Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 08:22 AM
"Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary." -Cecil Beaton

This quote hits the nail on the head... so much so that I felt like I would be doing an injustice if I didn't share it. Everything Cecil Beaton is saying here is the heartbeat behind everything Chris and I believe in as business people and creatives. It is the push behind the things in which we strive for.

It seems like Chris and I have always gone about things in a way that makes people cock their heads to the side and say "huh??". The vein of convention is not one that runs thick in our blood. We have come to appreciate and embrace the feeling not feeling understood. In fact, we welcome it because typically it means we are doing something right. One of my favorite books, "Ignore Everybody And 39 Other Keys to Creativity" by Hugh MacLeod speaks life into this sentiment. MacLeod says, "The more original your idea is, the less good advice people will be able to give you."  Good ideas have lonely lives and more often than not are initially rejected by people. Basically, know you're onto something when everyone thinks you're nuts. 

It takes a daring and unconventional spirit to step out there with an idea, concept or theory. Everything in us tells us not to. Everyone around us tells us we're crazy. It takes courage. It takes everything BUT the status quo. It takes being unconventional welcoming the uncomfortable feeling of being misunderstood by others. 

I think about explorers like Columbus who had the insane idea that the world was round when everyone thought it was flat. People thought the guy was totally off his rocker, but without him risking everything and trusting his crazy gut instincts we wouldn't know what we know today. Columbus was daring. I think about someone like Jackon Pollock who was the first artist to paint in a particular style called Abstract Expressionism. Controversy followed Pollock and his style of work throughout his life and continues to even after his death. Most people just didn't "get it," they don't understand.  But thank God that didn't stop him from adding his beautiful and interesting aesthetic perspective to the world... it is one that has inspired so many others that have come after him.  

The basic idea.... We know we are doing something right when everyone else tells us we are nuts. When that happens, don't shy away... BE DARING! The better our idea is the more pull back we will receive from others. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I think every successful person has to be slightly insane to get to where they are. They go against the grain. They do the opposite of that which they feel. They don't listen to others telling them they are crazy. They just do. They dare to be different... even if that means they fail.

Thoughts
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Feuza says: Thursday, March 4, 2010, 08:43 PM

I have a hard time making decisions because I dont want to be wrong, I do not want to be judged but I know I can not please everyone, loved this post because it encourages me to do it the Feuza way, no apologies right?
gotta read that book now

Thomas Frank says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 05:38 PM

I''m smiling now, thank you!

Sacha says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 05:18 PM

You must not be reading the same comments I do, for your blog is filled with love, admiration, and support for all you do. Having said that, I know how tricky it can sometimes be to convince your clients that your ideas will be fabulous, no matter how much you promise. So I am guessing those cocked heads are coming from those on the other side of your camera, but as soon as they see the results, I bet they realise who's actually far from crazy - just full of creativity. Thanks so much. xx

SSK says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 03:10 PM

Great post......Some favorites:

Don't refuse to go on an occasional wild goose chase - that's what wild geese are for.

I dip my pen in the blackest ink, because I'm not afraid of falling into my inkpot. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is? ~Frank Scully

Kelly McGurk says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 02:58 PM

So I'm a student majoring in hospitality, kind of obsessed with weddings and event planning and pretty things in general. I've been reading your blog for a while and just love what you have to say. It's extremely inspiring to hear from a successful person to follow my heart and sometimes fail but most importantly, stay true to myself. Thank you so much for sharing this message. And your pictures are beautiful, so kudos! :)

Hannah Taylor says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 01:46 PM

I love reading your blog!

jane button says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 01:11 PM

Awesome post Sarah, I had to read it a few times to make sure it sunk in :)

I am one of those people who resists embracing the uncomfortable in all areas of my life, but you make an excellent case for reversing the trend! Thanks for the gentle nudge and inspiration to get started...

Marissa Rodriguez says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 12:58 PM

Such and inspiring post, thank you Sarah!

