Lockdown Life Lessons

In between the pivoting, the zooming and the endless WFH snacking (just me?), we also learnt what we need to create – when the world around us clouds our focus.

Akin members met (virtually, of course) to chat through our lockdown life lessons. 

And, we’d like to share them with you…

“I gave myself permission to create the work I wanted to. I painted what I wanted, or needed, to paint with no responsibility to anyone but myself. It was very freeing.”

Polly Dutton

“My Apple AirPods saved my sanity during lockdown. They may even have saved my marriage too. I’m used to working from home. Suddenly my husband, who types ridiculously loudly, and my son were also in the same office space. I needed to be able to shut out their noise to concentrate.”

Saskia Snel

“I get away from my screen and out into nature to refresh my senses. There’s a walk I can do near my house, and it’s been incredible to watch the seasons change along the same route.” 

Jane Mote

“When our big trade show, Decorex, was cancelled, we re-shaped our business by creating a permanent showroom. Now our customers can see our products all year round.”  

Pamela and Martin Huxford

“Be human. It doesn’t matter if your kids appear in your zoom calls. Family life in the background actually helped to break the ice during certain dry presentations.”

Karl Salter

“With so much going on in my brain, I am struggling to sleep properly. Some days I felt too drained to think straight let alone write. On those days I napped, without feeling guilty. It was the brain boost I needed.”

Sian Lewis.

“Lists, lists, and more lists…”

Lists, of all shapes and sizes, keep most of the Akin members' minds free to create. When you add highlighter pens and the occasional clipboard, lists help us stay sane(ish) and successful.

But, the prize for the best list goes to Ash Kent with his 5 concurrent lists, including one devoted to his wife, Eloise… Which, as Ash explains, is "the most important one”.