Like a Garden, Not a Racetrack
Different projects grow at different paces, like plants in a garden.
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Have you ever felt guilty for starting a new project before finishing the last one? I used to feel that way. I’ve been working on my second photobook for about a year now, but I hit a wall around six months in. Since then, it’s been an on-and-off struggle. Still, I kept telling myself to focus only on this one project, no distractions, no new ideas, just push through.
But lately, I’ve started to question that. Common advice often told us to finish what we start before moving on. But does that really reflect how creativity works?
Side Quests, Page Turns, or Growing Plants
The more I thought about it, the more I began to see my projects like quests in a game, or like reading a long, dense novel. When you get stuck, bored, or burned out, it’s perfectly okay to take a break. You can switch to something lighter—a fun, easy game, or a short, feel-good book.
I think photography projects work the same way. It’s okay to juggle multiple ones at once, each matching a different mood, energy level, or curiosity. (Of course, it’s a different story if you're under contract or working on a strict deadline.)
Photography isn’t so different. Whether you’re switching quests, turning pages, or tending to a garden bed, It’s all part of a larger rhythm. Sometimes, one project feeds off another.
Once I accepted that, I became more open to new ideas and personal projects.
The Growing Plants
1. 生生流轉 (Constant Flux)
That said, I want to share a quick update on the progress of my second photobook. (You can read more about the background below.)
After about almost a year working on this with the last six months of slow, passive progress, I’m finally picking it back up. I’ve decided to switch publishers—from one that mainly supported the production side to a new partner who’s involved not just in making the book, but also in editing, curating, and brainstorming with me. I’ve submitted my proposal, they’ve reviewed it, and we’re now in the early stages of discussion.
It feels good to move forward again, and I’m genuinely excited for what’s next.
Some spoilers from the book:
2. Japan Laundry (a Typology Project)
Besides my second photobook, I’ve started working on Japan Laundry, a project where I explore the concept of typology. Something completely new to me. I don’t know what the final output will be, but that’s part of the process.
Some spoilers from the project:
3. Still Standing (a Documentary Project)
I also just began another project, Still Standing (a tentative title), where I’m learning to approach photography more like documentary work. For now, I’m focused on research—visiting the location, learning its history, and simply observing without taking any photos yet.
What I can share right now, this project might cover a small part of World War II in Japan.
Some of the rough idea:
The Garden Grows Even When You Look Away
For me, working on these three projects at the same time has brought a surprising benefit: each one sparks fresh ideas for the others. It’s like having cross-pollination between projects. I also find it helps prevent burnout. Instead of over-committing to one theme, I give myself space to breathe, revisit, and re-evaluate my thoughts and direction.
Again, different projects grow at different paces, like plants in a garden. Some take years to bloom, but that doesn’t mean they’ve been forgotten. Progress isn’t always linear, and to me, that’s part of the joy. Maybe it is for you too.
Thank you for reading! Let’s connect through some of my social media such as Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!
And if you want to support me on my journey, you can buy me a coffee or buy my photobook! ❤️
I’ll see you again next time!
Cheers,
All of the photos you’ve shared from these projects are absolutely phenomenal. And they’re all so different!
Totally agree with you that working on different things at the same time helps to keep things fresh & interesting. And it helps to add different perspectives to each body of work.
Thanks for sharing your perspective and those fantastic images!
I’m all about this approach! There are no rules when it comes to creating, take on as much as you need to keep things moving or abandon them all in place of something new if that’s what you need. Rules are for chumps, now I’m not saying we can’t imply our own standards and limitations to set expectations within ourselves but creating is not linear, and it shouldn’t be.
I can’t wait to see the culmination of all of these. Particularly the typography one as that’s a passion of mine both creating and photographing it.