There’s an unspoken communication that takes place between horse and rider.
Dressage, the style of riding I practice and enjoy most, is a skilled and artful form of riding that’s usually pursued for the sake of mastery.
From above the rider adjusts her posture and contact with the reins in the subtlest of ways – and the horse can feel it. The horse responds, tuned into the rider’s tiny motions. It almost looks like horse and rider are merged into one.
That’s the goal of dressage: for horse and rider to work together so fluidly, they’re so in sync, that shared, choreographed movements appear natural and effortless.
The same happens with design.
A designer and her creation also do this dance of communication, giving and picking up subtle signals to move a design forward. She’s focused, determined, paying such close attention to detail that an image on a screen finds a life of its own.
And yet, she takes the lead. The rider guiding her horse, the designer sculpting her design.
To me, riding and design feel similar in many ways. Riding a horse requires incredible focus and makes you feel completely immersed.
It’s the same with design – When you're in the zone, it's really magical.
Getting in the zone is an art in itself.
It takes concentration to uncover the idea that will turn into a stunning logo or an artful campaign. It takes deep focus to become so connected to the horse you’re riding that your movements become one.
The thing is, the simplest ideas and concepts are often the ones that are most dismissed.
And it also happens to be that the simplest ideas and concepts are often the ones that have the greatest impact.
Whether you’re an equestrian or a designer like me, or you’re working hard to master your own craft, remember the power of finding a rhythm, creating space for deep focus –
For getting in the zone.
Photography courtesy of Kevin Garrett Photography
How do you practice the art of getting in the zone?
Tell me in the comments! I'd love to hear how this comparison resonates with you.