#cmdal

[williebaronet]

You can tell a lot by one’s #creativemornings #nametags. Ask me about #home. Why did the chicken cross the road? #googlemaps. I wasn’t sure I could #forgivemydad. I relieve #anxiety by uhhhhhhh. My #tombstone would say died 3244. #duchamp is my favorite #pioneer. #cmcompassion #cmcourage #cmdeath #cmdal #cmanxiety

[authoraliwinters]

꧁༒ 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑽𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝑶𝒂𝒕𝒉 ༒꧂ AVAILABLE NOW NEW RELEASE: http://www.books2read.com/thevampireoath The cost of love can be deadly. The only person Clara thought she could trust is taken, and time is counting down to the coronation when he will be lost to her forever. With the odds stacked against her, Clara desperately sets out on a demon’s cursed mission to seek out the only chance she has left - the oracle witch. But the life threatening trek to the witch is only the beginning. Of course, nothing is free, and the witch’s price for her help might be more than Clara can pay. CLIFFHANGER WARNING: Watch out, that last step is a doozy. (But I promise book 5 will be out this year and will make up for it!) OUT NOW: http://www.books2read.com/thevampiredebt http://www.books2read.com/thevampirecurse http://www.books2read.com/thevampirecourt Preorder the final book: http://www.books2read.com/thevampirecrown . . . . . . . . . #newrelease #vampireromance #vampires #vampirebooksthatdontsuck #vampirebooks #mustread #fantasyparanormal #cliffhanger #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #newadult #paranormal #paranormalromance #paranormalromancebooks #vampireaesthetic https://www.instagram.com/p/CMdaL-7DvBy/?igshid=1aq4f2otrs8uv

[mitchellkriegman]

Ahoy matey! #tugboat_lovers https://www.instagram.com/p/CMDal-5FcJx/?igshid=9jp4wfiqopxg

[creativemorningsdallas]

August's Theme is RITUAL

Our theme for August is RITUAL. It was chosen by our Charlottesville chapter in Virginia and illustrated by Matt Smithson.

Rituals add meaning and a deeper sense of connection to our lives. They allow us to practice mindfulness and reflection. Unlike our daily routine and habits, rituals have the power to inspire us.

Brushing your teeth is routine. Going for a morning walk would be a good habit. And writing a gratitude journal could become your morning ritual. The key is to act with intentionality.

Our CreativeMornings events have their own rituals. Getting a cup of coffee creates an opportunity to say hello to someone new while you wait your turn in line. Reading our manifesto out loud reinforces our beliefs that everyone is creative and everyone is welcome.

What rituals do you practice in your relationships, your spirituality, and your creative work? How do they heighten your sense of purpose and belonging in this world?

[williebaronet]

#creativemornings #cmdal #cmcuriosity #greenlight #dallas #curiosity #thereisnocure

[williebaronet]

Selfie of a selfie. This is some meta shit. #cmdal #creativemornings #cmcuriosity #selfie #selfieofselfie #selfiex2 #nikkisgianthand #howdo #greenlight

[creativemorningsdallas]

Our theme for May is VIBRANT. It was chosen by our San Antonio chapter and illustrated by Isabel Ann Castro.

When was the last time you experienced something that made you feel more alive?

Heard a melody pulsing with a beat that made your body move. Taken in the view of a lush landscape or sparkling city skyline bursting with light and shadows. Locked eyes with a striking stranger. Poured yourself into prose that crackles off the page with electricity. Lost track of time in a conversation punctuated by spirited laughter. Stopped in your tracks in front of a canvas in a museum or a mural on the street with colors so bold and bright it popped from the paint straight into your synapses.

It might not happen every day. But you can live a life full of energy and enthusiasm. You can strive to bring brightness into every interaction.

Because our world is full of all kinds of vibrant masterpieces. And you are one of them.

[creativemorningsdallas]

This month's theme was chosen by our Tucson chapter and illustrated by Sophie McTear (they/he).

Oh yeah, that’s hot! 