Tyler Branch says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 10:26 AM

"To be great is to be misunderstood."-Emerson

christin rose says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 09:59 AM

Sarah. You really struck Gold on this post. You are so inspiring. thank you

christin rose says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 09:59 AM

Sarah. You really struck Gold on this post. You are so inspiring. thank you

christin rose says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 09:58 AM

Sarah. You really struck Gold on this post. You are so inspiring. thank you

carrie says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 09:24 AM

thank you for reminding us of this. one of my favorite quotes of late is from henry ford. he said "if i had asked them what they wanted, they'd have said a faster horse". being innovative is key.

Julie Watts says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 08:59 AM

I couldn't agree more...Sarah. The husband and I, looking back at our lives and careers, didn't follow the "path" nor "philosophy" laid out or advised. If the average person looked at it on paper, I KNOW they'd cock their heads too and wonder how in the world it worked. But we were determined to follow our instincts, and now I look back and am really proud. We are made and are making our OWN eccentric path. Bravo. You two are bad ass.

david says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 08:55 AM

Thanks for sharing it really hit home!

Jeanette LeBlanc says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 08:53 AM

Thank you for this. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you for writing this, and that you for reminding and reaffirming what my heart already knows. I've been holding back from some big leaps lately, asking millions of people for advice and losing faith in my original concept when I don't get the reception I was hoping for. It's time to jump - and you just pushed me a little closer to the edge of embracing the audacious, crazy, risk taking self that has been living inside this safe little shell.

Jeanette

JENA says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 08:44 AM

Wonderful words of wisdom - thank you - needed this post today :)

Kristine says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 08:37 AM

Thank you! This is very inspiring!

david says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 08:37 AM

Thanks for sharing it really hit home!

Kristine says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 08:37 AM

Thank you! This is very inspiring!

anda says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 08:33 AM

i can't imagine anyone thinking you're crazy. everyone i know thinks you are genius.

Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:00 AM
The other day I twittered about how my twenty-fifth year of life is proving to be one of the most "uncomfortable" years of my life and about my excitement associated with that. I received various responses via DM's and @ reply's of people with sympathetic responses. Although thoughtful, what these people failed to realize is how incredibly stoked I am about my discomfort. You see to me, comfort is the enemy. It stifles growth and it makes us complacent. Comfort makes us satisfied with the mediocre. Comfort keeps us in the "safe zone" rather than challenging us to explore that which is un-safe. Comfort kills creativity. Comfort keeps us from failing and we need to fall on our faces a lot in life to grow. The majority will seek out comfort. It is the "easy road," the road traveled by many. I don't want to be the majority. I want to be the minority, the exceptional, the seasoned, the absolute best I can be. So for me, that means spending more time in the valley than on the mountain top of comfort. It means facing fears and feeling completely out of my element a lot more than I would like. Ultimately comfort kills the greatness that resides within each of us.

Discomfort welcomes and forces change, growth and engagement. The feeling of discomfort means we are looking fear in the eyes and beckoning him to a dual. Yes, discomfort is scary, but it is a necessary means to an end for anyone who wants to push beyond the limits of what they feel capable of. Discomfort creates a very unique culture that cultivates and welcomes mistakes, experimentation and failure. Discomfort is the road less traveled. You wont find many who want to hike this valley with you. And when you do find that fellow lonely traveler, hold on to them and cherish them, they will push you to be greater... that is one of the many amazing qualities I have found in my husband. When we are uncomfortable, our actions lead to a much greater level of success..... even if that means falling on our face more than we might like. So to me there is no choice.... discomfort always must win. Comfort is cheap and easy. Discomfort comes at a cost and is difficult but the payoffs are so very sweet.

As Seth Godin says, "going out of your way to find uncomfortable situations isn't natural but it's essential." and I say AMEN to that sentiment.

In photo news- I have a gazzillion things to post but have been bed ridden trying to fight off this cold/sinus infection this weekend so lots coming this week.


Thoughts
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Justin DeMutiis says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 04:48 PM

Love it. I've always fought complacency, but this post motivates me even more.

