I would love to learn more about different types of constraints one can set and examples/stories of how constraints helped you or someone else come to a result, for example how you used constraints to plan your next travel (in fact, it would be FASCINATING to hear about a specific trip you planned based on constraints)
and well, since I love business I’m also interested in how constraints can be applied to building better businesses
Yeah it’s intriguing to me too how constraints can be understood and used in writing. If I was going to look into that and write about it, what questions would you like to see answered?
I'm always interested in seeing examples. My professional writing interest is to keep things as simple as possible as well as to foster engagement (without resorting to icky tricks like intentionally pissing people off).
mate i love that example. so specific and relatable. it reminds me of my old painting tutor George who’d say “NEVER start with a blank canvas!” and he’d only start new paintings on canvases he’d already spattered with some paints weeks before and left to dry
I love this tip from your former tutor Harrison. It’s reminding me that I’ve got fractions of poems that aren’t finished and that it is a good discipline to re read journal notes and let my own words spark more words ✨
Hi Harrison, I found this a really interesting post with real food for thought as I had never considered constraints to be galvanised in this way before. Thank you so much
Yes ! I’m thinking today about my 5-line poetry that I write, which in itself is a constraint with particular syllable counts per line, and pondering ‘what if I limit a particular poem to a specific word bank?’
In my research I have found a man, Randal Munroe, who wrote a book explaining complex ideas using only the thousand most common English words. I heard that Dr Zuess did this too!
I didn’t actually know that. Makes sense though. Science is one domain where constraints are used very intentionally as part of the scientific method 🧪
Brilliant essay, Harrison. And something I sense to be very true too – if/when I can establish some of the right (!) constraints in/around my own writing. I’m still practicing, trying to figure that out.
Oh, and funnily, had a conversation today with CansaFis Foote and constraints came up (and you too haha)!
Love that you’re writing more about the power of constraints! Would be happy to read a whole book on this 👀
Noted, thanks Anna! Do you have any specific questions you’d like to see answered/explored?
I would love to learn more about different types of constraints one can set and examples/stories of how constraints helped you or someone else come to a result, for example how you used constraints to plan your next travel (in fact, it would be FASCINATING to hear about a specific trip you planned based on constraints)
and well, since I love business I’m also interested in how constraints can be applied to building better businesses
Roger that, leave it with me 🫡
Really glad you're writing about this concept. It intrigues me especially in the writing realm.
I'm more at ease using constraints in my visual art; limiting the colors, shapes, and patterns I use.
Thanks too for the reminder that at the time the Impressionists were considered dangerous rebels by the establishment.
Yeah it’s intriguing to me too how constraints can be understood and used in writing. If I was going to look into that and write about it, what questions would you like to see answered?
I'm always interested in seeing examples. My professional writing interest is to keep things as simple as possible as well as to foster engagement (without resorting to icky tricks like intentionally pissing people off).
Ooooh fostering engagement - sounds like a great idea Judy to have Harrison write about 🤔
…time feels like the ultimate constraint…i like this idea of painting with walls and borders…i never felt freer cartooning than when i drew a box…
mate i love that example. so specific and relatable. it reminds me of my old painting tutor George who’d say “NEVER start with a blank canvas!” and he’d only start new paintings on canvases he’d already spattered with some paints weeks before and left to dry
I love this tip from your former tutor Harrison. It’s reminding me that I’ve got fractions of poems that aren’t finished and that it is a good discipline to re read journal notes and let my own words spark more words ✨
I too feel that time constraint CansaFis; it’s pretty constant for me and energy levels are also a big one; I’m getting older 😂
Hi Harrison, I found this a really interesting post with real food for thought as I had never considered constraints to be galvanised in this way before. Thank you so much
Hey Beverley, thanks, I’m glad it resonated. Now that you’re thinking about constraints, how do you see them at play in your own pracitce?
Yes ! I’m thinking today about my 5-line poetry that I write, which in itself is a constraint with particular syllable counts per line, and pondering ‘what if I limit a particular poem to a specific word bank?’
In my research I have found a man, Randal Munroe, who wrote a book explaining complex ideas using only the thousand most common English words. I heard that Dr Zuess did this too!
Wow, I’ve just looked at Randall’s books and his profile. What a serious guy. Amazing he left NASA to draw internet comics 🤯
I didn’t actually know that. Makes sense though. Science is one domain where constraints are used very intentionally as part of the scientific method 🧪
Very concise and informative. Thank you Harrison.
Thanks, glad you liked it Jeffrey! Has it sparked any thinking for your own writing?
Brilliant essay, Harrison. And something I sense to be very true too – if/when I can establish some of the right (!) constraints in/around my own writing. I’m still practicing, trying to figure that out.
Oh, and funnily, had a conversation today with CansaFis Foote and constraints came up (and you too haha)!
Thanks Brigitte, I’m glad you like the essay. I was happy with it too ☺️