beautiful sketch book. Things have to look great, and you can't have garbage populating and poisoning your creative space right? So the idea needs to be amazing, the very pen strokes you make need to be calculated, and if a color looks off- it's there for. ev. er.

Right?

Well, no.

As I've learned, a lot of creative folks who experience success actually fail. A lot. They've just become comfortable with starting on things over and over, even if they don't know where the project is going to end up, or if it'll even be presentable for that matter. The important thing is to just start. Every single time. Even just for a little.

Yes, that's actually back-of-napkin notes. My studio can be so fancy.

So I challenge you, for whatever it is that you're working on, don't wait until you get your next a really cool  pen with that special ink comes in the mail tomorrow. Don't wait to find the perfectly spaced grid notebook. Don't make your game plan of how you will later tag it. Don't first write the most epic tweet of all time to later announce it. Don't make lunch.


Just start. *steps down from soapbox*

The Grind & Taking Some Time

Almost 8 months ago, I walked away from corporate life to start The Style Cooperative.

It was a really bold (read: ballsy) move. This, I admit. I was looking for ways to exercise my thoughts and energy in a way that felt fulfilling. I began designing and working on an idea that I had come up with years before, and it became my life.

If you're into twitter and follow a lot of like-minded folks who are young, creative, entrepreneurial, and passionate about their craft, you start to see a lot of similarities.  One thing that I always see and hear from other people working to develop their future is the proverbial "grind-off".

The Grind-Off (n): The act of expressing publicly how hard one works, typically in a passion project that is expected to result in positive creative work to be consumed by the masses. Common phrases include: "The grind never sleeps", "I'll sleep when I'm dead", or some other expression indicating the lengths they will go to be successful.

And I shall not throw stones, because I, at times, am guilty of this as well. But there comes a point when you realize that even if you never sleep at all, there will still always be work you could do. Our work and ideas are not in a vacuum, and in order to progress and come to the table with the most original, ridiculous, and effing fantastic work we've ever produced, sometimes you have to know when to push pause.

Then I saw this video with Stefan Sagmeister on TED about design and the power of time off.  From all the self-induced stress that many of us are under, I feel like this is an interesting look at the idea of job vs. career vs. calling, and what it means for each of us today before we hit a plateau, wall, or anything else similarly uncomfortable.

Think about it.

Made in Chicago: The Art of EMJ

Last night, I had a great time checking out the opening of the EMJ design loft here in Chicago.  I sported a bow tie just as I obsessed over earlier.

Eric, chief designer and fantastic host, introduced me to his product line of concept bow ties and a few prototypes that he's working on.

He's a hard working guy who just gets it in terns of shaking up the style scene in Chicago and beyond. He brought the stylish of Chicago out and together for a night- I'm excited to watch the great things that unfold.

(Disclaimer: I shamelessly stole borrowed these images from his site/blog.)

A Discussion on Co-Creation

It's high time we've had a discussion on co-creation and mass customization.  If you're hip to nerdy things like retail research trends, stats, and blogs, you've seen a good amount of chatter already about this emerging form of retailing.  If you've seen the promo video for The Style Cooperative, you'll know that we are thoroughly in the thick of this concept.

The basic idea behind co-creation and mass customization is that retailers (anything from apparel to chocolate) allowing buyers to customize their products in such a way that they are able to help design/create something that is unique to individual taste and style.  Unlike just going to a tailor and building something from the ground up, you are guided through a structured and defined process, so it's not too intense for the typical user and for the company to keep up with.  Long story short: you get what you want.

There are a handful of companies like Blank Label (mens dress shirting), 1154 Lill (Chicago-made handbags), Chocri (chocolate), and the upcoming Open Runway (shoes) that all operate under a similar model.  The list seems to be growing daily!

So here's my point: I'm developing The Style Cooperative because of my really strong beliefs in the idea of personal style and building contemporary wear that you actually want.  We are all about lifestyle and substance, so when I speak about building something that is going to change the way people think about shopping, buying, and even wearing clothes- I mean it. 

Clothes should make you feel good, and say what you want and need to say (cue the John Mayer hook).  The Style Cooperative is the brand that I've been dreaming into existence for a couple years now, and I want it to be special for you too.  The new site with full customization is literally right around the corner.

So let's get to the co-creating and let me know what you want to see next from us! Now we're cooperating... stylishly.

Naming Names

A few people have asked me how I decided on the names of the different products in the shop.  Things like "Markley Dress" or "Stockwell's Perfect Skirt".  As a perfectly fair warning, the following is going to make no sense to some of you, even after you read it. Sorry.

So here's the deal: I was pining over how to name the clothes.  Even though it's not the biggest decision I've had to make, it really did take a long time to just decide on a theme to name them this time around.  I solicited suggestions and got things like Hitchcock movies, street names, towns in a European country, etc.  All would deliver interesting names that don't leave me naming clothes after girls names (think "Amber Shirt". Weird.)  

