Fields Notes is a monthly collection of references curated by Sean Fields. Enjoy.
"In many cases, what you hope to learn by reading books or listening to podcasts can only be learned by attempting what you fear. Some knowledge is only revealed through action.”
-James Clear
An August Playlist
I was reading this Q&A about translating inspiration to real life results from À La Carte and it made me think about some of the plans I’ve made & projects I’ve abandoned and changes in my approach.
The question focused on how to take ideas, mood boards, and inspiration photos and turn them into a tangible design for a room, but the key point applies to most goals: “find realistic ways to derive inspiration.”
Instead of abandoning projects because I couldn’t replicate someone else’s results, I’ve started focusing the pieces of examples that are relevant to me and changed the rest out to fit my needs. Some things still end up not working, but I’ve gotten more thing done and the work ends up being more personalized as a result.
References & Notes:
😀 “To me, something isn't expensive if you believe it’s worth buying and you get joy from it (and you can afford it within your means).” -Matthew Spade to
🎳 Private equity is ruining bowling alleys for real bowlers
“Do you sometimes ask yourself, why does it feel like everything is getting worse? Bowlero provides one possible answer: because somewhere, someone’s making money off the decline.“
Big data strikes again. Word to the wise: Never leave your brand in the hands of the algorithm. It won’t go well. Making a brand is like cooking a soufflé. It cannot be automated. There are too many factors. Every oven is different. It requires the watchful eye of a dedicated, intuitive chef. Look again at the recent Nike Bode shoe, a win on every level, executed masterfully, thanks to a dedicated and passionate steward—Emily Bode.
📹 Why content creators stopped editing
“The videos that perform the best are videos that don’t have text overlays, or cuts, or special effects. They’re usually just continuous clips.”
“People are overstimulated. Everybody is feeling overwhelmed by all of the social content that we see all the time, and the world burning around us. No one needs a whole bunch of crazy graphics and stuff flashing onscreen. I’m just a person you can connect with.”
🎙️ Big Sean: Tiny Desk Concert
🎛️ Sunday Cleaning Coffee Club Vol. 7 | R&B, Hip Hop, Afrobeats & Pop
What I’m Watching & Reading:
📖 Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
📖 Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey
📺 Batman: Caped Crusader (Amazon Prime)
📺 Young Sheldon (Netflix)
📺 Resident Alien (Netflix)