Brand designer, creative mentor and writer Sarah Robertson reflects on the need for rest and play in an article about her creature comforts.
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In a world that moves at speed, how do we create space for rest and play? Whether building a business, nurturing creativity, or simply navigating the rhythms of life, small rituals—our creature comforts—can anchor us, offering moments of calm.
By embracing small rituals—whether it’s lighting a candle, pulling a card, or walking in nature—I’m reminded that moments of calm fuel my sense of curiosity and connection, bringing me back home to myself.
You might say it’s why I created the Brand Seasons® Playdeck—pocket-sized source or brand wisdom and guidance designed to spark exploration and reflection, bringing harmony to my creative life and work.
Exploring the rituals that anchor me
- Candlelit moments
On a grey day, lighting a candle helps to create a cosy atmosphere in the studio. It almost feels like a hug! My current favourite is Kavalier ~ Wild + Refined by Keynvor, an earthy and spicy blend with notes of bergamot and amber. When I light it, my mind wanders to a quiet cabin deep in the woods—a place of retreat, a space to daydream. - Artist dates
Inspired by The Artist’s Way, I love to dedicate time to Artist Dates. These moments—whether spent in nature, at a bookshop, or in a gallery—always help me feel more attuned and grounded. I aim for weekly, but find I can bring about that same feeling from curating a playlist or reading a magazine. I really value these times of intentional pause. - Tarot play
Cards have always sparked inspiration for me, and recently, they’ve become central to my creative practice. Whether I’m pulling an oracle or tarot card for insight, or experimenting with my own deck, there is a sense of playfulness in these moments—reminding me that clarity comes from openness. New ideas and insights always come to me during these moments. - Cocoa daydreams
A warming mug of cocoa often transports me to childhood memories of evenings spent with my grandparents. They would always give me a Horlicks or Ovaltine before bed, if not a Bournville, which must be where my love of dark chocolate stems from. These days, I enjoy Harth Chocolate—a small indulgence and a sacred ritual. - Seaside walks
I have a deep affinity with water. There’s something about being by the sea—or loch, river or stream—that sharpens the senses and brings me back to the present. In that moment, I can let go of almost everything that’s on my mind, and focus only on what matters. It’s a kind of therapy, one that helps me relax then refocus.
Creating your own safe space
When I started my business, These Are The Days, my aim was to craft a brand that feels like home—a space of comfort that helps me feel at ease.
I aim to bring this same ethos and energy to the client projects I work on, as well as my own creative endeavours. In producing the Brand Seasons® Playdeck, I’ve realised that our brands, far from being things to doubt or fear, should actually be our havens. And the prompts and practices I developed for the card deck offer space to review and reflect on this.
Tell me about your creature comforts. What small rituals help you make space for rest and play in your life or work?
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The Brand Seasons® Playdeck is your companion for embracing curiosity, creativity, and connection within your business. Currently live on Kickstarter, Sarah is days away from the end of the campaign, so please do go ahead and support her campaign.
As part of the Kickstarter, Sarah is also producing This Creative Life ~ A Brand Seasons® Paper, which I’m looking forward to contributing to with a piece about the Wonder of Wildflowers. If you’d like to receive the mini zine, there is a Paper tier available, or you can opt for the combined Playdeck + Paper.
You can also join Sarah on her Brand Seasons publication on Substack, which is helpful for anyone looking to explore the creative cadence of their lives and work. In addition to writing about curiosity, creativity, and connection, she has recently launched her podcast.