There’s no denying that music can have a huge influence on the creative process. Although we both have backgrounds in music and consider it an integral part of our work, we have very different preferences and rituals around using music (or a lack of music) for creativity, productivity, and inspo.
In this series, we share tidbits about our personal processes and habits. Plus, we share two (yes, two!) curated Spotify playlists of music we’re listening to right now — WTVS. it may be (this is a judgment-free space).
Itai, Designer: Contradiction and harmony
Music (and sound in general) has always been my second biggest passion and form of creative expression after visual art and graphic design. I’ve been playing bass on and off for more than 25 years, was formerly in a black metal band, and worked at record stores as a teenager. After graduating from the Design Academy (Eindhoven) in 2006, I co-founded a design studio called Imaginary Creatures, which is oriented to the local indie music industry in southern Holland. I’ve always dreamt that I’ll be able to make a living from designing album covers, gig posters, and directing video clips for my favorite bands.
Today, as a professional leading a marketing design team for a B2B SaaS company, I am challenged to channel find harmony between my true passions and my reality, which consists of daily tasks that need to generate leads and bring revenue into a large organization. I do this in many aspects of my work — from design inspiration and work-mood soundtracks, all the way down to picking songs from stock audio libraries for video projects and working with freelance sound designers.
There’s no real theme to my playlist, just a bundle of contradicting thoughts and emotions. Plus, some hidden gems!
Shelby, Writer: Consistency and range
Music has always been a huge part of my life and creative process. I studied music theory in college and worked as a music journalist for independent music magazines for some time. The people who work with (or have ever worked with) me can attest to the fact that I pretty much constantly have headphones on…and not because I want to avoid talking to people (okay, sometimes because I want to avoid talking to people).
When it comes to choosing the music I want to listen to, it depends on what task I need to tackle. Sometimes I need some motivation to just get shit done, which means I’m probably listening to something a bit more on the punk side. Other times I need to take my time to brainstorm and develop ideas, which means I’m probably listening to something with a bounce-able beat but a bit less intense (I tend to gravitate towards R&B and hip hop, which are the stars of my playlist below).
The range of music I enjoy working to may have a wide range but one thing always remains the same: I NEVER listen to music for the first time when I’m writing. I’m a lyrics-first listener so when I listen to new music I lock in on what’s being said, which makes it impossible for me to write anything coherent at the same time. I prefer, instead, to play music I know well so that I can enjoy the groove and tempo while floating in and out of active listening and active writing.