When you’re cooking, spices add flavor, depth, and complexity to an otherwise plain culinary dish. Spicy foods interact with receptors in our mouth and can trigger sensations of heat and even pain. Can you handle it? Being open to trying new and bold tastes is a good lesson for bringing daring and originality into all of our creative endeavors. As they say, “variety is the spice of life.” 

Spicy can also be exciting and suggestive. A spicy comment or joke is provocative or controversial. Such “spicy takes” often challenge conventional beliefs and ignite strong, passionate reactions from people. 

So, how can you make your work and approach to life spicier?  Let’s bring the heat!

[creativemorningsdallas]

Our theme for March is PERSPECTIVE. It was chosen by our Fargo chapter and illustrated by Fred Gaye Wremeo. 

Every creative act is an attempt to share a unique perspective on some slice of the world. What you see — and how you see it — shapes your beliefs. So, what’s your point of view? And how are you putting it into your work? What was the last piece of music, writing, illustration, or film that opened a new window on the world for you? 

One of the most impactful artistic innovations was linear perspective; widely credited to Fillipo Brunelleschi in the early 15th century. This breakthrough enabled artists to create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a flat canvas, paving the way for the ornate art and architecture of the Renaissance. Today, it feels like we are at another precipice with AI generated images and video. We don’t know how this rapidly emerging artistic tech will shape our perspectives. The machine is already capable of evoking real emotions. But only we can understand those feelings. 

Because seeing someone else’s point of view is uniquely human. Considering another perspective fosters empathy. And we all desperately need more empathy. Remember, looking at a problem from multiple angles generates more possible solutions. So, change your perspective and you can change your world. 

[creativemorningsdallas]

Our theme for February is NATIVE.

Where you are from shapes who you are. Where you call home influences your worldview. Understanding the traditions of your ancestors can help answer the question, “where do I belong?” Your connections to a place and the past should rightfully be a source of great pride. 

The unique customs, art, and languages of native cultures make the tapestry of human civilization more vibrant. Yet many indigenous communities have faced marginalization, land dispossession, and cultural erasure. How much have we lost and what can be preserved? 

By respecting and celebrating the traditions and achievements of native people everywhere, we can discover a deeper sense of connection and unity. What does our history have to teach us? What can we learn from each other?

February's theme of Native was chosen by our Honolulu chapter and illustrated by Jack Soren.

[creativemorningsdallas]

Our theme for January is RISE.

The sun must set before it can rise. So, remember, every setback can be overcome. Each new challenge compels us to tap into our reservoirs of hope and determination. To live a fulfilling life, we must not wallow. We must rise. 

The phoenix rising from the ashes is such a juicy metaphor. The mystical bird’s fiery demise symbolizes the destruction of old expectations — and how it’s always been done. Every creative act is a transformation. Each new project is a rebirth. 

We rise from everything that came before. That’s why “rise up!” is a rally cry for the oppressed. But we should all be shouting, because our personal and collective empowerment are intricately linked. The rise of different voices creates a richer and more vibrant society. The goal is not reaching the top, it’s lifting each other up. 

Together, we rise higher.

January's theme of Rise was chosen by our Tampa Bay chapter and illustrated by Miss Crit.

[creativemorningsdallas]

December's Theme is PAIN.

Ouch! That hurts. Pain is a warning. And a lesson. It teaches us what we should avoid. And just how much we can bear. 

There’s the pleasures of sadomasochism. The anguish of emotional trauma or physical abuse. The seemingly endless barrage of vitriol in the comments. The grief of losing a loved one. The immense destruction and psychological toll caused by so many geopolitical conflicts happening around the world. 

Our Lviv chapter in Ukraine knows the pain of war. As they wrote when they chose this month’s theme, “Our collective pain is now close to unbearable. They say what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. We hope whoever said that is right.” 

Muscles grow stronger after exercise tears the tiny fibers of muscle cells and the body repairs those damaged fibers. We know that physical wounds can heal with time and proper care. But we often ignore the fact that emotional pain can too. 

If you need a little relief from whatever pain you’re carrying, talk to someone, make something, or help someone else in need.  

Pain can point the way to growth.

Our Lviv chapter chose this month’s exploration of Pain and Marta Koshulinska illustrated the theme.

