Exploring the Red Thread is one of my workshops where ideas come to life. How do I know? Because earlier this year I took one of my own workshops due to a creative slump [gasp!]. This simple decision gave my entire year a delightfully strange turn. Before I explain how I turned a creative road block turned into one of the most joyful calendars you will ever see, let me explain what a red thread is.

What is a red thread?

I was introduced to the concept of the Red Thread by my Swedish friend Kristina Alexanderson. The Swedish interpretation of the Red Thread concept visualizes a single idea (or thread) that flows through a story to express its main theme. This is different than asian idea of the Red Thread of Fate. In the Chinese version, the red thread ties the fates of two individuals together through time. While both interpretations have important cultural relevance, the Swedish version is a handy shortcut for creating a series of individual images that relate to each other under a single idea (or thread).

When I reference the red thread, it is this Swedish version I’m referring to. This concept helps me to see the underlying themes that run through my work: childhood, play, magic, nature, exploration and adventure. Knowing the themes that I’m expressing in my work allows me to talk about my work with confidence. Which comes in handy when I’m at a show selling my original photos.

Exploring the Red Thread

I created the Red Thread workshop to help other toy photographers move beyond the single image. I’ve come to understand that a series of images around a single idea has more impact than an single photo ever will. Social media platforms are a fire hose of images rushing by on a daily basis. A series will make a larger impact than a single image. But the Red Thread is more than making an impact. Its about clarity of vision, developing a unique style as well as creating a series to be proud of.

This workshop is a great way to practice flexing the creative muscle, get pulled out of a creative slump and develop a single idea into something larger with more impact. Plus its consistently a ton of fun!

How does it work?

In this workshop participants have a choice of bringing their own creative project to the table of choosing from my extensive list of prompts. Because I didn’t have an idea I chose “Duos” from the list of prompts. My initial though about ‘Duos’ was as a vehicle to explore heroes and villains.

In the first session of the workshop we brainstorm ideas to make sure everyone has a long list of creative ideas to work from. For me this session was an opportunity to approach my idea from different view points and expand my thinking. Of course the creative process is a very personal experience. I emphasis that all ideas and reflections that are offered about a specific photo can be taken or left on the table. Creating a safe space for artists to show their work is an important part of my workshop process.

Inevitable dead ends

One aspect of The Red Thread workshop is creative limitations. When artists include artificial boundaries to an idea, strange things happen. Rather than limiting creativity, often ideas get even more There’s something about the creative process that often zigs and zags in unpredictable ways. The inevitable dead ends appear and the original idea changes in unpredictable ways.

This is part of the fun and magic of the creative process. And to watch it play out in my own work while simultaneously watching and supporting other creatives is a privelage. We all leave each session feeling supported and energized to take on the next image.

The image that broke through

After those first creative dead ends around boats / water / reflections something magical happened. These next two images appeared and my creative energy took off.

With these two images in the can, the rest of the series seemingly flowed into existence. When I talk the magic of the creative process, this is where that magical spark appears. This often happens for me when I get to the point where nothing is working out. Then suddenly the path opens up and pulls me along.

When I presented my final presentation to my fellow workshop friends, it was suggested to me to create a calendar. This was never an idea I would have considered on my own. But once I had creative momentum at my back, it didn’t take much to finish the series with enough images for a complete calendar. And I have my own workshop, Exploring the Red Thread, and my fellow creatives to thank for my creative breakthrough!

What is your red thread?

Do you have a red thread that runs through your photography? Are there themes and ideas that inspire you?

Toy photography can be so much more than just a well crafted photograph. [Although this too is fabulous!] It can also contain stories and themes that can inspire the viewer to think. Weaving these ideas throughout a series of images can open up possibilities not previously considered. For me, a single image suddenly gathered energy and became a complete calendar. One I hope will inspire the viewer to think about the relationship of bikes and childhood. Often a bike becomes a key to a certain freedom, adventure and friendship. Some of the adventures depicted in my calendar actually happened, but more often than not, they’re adventures that I wished had happened.

If you want to explore the themes and ideas that can run through a series of images, please consider joining me for my next Red Thread workshop. Let’s create toy photography magic together!