The Making of Something Timeless

Entry 02: The Art of Choosing What Stays

There's a peculiar kind of stillness that envelops you when you take a seat with your own creations, not in the throes of inspiration or the meticulous act of editing, but in a quiet moment of pure observation.

I've been immersing myself in the pieces I've written over the past few months, approaching them with fresh eyes as if they belonged to someone else. I'm not in a hurry, nor am I striving for self-admiration; instead, I pose a single, piercing question: Does this still ring true?

Some pieces strike a chord deep within me, while others fade into the background, lacking the spark they once held. This is the beautiful yet brutal nature of curation. It goes beyond merely selecting the pieces that shine brightest; it's about unearthing the work that feels most authentic, those pieces that reflect my genuine voice and truth.

The Filter I'm Using

This book goes beyond being just a simple compilation of standout moments or a series of my most popular posts. Instead, the guiding question I ask myself for each piece is: Does this entry capture the essence of who I was, who I am today, and who I am evolving into?

My vision for this book is to craft a seamless narrative that chronicles my creative journey, capturing my growth and transformation over time. Each entry tells a part of my story; some are vivid and striking, like a bold stroke of paint on a canvas, while others are gentle and subtle, akin to soft whispers of thought. Yet, regardless of their intensity, each piece holds significance and has its rightful place in this tapestry of my life.

What Gets Cut

The journey has turned out to be more intricate than I initially expected. This complexity doesn't stem from the quality of the work itself; rather, it arises from the fact that some pieces were crafted during periods of time that no longer resonate with my current perspectives or feelings. And that's perfectly fine. I'm gradually learning to release the pieces that fulfilled their purpose at the time, allowing me to create space for the ideas and themes that genuinely resonate with me now.

Throughout this reflective process, I've held on to a quote from the renowned designer Dieter Rams, which has become a guiding principle:

"Good design is as little design as possible."

This philosophy is particularly relevant to the creation of this book. I aim to strip away unnecessary embellishments and excessive pride, focusing instead on distilling my thoughts into their purest essence. This approach will ensure that the work speaks authentically, embracing simplicity while conveying depth and meaning.

The Flow of the Book

I'm in the process of mapping out the emotional arc of my book, focusing not only on the topics at hand but also on how they resonate with the reader:

- The foundational essays that anchor the narrative, each crafted to explore a distinct theme and provoke reflection

- The quieter, transitional pages that provide a moment of pause; these might include an intimate journal entry, a thought-provoking sketch, or a poignant handwritten line that invites contemplation

- The carefully selected visuals that break up the written content, offering the reader a chance to breathe and absorb the ideas presented

- The closing notes are designed to leave a lasting impression and provide the reader with a meaningful takeaway as they finish the book

This project isn't solely about delivering content; it's equally focused on the pacing of the reading experience. I want the book to feel like a dynamic conversation, sometimes vibrant and bold, at other times gentle and introspective, but always with a clear sense of purpose and intention behind every word and concept.

Notes on Moodboards

As I work on organizing my writing, I've embarked on the creative process of building a series of mood boards, one for each chapter or thematic section of my project. Each board is thoughtfully curated, featuring a carefully selected array of reference photos that capture the essence of the emotions I want to convey. I'm also including textures that evoke tactile sensations, typography that reflects the narrative's tone, and paper samples that complement the aesthetic I envision.

Moreover, I'm selecting color palettes that resonate with the moods of each chapter, rich, warm tones for moments of passion, more fabulous shades for introspective sections, and vibrant hues for scenes filled with energy. Additionally, I'm incorporating album covers that align with the emotional undercurrents of my work, allowing the music to inspire the rhythm and flow of my writing.

Ultimately, my aim is not merely to create a visually appealing collection but to ensure that everything is in harmony with the overall theme. This sense of alignment serves as my guiding principle, helping me maintain focus on the emotional truth of the narrative as I progress.

A Question for You

If you've ever printed something to hang on your wall, taken a screenshot of a post, or saved an entry from this Substack, what was it? What made you want to keep it?

This book is deeply paternal, but it's there for you. If there’s a post that you believe should definitely be included, please let me know. The curation process is intimate, but collaborations enriches it.

What’s Next

In the next entry, I’ll share more on the visual identity of the book,

fonts, textures, photo ideas, the mood I want the book to hold in your hands.

Until then, I’ll be deep in the process of choosing, what stays, what doesn’t, and why.

Thank you for being here.