Author: Satoru Hirose

 

No idea is an idea.
「知らない」も着想のうち。

 

“I don’t know what to draw today.” Writing it down on paper this morning, Then I noticed that this was an idea — I just tried to avoid expressing my thoughts in a candid way.

We often hear the phrase “I have no idea” during the day. It means a lot — such as ignorance, indifference, refusal or acceptance — depending upon context. And that is an idea too.

When you feel like you have no idea, seek what kind of emotions or feelings exist behind it. That’s an idea, and you can start from there.

 

 

Dig deep.
深く掘り下げよう。

 

When we think we already know about something, that’s usually not a good sign.

There would be new findings we didn’t know about, viewpoints we’ve missed, or unique ideas we misinterpreted. And most of the time, there are.

We always have a room for gaining new insights that will make us grow further. Don’t stop exploring deeply.

 

 

You always deserve more.
あなたはもっと多くを求めていい。

 

Yes, you always deserve more. MUCH more.

People always tend to depreciate and belittle you. Don’t let others marginalize you. Don’t accept less than you deserve. Fight for your existence. Don’t sell yourself short. Don’t settle.

Enough said? Let’s act now.

 

 

Be a source of inspiration.
発想の源になろう。

 

We all have a role in our life. Many roles. A son, a daughter, parents, or a CEO — whatever the role is, we apply a certain characteristic to it.

I once worked for a gentleman who was notorious for bullying his staff. While his professional life was disastrous because of that, I also found that he was a kind, generous father for his daughter. Although I haven’t met him for years and don’t want to see him any more, I am still wondering how he would be if he applies his characteristic as a father to the relationship with his subordinates.

As long as we are going to become someone anyway, be a source of inspiration and encouragement. Not a source of annoyance or resentment. The consequences of being someone’s pain in the neck can be fatal.

 

 

Just keep creating.
ただ創り続けよう。

 

Everything starts from a cup of coffee.

On May 11 this year, I posted a simple drawing of a coffee cup with captions on Instagram. It was the beginning of my daily creative challenge — I called it “Doodle Card.” The first Doodle Card clearly showed that I had no talent of drawing, but I got 2 Likes. It was very surprising even to me, although I was really grateful to the two person who liked my crappy doodle.

Last night I posted a visual note of my favorite podcast. In the last few weeks, I’ve been experimenting on using a graphic software to edit my hand-drawing. It was quite challenging at the beginning, but I am now enjoying it.

I don’t even know what I will be creating a few months later. Even a few weeks later. I don’t know how I create — hand-drawing, digital, or something else — either.

What I can say for sure is that — I will keep creating something every day. No matter whether sharing it with the world or not. For the rest of my life.