Following your nose

I’m a fan of obsessive curiosity.

Walter Isaacson’s book on Leonardo da Vinci lays out the story of this incredible thinker and tinkerer. Though Leonardo is not likely a person we can all emulate (although if there is a Duke out there willing to pay my bills for five years so I can tinker on things—give me a call), his never ending desire to learn anything and everything is an inspiration.

Often areas that have pulled my interest—putzing around with some random hobby or technology—have a way of pulling back into other pursuits that can be incorporated into my occupation.

It doesn’t always have a direct connection, but indirectly every bit of learning will always help. Parallels and patterns exist in all types of creative endeavors. Sometimes it just takes poking around until we find them.