[creativemorningsdallas]

November's Theme is RHYTHM.

What rhythms set your pace? A celestial rhythm is pulsing all around us. The earth spins. The sun rises and sets. The moon pulls and releases the tides twice every day. The seasons loop each year. Natural, constant patterns of back-and-forth. But we also live amidst the unnatural rhythms of flickering fluorescent lights, pinging notifications, and vehicles idling at traffic signals. Rhythm can light you up or burn you out. 

Rhythm is the heartbeat of creativity. It provides the structure we crave; a framework for ideas to take shape. By recognizing patterns and breaking them, we can find our unique voice. 

Rhythm serves as a catalyst for the power of a dancer’s movement. The pacing of a poet's sentences. The cadence of an actor’s voice. The timing of a comedian’s punchline. The strokes of a painter’s brush. The meter of a musician’s notes. All that creativity just keeps going and flowing. Rat-a-tat-tat. Tap into your own rhythm and follow wherever it takes you. 

How do you keep your own beat? Listen to your breath. Listen to your heart.

Our Basel chapter chose this month’s exploration of Rhythm and Patrizia Stalder illustrated the theme.

[creativemorningsdallas]

BONUS 8TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION! 🥳

Join us at White Rock Brewing Company in celebrating milestones at our “Retro Rewind & Reveal” party with AIGA DFW!

This free event is open to everyone in the DFW creative community.

🎟️ Please register for free tickets.

So what are we celebrating? 🎉🤔

REWIND: CreativeMornings/Dallas is celebrating our 8th birthday! After reflecting on years of inspiring talks from designers, artists, entrepreneurs, and social innovators, we want to end things with a bang. We’ll celebrate CreativeMornings’s global theme of “Endurance” with all the necessities of a great birthday party: complimentary sweets, camaraderie, and balloons!

REVEAL: AIGA DFW is stoked to reveal The Deck ‘23: a limited edition ‘80s themed deck of cards by 54 designers, in clever packaging by Balcom Agency on gorgeous paper from Lindenmeyr Munroe printed by the wildly talented crew at Blanks. Join us as we unveil “The Deck 2023: Hit Songs of the 80s” for the first time, and pick up your own copy of this limited edition retro-music-inspired card deck.

Come relax after work, make creative friends, and enjoy a night of libations, ‘80s karaoke, and new conversations – preferably while wearing your favorite ‘80s accessory for what should be a totally rad night!

[creativemorningsdallas]

October’s Theme is Endurance.

Endurance is the unwavering flame that burns within us, illuminating a path through darkness and uncertainty. It is the quiet strength that emerges when challenges test our limits, urging us to push beyond what we thought possible. Endurance is not a mere moment but a relentless spirit that whispers, "keep going" when the world feels heavy.

Life's journey is marked by peaks and valleys, and it is endurance that sustains us during the uphill climbs. It teaches us that setbacks are not defeats but stepping stones towards growth and resilience. With each obstacle we conquer, our spirits grow stronger, and our determination becomes unshakable.

In a world that values instant gratification, endurance is a reminder that the most rewarding victories are born from patience and perseverance. It is the ability to rise, even when we fall, and to embrace the transformative power of persistence. So, let us celebrate the tenacity that resides within us, for in the face of adversity, it is endurance that leads us towards the summit of our potential. Our Timisoara chapter chose this month’s exploration of Endurance and Ana Kun illustrated the theme. 

[creativemorningsdallas]

September's Theme is Simplicity

In the design traditions of Scandinavian and Japanese minimalism, the paring down of possessions creates a greater sense of tranquility and ease. Simplicity invites us to imagine how rich we might feel when we make do with less. 

But put another way, what if we imagined simplicity not in terms of absence but essence? In a world of confounding variables, layers of additional nuance and context, and the mind-boggling complexity of systems upon interdependent systems, simplicity drives us to get to the deep core of the matter. The etymological roots of simplicity refers to a single, indivisible nature. The heart unifies the whole. 

Where can you exercise restraint and streamline excess? How will you find clarity amidst chaos?  Our Gothenburg chapter chose this month’s exploration of Simplicity and Jessica Jämting illustrated the theme.