My Backpack Essentials

When you're living life as if it were a Gulliver travels style adventure, you learn that your best friend is not another human being, but your backpack and the all the contents inside. When packing up my bag every morning I like to think that if I were given notice that I have to leave in 1 hr, that everything I have on me is efficient for living on the run. Besides my macbook and changers, these are my backpack essentials:

iPad 2 (w/ Camo case) + Stylus

My iPad is such an all around key tool in my day to day life. Its good for jointing down notes, maintaining my schedules, and drawing out concepts for design project. My mind is always full of ideas, being able to get them down and sync them within the cloud, is such a great benefit. Also I love to read, and unfortunately it has become a hassle to lug book around, especially paperback.

So I have invested and/or inherited a collection of ebooks, which is very handy on MBTA commutes. 

Moleskin Volent Journal + Pilot Pen

Last year for my 25th birthday, I decided to keep a journal of things Im learning, my goals, and my progress as a creative. It has become a very useful habit, not only to track my growth, but for passing on knowledge to fellow creatives. I love going back and looking at things I was reading about, questionnaires I have filled out, and quotes I've collected.

Tortoise Shell Eddie Bauer Glasses + Case

Over the summer I decided to invest in glasses. Its not that I have the worst eyesight, but looking at screens all day and traveling at night has worn a little on my vision. With my eyes being such a key part of my creative expression, I decided to put the ole prescription to good use. Besides they make me look smart, and smart is sexy.

Aveda Hand Lotion

Because a girl needs to have soft hands.

Gentleman's Brush

And because a girl has to look sharp. There is nothing like hearing my mother tell me in between haircuts, "Jaz, You have just let yourself go."

Moleskin Turntable Daily Planner

Organization is my top priority. Between jobs, commuting on public transportation, and freelance gigs, I have to be ready and aware of what is happening in the next hour.  My moleskin not only keeps my moving at a timely manner, but I also keep a daily list of 3 positives, big or small. All in all, my planner serves as a reminder that everyday is blessing, and there is always something to do.

and last ...

Fab Lens Thermos

I get a lot of questions when I pull this baby out. Its like my own show dog. Its is nerd-dom at its best. The best re-gift I have ever received. I love that the Lens thermos looks so similar to my camera lens. I always have to double take to make sure it's not. I carry this around because I want to be kinder to the environment. If I use this thermos, instead of disposable cups, I feel more of a solution than a problem. Plus there is usually a discount involved. Everybody wins.

- Jazzi

My Affirmation Jar

Because everyday isn't easy for the over-thinkers, and geniuses in the world. A good friend of mine, and fellow freelancer gave me the advice to fill a jar with quotes and affirmations. So in those moments of doubt, I can put my hand in the jar and get that boost of much need reassurance and motivation. At first I was a little apprehensive, but over time I saw that this could be put to good use instead of crawling into a hole of despair. There are even time, that I find the most relief through adding to the jar. 

You have to be your own biggest fan. And if you can't say anything positive or uplifting to yourself, how can you expect others to.

Stay positive young world.

Steal Like an Artist is a Must Read

I discovered 'Steal Like an Artist' by Ausin Kleon, while purchasing a self help book on spiritual awakens. At the time I was going through a huge transition. I had just left Los Angeles, CA to move back to Kansas, for some much needed soul session. The west coast had such a huge influence on my growth as a creative and as an adult. I do admit it was a turbulent road to reach my current feat, which in turn pushed towards moving home, to clear my mind, and repair my spirit.

 'Steal like an Artist' had such a profound impact on my. Written by a fellow creative, I felt more related to than most books on the genre. I left not only feeling understood, but with a new outlook on how to approach being a creative. Its hard to pinpoint what is my favorite section or quote from this book,  its all around quality. Whatever creative medium you are pursing, these 10 things [nobody told you about being creative] can be applied. Below are a few of excerpts.

enjoy.