Sarah says: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 09:15 AM

This is so insightful. I admire your attitude and your approach to life so much. I used to think I was crazy for constantly uprooting myself, but this post really put it in perspective for me. I needed this on this Wednesday afternoon! Your work is amazing

Dale Hogan says: Thursday, February 25, 2010, 10:02 AM

Well said! I hear you and couldn't agree more. Thanks for sharing your perspective, it's inspirational.

I'm currently in a season of challenging circumstances in my personal life, but I think my art could use a kick out of the comfort zone. You may have just provided the impetus I needed.

Kellie says: Thursday, February 25, 2010, 09:50 AM

Very Nice! So well written! Thank you for the reminder to always strive for what is out of our comfort zone.

Nicole Wolf says: Thursday, February 25, 2010, 09:50 AM

Great post Sarah! Check out the article coming up on Skip Cohens blog that I just did, very similar! Also, can't wait for WPPI, have a really interesting adventure I want to talk to you about!

Gerald says: Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 11:19 PM

Thanks Sarah, this is a great reminder. Keep on blazing your trail and let me know then the book comes out!

Kaysha says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 09:05 PM

I LOVE these kinds of posts! You always leave me feeling so inspired!!

Jackie Lovato says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 06:33 PM

beautiful lesson you're learning, Sarah. one in which i hope to remember and remember and learn from and learn my whole life long. ROCK ON.

maile says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 04:38 PM

oh, I relate to this post so much. so so true.

Holger says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 11:29 AM

so true! I also liked the post before "Don't follow the Rules..."!

Crystal says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 11:13 AM

I have failed so many times, that I am so familiar with it I am sick of looking at it, and am facing the dilemma of what to do now, because I am stuck in the valley and have no plausible way of climbing out. But alas, kudos to you. Uncomfort is itself a stepping stone I believe.

Lara Beck says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 04:28 AM

I love you guys!!! :-) I have had an extremely uncomfortable year this last year.....and I have grown because of it! What you say just confirms everything I have been going through will work out fine... Thank you! :-)

neal carpenter says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 03:45 AM

This was just what I needed to hear. Thank you.

Faith says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 08:23 PM

I totally know what you're talking about :) I LOVE this photo by the way. Very cute outfits!

Laura says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 08:17 PM

I am constantly looking to get outside my comfort zone. Loved your post about breaking the rules as well!

Jono says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 02:50 PM

'Be not content with the ease of a passing day'!

Hannah Taylor says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 01:06 PM

I think my most uncomfortable time in life is now. Because I am actually realistically looking at how I can turn dreams into reality. Sometimes I regret not doing this sooner, but in order to be in a place where you are ready to take action you have to go through things God puts in your life to refine you. It's only that weak side of myself that says oh I wish I had reached my goal already. This year will be possibly one of the most productive years of my life.

cami says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 11:59 AM

you couldn't have said it better. my twenty-fifth year was the most uncomfortable year of my life. but it was so so so worth it. our love grew. i grew more than i thought i would. we got out of a "safe zone." and so many things have been happening... this post spoke to my heart as many of what you post does. i couldn't be more grateful to have found a guy to travel this "uncomfortable" road with me right now...and i'm holding on to him...he has made me grow and become more than i believed i could. i love...love your work and hope you're feeling better faster rather than soon. :o)

cami says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 11:57 AM

you couldn't have said it better. my twenty-fifth year was the most uncomfortable year of my life. our marriage...but it was so so so worth it. our love grew. i grew more than i thought i would. we got out of a "safe zone." and so many things have been happening... this post spoke to my heart as many of what you post does. i couldn't be more grateful to have found a guy to travel this "uncomfortable" road with me right now...and i'm holding on to him...he has made me grow and become more than i believed i could. i love your work and hope you're feeling better faster rather than soon. :o)

