I don’t often go into the office for work. Most of my work time is spent on video calls with people from around the world. But when I do go into the office, it’s typically in London to meet clients and work with teams.
Let me put this out there right now - I’m not crazy mad about London.
It’s nice to visit but I often get overwhelmed when I’m there. I guess because I go there for work, it’s maybe lost a little charm.
I grew up in Sheffield, Yorkshire, so London was this magical far-away place that was distant, enchanting, elegant and special. I didn’t visit London until I was in my teens.
When I did visit it was amazing.
Now, London means work. And work means video calls and politics and all of the other stuff that comes with it.
However, I’m all about finding time to be creative and the commute to London gives me this time.
There’s the quiet time on the train and then there is the walk to the office(s). I try to walk when possible as there’s plenty to see.
When I travel to London, I always take my Ricoh GR camera. I've done a post and video on this before, and my gear list is here. I also take my iPad Pro.
The train ride is the first chance to squeeze in some time to create. I don't always feel like creating, so sometimes I just listen to a podcast or music, or stare out of the window.
Typically I am either writing or drawing/designing - and all of this can be done neatly and easily on the iPad Pro. I've already done a post on which tools I use to create my content.
Sometime though, I use the time and space on the train to ideate. I whip out a notebook and I just jot down ideas, notes, thoughts and insights. Or I explode out an idea and see where it takes me.
I came up with all of the chapters for the 30 days of creativity book on a single train ride (about 1 hour).
Once at London, I have a routine to pack away the iPad and retrieve the Ricoh camera.
I try to walk when possible in London. Sometimes I'm running late and have to get the tube, sometimes the weather is against me, sometimes the inspiration isn't there, but I try to walk and take some photos.
I rarely take photos with my iPhone in London (the quality is too perfect) and there’s just something magical about using the Ricoh. The picture, the handling, the simplicity.
The camera itself is powerful yet completely unassuming. It fits in my pocket, and yes, it has no zoom, but I can always move closer.
I often tell myself that I have no time to be creative, but that's a lie. I am convincing myself that it's someone else's fault. I am passing the burden.
It's up to me to carve out time and the commute, via train, is a good chance to do this.
As an aside, when I commute in the car I tend to listen to BBC Radio 6 or podcasts. Sometimes though, I use the voice memo on my iPhone to record the outline of a post, or book, or even a whole podcast.
I have time. I just need to align that with my energy and attention - and focus on using it in the best way for my own health and wellbeing, but also to create if I can.
I may not feel like taking photos as I walk but I know that as soon as I get the camera out - I can’t help but shoot some photos.
Some photos are utter garbage, some are rehashes of photos I've taken before. But I remind myself that it's not about nailing the best photo, it's about learning to notice - and indulging in some creative time on the commute.
I now have a non-negotiable rule when I commute to the big smoke - take the camera with me - and take it out of my bag at Waterloo.
Does your commute allow time for your creative pursuit? How do you garner the most energy and attention for what matters?
How do you squeeze in energy, time and attention to keep your creative dreams alive?
This article is part of a new series running in 2025. Creative Soul Projects is a manifesto, and point of hope, in regaining and rebuilding what it means to do valuable, creative and meaningful work.
