Have you ever taken that first sip of coffee when you’re beyond tired, and immediately felt the caffeine rush to your brain? Suddenly, your brain fog begins to retreat and you can think clearly again. 

That was what going to New York did for my creative process. I didn’t even realize I was in a rut until I left Eugene. Don’t get me wrong, I’m quite fond of this little town that I’ve made home for the past four years. But the size, my routine, limited options for entertainment and lack of diversity have left me a little jaded and bored. I often joke that being a Gemini with ADHD makes me easily bored, but in this case, frequenting the same buildings at the same time every week definitely stifled my creativity. 

Being in New York was exactly the shift and mental reset that I needed. I was incredibly inspired by my new surroundings, new friends and all the boundary-pushing work I saw at agencies. Even if I had been visiting the city purely for vacation, I think I would have been flooded with energy in a similar way. I nearly burst into tears in the Newark Airport because I was so loathe to return to Eugene, but since returning I’ve been trying to channel that enthusiastic energy into new projects. My new mantra: only boring people are bored. 

Olivia Bowman | 5/22/19