cami haynes says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 11:56 AM

you couldn't have said it better. my twenty-fifth year was the most uncomfortable year of my life. our marriage...but it was so so so worth it. our love grew. i grew more than i thought i would. we got out of a "safe zone." and so many things have been happening... this post spoke to my heart as many of what you post does. i couldn't be more grateful to have found a guy to travel this "uncomfortable" road with me right now...and i'm holding on to him...he has made me grow and become more than i believed i could. i love your work and hope you're feeling better faster rather than soon. :o)

cami haynes says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 11:56 AM

you couldn't have said it better. my twenty-fifth year was the most uncomfortable year of my life. our marriage...but it was so so so worth it. our love grew. i grew more than i thought i would. we got out of a "safe zone." and so many things have been happening... this post spoke to my heart as many of what you post does. i couldn't be more grateful to have found a guy to travel this "uncomfortable" road with me right now...and i'm holding on to him...he has made me grow and become more than i believed i could. i love your work and hope you're feeling better faster rather than soon. :o)

Elizabeth says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 10:53 AM

My sister recommended I check out your blog...this particular post...made me cry. Because I can relate...it so was the perfect thing for me to see to hear at this time. So thanks for that...and to my sister who recommended me to see this. ;p

Priscilla Gragg says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 10:21 AM

SO TRUE!

Harmony Loves says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 10:14 AM

I love your posts! I love that you love to be uncomfortable!
I love being challenged :)
I hate getting older, but I love it! I know I'm wiser and more confident.

Suki says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:44 AM

Thank you. This comes just at the right time and I realize I have to travel into that valley. And I even found someone who is willing to share the journey.

Melanie Watson says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:33 AM

I couldn't agree more. Comfort is uninspired and real growth and evolution come from those moments where we are stronger than our fears. So excited to see where this year of growth is taking you. Its surely a beautiful place.

Paige Butcher says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:26 AM

Thanks for posting this. So encouraging, you have no idea.

Nedra says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:24 AM

Such a perfect blog to read for this time in my husband & I's life, so so needed. Thank you for your encouraging words, and for being one that is not afraid to live uncomfortably in the unknowns. Life is so much more meaningful when we risk.

Ryan Klos says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:23 AM

How appropriate you post this today. I'm working on a similar post about being uncomfortable and embracing the fact that you just may fail when you venture out from your comfort zone. But then you grow. Thanks for your insight!

Steve Gerrard says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:21 AM

Great post Sarah.
I'm throwing out all my pillows & cushions today! :)

romin says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:17 AM

thanks times a million for introducing me to seth godin.

recently saw a quote by Woody Allen: “If you're not failing every now and again, it's a sign you're not doing anything very innovative.”

like you, i'm so so grateful to my partner, jenny, for challenging me to grow and for keeping me company on what seems a lonely road at times.

glad you are feeling better :)

JV says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:16 AM

Thanks for posting this much needed truth! And here's to being uncomfortable! Feel better soon!!

romin says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:16 AM

thanks times a million for introducing me to seth godin.

recently saw a quote by Woody Allen: “If you're not failing every now and again, it's a sign you're not doing anything very innovative.”

like you, i'm so so grateful to my partner, jenny, for challenging me to grow and for keeping me company on what seems a lonely road at times.

glad you are feeling better :)

Julie Watts says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:14 AM

Eloquently put!! I've discovered in my 30s is that I MUST be challenged...I need to struggle or else I go stir crazy. Like the alchemist who puts elements to fire in order to reveal it's true nature...I welcome the discomfort of growth and evolution. PS Seth Godin is a genius. :)

FRESH says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:12 AM

Ken Robinson suggests we'll never come up with anything original if we're not prepared to be wrong! Doesn't sound like a very comfortable stance, does it?

"All children are born artists; the problem is to remain "artist" as we grow up." Picasso

Love you from yer inside out SarahRhoads!

Melina Wallisch says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 09:10 AM

AMEN sista...my lizard brain will not stop me from stepping out of my comfort zone. I embrace those butterflies because something is wrong if you don't get nervous...thank you for helping me get out there and perform.

