You Can't Go Backwards
Field Trip | No.41
Field Trip is a homebase for the research and references that inform the work of designer Lauren Scarlett.
[RESEARCH ©FT]
This is a completely selfish post in attempt to convince myself that I’m not going backwards in life as I prepare to move back to my hometown. I let my physical surroundings feel a lot more restrictive than they are, but anyone who grew up somewhere they know isn’t where they’re supposed to be knows the heavy feeling that comes with going back to that place. In all honesty I feel like I’m returning with my tail between my legs, embarrassed by the fact that I couldn’t get out. Or I did get out, but it didn’t last long.
I’ve been doing a lot lately, design wise, working on cool client projects, doing a lot of self-initiated work, making product, writing a lot…but I feel completely pushed back by life at the moment and never want to present online as if I’m thriving when I’m not. Anyway, here are a few things I’ve been telling myself lately.
Where you are has no standing on the work you’re capable of making.
My set up has always just been me + a macbook so long as I’ve got that and my headphones, I’m good to go. I have made great work and will continue to make great work no matter where I do it from.
The internet is incredible.
I’m extremely fortunate to of connected with people from around the world and with my current work spanning from London to LA, I couldn’t be more thankful for the internet and social media for enabling me to work globally and stay connected with people no matter where I am.
Your mind is yours.
The things I’ve experienced in my hometown carry a lot more weight than I like to admit. I find certain things about it only escapable when I’m not physically there but for the most part I just mentally trap myself, which I am in complete control of changing.
There is no backwards.
I’m still working. I’m still learning. I’m still living. Everything is always in forward motion, it just doesn’t always look the way I think it’s going to.
Sometimes you have to take a sidestep or a back-step to move forward. As long as your ultimate goal hasn't wavered, it's all good. Move back to your hometown, enjoy it for what it is and don't get comfortable.
hometown blues are so real, mine is back in america, and every time i go back to visit (not often) i get these same feelings, evoking high school for me tbh. you got this lauren !!!