When Data Doesn’t Help: In Running and In Art

Trusting Intuition Over Information

It’s hard to get the clothing right for a very cold run, so I felt absurdly proud that I nailed it on the first cold day of the year here in Minnesota.

Then I realized it was because I didn’t check my weather app before the run (the first panel in my comic really happened after I ran). Instead, I knew how cold it felt from a short walk with our dog earlier in the day, so I dressed accordingly.

If I had looked at the temperature and windchill, I’d almost certainly would have overdressed and felt more negative about running in the cold. It was a good reminder that sometimes it’s better not to have all the data and to go by feelings instead. It can make for a more pleasant and present experience.

This idea of trusting intuition applies to art and comics too. Overanalyzing can stifle creativity, but relying on your gut sense of how to tell a story often leads to more authentic and satisfying results. As someone who tends to overthink, this run was a good reminder of that.

What about you?

Have you found that sometimes you work better when you avoid data or rules? Let me know in the comments below!

Comics Coaching

There’s still time to take advantage of $25 off my comics coaching packages through the end of 2024. Whether you’re looking for feedback on visual storytelling, navigating publishing, or just getting started on a graphic novel or graphic memoir project, I’d love to help you start the new year feeling focused and inspired!

Leif Love

We had our first substantive snow fall in Minnesota, and Leif was jumping six feet into the air in excitement, which pretty much captured my feelings about snow too.

Take care and keep creating!

-Katharine