🐢 Critical feedback is essential for our growth

July 28, 2022
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August’s Theme is Critical

To be critical means to be like a sieve, dividing and separating. Our critical abilities allows us to discern the insubstantial from the made-to-last, the credible from the untrustworthy, the sincere from the ego-driven. We do so by gathering more information, seeking nuance, and locating something in its specific context. 

Critical feedback is essential for our growth. Poet Adrienne Rich advises, “Responsibility to yourself means seeking out criticism, recognizing that the most affirming thing anyone can do for your is demand that you push yourself further.”

But being needlessly critical — especially of ourselves — can stifle the creative impulse. Few are as harsh as our own internal critic. How can we hone our perception, spotting what needs to evolve, without becoming ruthless? How can we remain astute while not losing sight of all that is inherently good and whole? It’s critical. 

Our Calgary chapter chose this month’s exploration of Critical, Maedeh Mosaverzadeh illustrated the theme, and Mailchimp is the presenting partner.   

Explore upcoming events
The hashtags of the month are #CMCritical | #CreativeMornings
The Charles team on a beach at sunset

How Thoughtful Data Can Support Employee Happiness

The Charles is a family affair. Founded by siblings Samantha and Aaron Edwards, The Charles is a full-service agency specializing in strategy, design, media, content, and technology that has Netflix, Aveda, and the Tony Awards on its roster. When the Edwards started using Harvest’s time tracking and forecast apps, they knew that time tracking data was neither inherently good nor bad — it mattered how their team used it. Read The Charles’ case study to learn how they used their team’s time-use data to boost morale and prevent burnout without making anyone feel singled out or over-managed.

(From our content partner Harvest)
Fun Stuff to Click On
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See the luminous images of space nominated for Astronomy Photographer of the Year.*

Canva is seeking artists who are passionate about representing their communities to help make their content library more inclusive.

Author (and CreativeMornings’ speaker) Jason Reynolds has a beautiful new podcast with his mom about their shared history.*

Did a focus on celebrity detract from Yoko Ono’s visionary, defiant art?

How to start over, even when you think it’s too late

Fun activity sheets for kids (that you can steal for yourself). 

The joy workout has six research-backed moves to improve your mood. 

Ways to avoid maternal burnout and support the moms in your life. 

African fashion has been driving trends for decades. 

Life makes almost half of all the minerals on earth

The neuroscience of mindfulness and fear

Artwork within artwork within artwork…

*Thanks to Patrick Filler and Julie Schneider for the link inspiration.
 
Go Deep on Our Critical Theme

🔎 Critical Reflections: We asked you to share stories, images, and other artifacts that speak to what “critical” means to you. Your submissions cut to the heart of discernment. Explore critical submissions from around the world. (Design by Weyam Ghadbian)

Graphic of Kevin from the TV show The Office giving a thumbs down
🎧 DJ Jim Q’s Playlist: The music this month confronts the criticism, critiques the critics, and passes judgement on the judges. Missy Elliot takes down her haters in ”Gossip Folks" and Bongwater responds to a particularly negative write up in Rolling Stone Magazine in “The Bad Review.” If you’re looking for fuel to fight the defamers, here are over 40 songs to light the way.
Maedeh Mosaverzadeh's illustration of a woman observing plants closely
🎨 Meet Our Illustrator: Maedeh Mosaverzadeh is an Iranian visual storyteller based in Calgary, Canada. Through illustration and animation, she unfolds stories about the interconnected relations between people and nature in an everyday context. Discover more artwork by Maedeh.
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This newsletter was assembled like an outfit full of clashing patterns. The varying shapes and weights deny your eyes a place to settle, challenging you to integrate them in your mind. 

🌀 Waving,
Annie Yi, CreativeMornings HQ
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🪞 A mirror to our culture

Friday, July 22, 2022

Fun stuff to click on and make you smile. July 21, 2022 Open in new tab Speech bubble logo with the words, CreativeMornings Weekly Highlights, with confetti animation Hannah Chalew “The role of the

💜 Nuance is subtle

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