Friday, February 19, 2010, 12:05 PM
The other day we posted a little contest for those who wanted to win some free tickets to the most killer party at WPPI, Airhorns & Lasers. The only parameters were you had to include in your submission a laser and an airhorn. We received some pretty funny submissions but got it down to the four tickets we have to giveaway.

And the winners are: 
1) Ken Liu 

So excited to party with you all in Vegas! I will e mail each of you with how to claim your tickets!




Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (4)
Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Saturday, February 20, 2010, 08:22 AM

HAHA! I love the Obama one!

ohana photographers says: Friday, February 19, 2010, 08:09 PM

holy smokes the laser cats!! this post made me lol.

gabriel.ryan. says: Friday, February 19, 2010, 01:29 PM

i don't know how come i've never stopped by your blog before... please forgive me ;) so, yeah... it pretty much rocks!

your expression of who you are as artists is refreshing and inspiring.

carlie & i can't wait to reconnect with you & chris in vegas!

rock.on.

Feuza says: Friday, February 19, 2010, 12:32 PM

You made my day and I am in some pain right not feeling well but got a chance to scream WOO HOO! thank you Sarah! wow, so amazinggggggggggggggggg

Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 06:02 AM
So you want to win some free tickets to the Airhorns and Lasers party at WPPI in Vegas this year? 

Since we had so many of you ask about tickets after our post last week we were able to lock a few down to giveaway to some of our blog readers and fellow party people :).
We will have four tickets to giveaway and we thought it would be funny to make a little contest out of this.
 
So the requirements are that you have to create a photo that has the two following items in it: 
-An Airhorn
-& a Laser

*Example photo is associated with this post ;)

photos should be sized to 550 pixels high and e mailed to us (consulting@sarahrhoads.com) by Thursday night at midnight. The subject line of the e mail should be AIRHORN WIN

The winning images will be posted and announced Friday and we'll look forward to partying with the folks who win!

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (10)
Feuza says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:23 PM

phew just sent mine, hope I made the deadline, had fun with it :-)

mariana herrera mosli says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 08:01 PM

OMG!! I just ran across this hilarious contest!! It's a sign that I should go to WPPI!! LOL! I have been debating because of the financial situation, but a chance for free airline ticket?! I am so in!!! Will send in what I create, I have one hour (eastern time, right?) to see what I can come up with!!!

Thanks for the opportunity!

Mariana

mariana herrera mosli says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 08:01 PM

OMG!! I just ran across this hilarious contest!! It's a sign that I should go to WPPI!! LOL! I have been debating because of the financial situation, but a chance for free airline ticket?! I am so in!!! Will send in what I create, I have one hour (eastern time, right?) to see what I can come up with!!!

Thanks for the opportunity!

Mariana

sarahrhoads says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 09:05 AM

@Feuza I'll give you a hint ;) you can find lots of pictures of airhorns and lasers by simply asking the google gods and clicking "images" ;)

Feuza says: Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 09:42 PM

so want to win tickets to that party, will try to come up with something, do not even know where I will get an airhorn but will try

Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 01:47 PM

HAHA. You're photo cracks me up. We will be missing the party but hopefully we'll get to meet up with ya later in the week. :)

Ilana Herring says: Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 12:50 AM

I found your blog from the link to Ruvi Leider's self portrait. awesome that you posted it! he is super talented! but just had to write a comment cause you guys are SUPER crazy talented! im blown away by the stuff on your blog. thank you! im not in the industry and dont know much about it....but your work is pretty amazing to witness!

Ilana Herring says: Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 12:50 AM

I found your blog from the link to Ruvi Leider's self portrait. awesome that you posted it! he is super talented! but just had to write a comment cause you guys are SUPER crazy talented! im blown away by the stuff on your blog. thank you! im not in the industry and dont know much about it....but your work is pretty amazing to witness!

Melina Wallisch says: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 06:22 AM

sounds like a great party. just getting familiar with with all this. count me in for next year!

Melina Wallisch says: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 06:19 AM

sounds like a great party. just getting familiar with all of this. count me in for next year!