Finally I decided to do something that was close to what I know and some others could appreciate.  They are all in some way, shape, or form related to Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan.  Nerdy, yes. Chuckle worthy once you draw the connections, yes squared.

 For example: The Markley Dress.  This is the most party-girl dress in the whole initial collection, thus named after the most party-girl laden place on campus.

Stockwell's Perfect Skirt?  Well.  It's that (at one time) female only place that's beautiful, playful, and perfectly feminine.  Easy.

And then there's the Lloyd Dress. The initial sample for the shoot (and also available in the pop-up shop) was created as my secret UM homage in the collection.  Everyone tells me it would be perfect for football Saturday's- a religious event at Big 10 schools- so it was named for the Michigan Man himself, former football head coach Lloyd Carr. 

And there you have it- that's all the style meets geekery I can handle at one time.  For the other UM folks out there- can you guess the parallels for some of the other pieces found in the shop?

The Style Cooperative Pop-up Shop

I'm very excited to announce that it is finally here!  Starting today,  you will be able to access select items from The Style Cooperative.  We've hand-picked combinations that look fantastic and have made them available to you in The Style Cooperative Pop-Up Shop.

My favorite looks include the Stockwell Perfect Skirt and the Fletcher Maxi Dress. Because you're all close friends, I'll be sure to keep you posted when new products are available-- and more importantly when our flashy new official TSC customization site is ready for you!

Take a look- I hope you enjoy.  If you're one of the lucky folks who already have your hands on some TSC wears, send over a picture of how you're styling the goods (info@thestylecooperative.com), and you may just find yourself right here on The Style Social.

Have a stylish and safe holiday weekend!

The Preview: The Style Cooperative

I'm very excited (and nervous) to say and show you what is in this post.  What you'll see below is a preview of what I've been working on for  a while.  So let's just get to it, shall we?

The Style Cooperative is a lifestyle company that is all about personal style, creation, and bridging that with retail.  Have you seen the concept video?

Starting tomorrow, you will be able to purchase select shapes and combinations as part of the pre-sale before the official site drops.  That's right, you'll have access to the very first release of clothing produced by The Style Cooperative.  It's all American made, it's all produced to order, and it's just for you.

So what can you expect? Glad you asked:

 

What do you crave? Get ready for select availability- it's coming your way tomorrow!

The Journey Continues

If you follow me on Twitter (which obviously you should because then you're up to date with all of my (mis)adventures instantly (@RachelABrooks)), you'll know quite well that I'm working from New York this week.  It's a bit of a multi-functional trip.

Helped a friend move into a new place... across the country.

Went styling with the insanely talented Cameron Forbes.

Did a photo shoot with the help of the also talented Suhaly of Culture of Creativity.

I make a little appearance in it as well.

And I did a LOT of talking about The Style Cooperative with some fantastic folks.  There is some great news coming up about it, so do stay tuned.  It won't disappoint!

Best Day Ever

Yesterday was quite the busy one! I got the chance to do just about everything that I enjoy.

I started the day off with a meeting with my production group (hooray for locally made clothing!)

Then spent a bit of time with the Freelance Brigade, finalizing plans sales efforts this summer.

Took a break from work to do a bit of trend spotting/window shopping/thrifting with the ever stylish Urban Hank (coming soon to a blog near you).

And finally helped out some stylist friends at a photo shoot at a haunted house! Ok, maybe it wasn't haunted, but it DEFINITELY looked like one of those creepy empty houses you see in horror flicks. I'm talking a mansion with trap doors and creepy painting... the works.

All in all, just about the perfect day.

The Freelance Brigade

As many of you know, I made the transition from a traditional day job to running The Style Cooperative full time around the same time that I first announced that I'd be building a clothing line.  Since then, every so often, somebody will ask very curiously what it is that I do all day or how is it that I get work done or build my collaborative work without the structure of a stationary office.

One thing that is new, but definitely a great addition to my routine is something that I like to call the Freelance Brigade.  The Brigade is a small network of freelancers, self-employed folks, grad students, and entrepreneurs that don't have traditional schedules and are looking to have the option to work with other people in a productive yet comfortable space. 

Every day, we Google "free wifi, chicago" and pick a new coffee shop with ample plug real estate and send out the location to the group. Some days there are only 2 people, other days we are a whole team of laptops and mugs.

As I work to build a business, follow my creative dreams, and more, I've been meeting a number of other local people who are doing the same and love to kick around ideas and just work in a positive creative environment with others who are doing the same.

If you're local to Chicago or are passing through and fit the Brigade (or have a day off and want to come work on your passion projects), shoot me an email and I'll pass on the location of the day.

Introducing The Style Cooperative

This is what you can look forward to from me on behalf of The Style Cooperative.  We are building a community around the idea of personal style and the new generation of creative minds and modern renaissance.  And we'll be doing all of this stylishly.

Enjoy!

0 to Something: Dreams, Hurdles, and New Beginnings

When I initially decided to start The Style Cooperative, I knew deep down that this is something that I wanted and believed in.  I believed in it so much that I made and continue to make a number of sacrifices and tough decisions every day in order to make sure that it all works out.

The one difficult thing that I've had to wrap my mind around is the idea that there are certain things that are out of my control.   As I work tirelessly to reach my dream, after a while, I just have to have faith that things will work out if I continue to do everything I can to lead to success.  This idea and these actions have led me to create some work that I am both proud of and pretty nervous to share with the world.

Tomorrow, I will be releasing a trailer on behalf of The Style Cooperative so that you all can finally see what I've been working on and a peek at where I'm trying to go.  I'm excited to share with you what will serve as my platform to speak about personal style and innovation for a generation of stylish people.

I'm excited, nervous, but most of all ready to do something I know I'm meant to do.  We're going from 0 to Something, and it's time to kick it up a notch.

Business and a Better World

I'm working on a fun new tutorial for you right now to post, but in the mean time, if you need a little blogger Rachel fix, pop over to CraftMBA's  site for the Book Club for a post I wrote on making a better world through business and craft.

Even if you're not reading along, I'd love to hear what you think, so join in on the convo!

Photo Shoot - Behind the Scenes

This past weekend, I had a great time shooting the studio images of my line. The excitement of this becoming actually real is insane. I can't even describe how surreal it felt to see my work and my dream become what it has.

And a little bit of a peek at the first look we shot of the day on one of the models, Alexis.

Guest Contributor at the CraftMBA Book Club

It's been quite the week as I prepare around the clock for the photo shoot for the line this Sunday.  It's all moving hyper fast, but I'm looking forward to showing you the behind the scenes.  Be sure to follow me on twitter @RachelABrooks if you want the play by play at the shoot, getting ready, hanging with the models, sneak peeks at the product, and the antics along the way.  There will be antics.

I also wanted to give you a heads up that the ever resourceful Megan over at Crafting an MBA recently started the new book for the Crafting an MBA Book Club, "Business and the Buddha: Doing Well by Doing Good".  I'm one of the guest contributors reading the book and talking about it at this stage in my crafty biz life.  It's more of a forum style, so feel free to leave comments even if you aren't reading along!

More details and fun content to come. Do something brilliant today!

0 to Something: Stylish Vision

Now that we're getting closer to the launch of the business, we've come to the point where it's time to start discussing some details.  Finally, right?  Well, little by little, my friends.

All images via William Yan

Today I wanted to discuss the vision that drives what I'm building.  It all stems back to some of my core beliefs about the industry, style, and a few cultural truths.  So here we go.

I believe:

• that people look their best when they are confident.  Confidence in self, their look, whatever. Confidence = Key.
• that magazines with big budget advertisers dictating what's culturally important or relevant, therefore what gets picked up by stores is an old school model. It's time for individuals to develop style for themselves based on personal taste and let that drive business.
• that it's important to look current and not costume-y just for the sake of looking different.
• style should be a deeply personal idea, and people should feel ownership and pride in theirs.

So with these beliefs in mind, I've set out to find a way to combine current fashion trends with an individuals personal style.  On top of all of this, how to make it widely available, reasonably affordable, well-crafted, and above all else, update the way that people think about shopping, buying, and wearing clothes.

That's where it all started. You'll have to stay tuned to learn about where we're at now.  I'm on a mission to shake things up. Hold on- this may be a bumpy ride.

0 to Something: Decision Time

It's been quite busy around here lately.  I finalized the fabric assortment for summer offerings with the ever-helpful (and patient!) Adlin.  Samples are in production as I type!

She's got quite the eye, and helped keep it all together when it came to decision time.  What we came up with is really exciting- can't wait until I can share it with you!

Finally, I will be releasing more details about the specifics of the business and line this week to shed some light, what exactly I've been working on, and some cool things to look out for.  Exciting stuff, so stay tuned!

Business (Ad)ventures

One of the biggest struggles I've had to deal with since I started working to produce this line was figuring out the beast that is fabric sourcing.  Believe me when I say it's rough.

I'll slowly start discussing the details and such of the business and line (such a tease, I know), but let me tell you that finding fabric with just the right assortment, quality, and price that I need is asking for a small miracle from the textile gods.  I'm learning a bunch, but I don't want to make any missteps and wind up with hundreds of yards of extra fabric just lying around. Those would be some expensive remnants.

In trying to use my local resources as much as possible, I went on a little sourcing adventure with a visiting (and unsuspecting) friend from out of town.  I'm a bad friend sometimes, yes. Provider of unique adventures? Absolutely.

Ready for the challenge, dressed like Rosie the Riveter, we set out. "We Can Do It!"

We spent a few hours going through all sorts of textures and colors, assorting looks to be cohesive but offer a nice variety.  I went in with the intention of coming out with lots of swatches to figure it out later.  Somehow, I left with not a single swatch, yet bolts and yardage of some beautiful woven fabrics.

You can expect so see some of this fanciness again rather soon (hint, hint).  Mission: Complete.  For now...