How a 600-Year-Old Turkish Practice Improved Creative Discipline in Photography

Lucas Gorjux

Cold Open: Stoic Intro and Istanbul Cadence [0:00]

The creator discusses his journey over seven years, living in five countries with 17 nationalities, and how his success and failures were tied to his routines.

• He realized that a clear vision significantly influences personal routines and, consequently, results.
• His travels helped him understand how different cultures can inspire and build his vision.

  

Why ‘Offline’ Is the New Luxury for Artists [0:12]

The speaker emphasizes the importance of protecting one's attention in the modern world to foster true creativity.

• Modern routines often hinder deep work and creative flow.
• Being "offline" allows artists to minimize distractions and focus on their craft, which is increasingly becoming a luxury.

The Ritual in 3 Rules (Anchor / 3×30 / Close) [1:10]

Inspired by the rhythmic daily life in Istanbul, the creator developed a 90-minute creative ritual.

• 1. Anchor the Start [1:45]: Begin with a clear signal to reset attention and dedicate focus.
  • This signal can be sensory, like a specific sound, smell, or a single declarative sentence such as "I'm here to finish one thing."
  • This practice helps to transition into a focused state.

    

    

• 2. Work in Cadence (3x30) [2:00]: Structure the creative process into three distinct 30-minute blocks.
  • This involves preparing, producing, and publishing, similar to a chef who finds ingredients, cooks, and serves.

    

    

• 3. Close the Loop Offline [2:26]: After completing the 3x30 blocks, disengage from the work to recharge.
  • This final step ensures that the creative cycle is completed, preventing burnout and allowing for fresh inspiration.

    

Field Test: Prepare (Plan + Shot List) [2:30]

The creator demonstrates the "Prepare" phase of the ritual in Geneva, focusing on defining clear goals.

• Seeking Inspiration [2:30]: He visits a library or walks through the city to find original architectures, compositions, or new ideas.
  • The old town of Geneva provides ample inspiration for this phase.
• Defining the "One Thing" [3:00]: He asks himself, "What is the one thing I can do now, that once done, everything else will be easier or even unnecessary?"
  • For his photography project, he decides to create a Geneva market documentary.
• Selecting Ingredients [3:37]: He prepares his tools and inspiration, including specific film types (Kodak Portra 200, Classic Cuban Negative) and a set of inspirations, ensuring his assets are ready.

  

Produce (Street Shoot, No Phone) [3:40]

This phase involves the actual creative work, free from digital distractions.

• Hitting the Road [3:56]: The creator goes out into the city to capture images.
• No Tabs, No Phone [4:06]: He emphasizes working without distractions, focusing solely on the photography.
  • This ensures deep work and minimizes interruptions during the production phase.

    

    

Publish (Edit, Caption, Share) [5:10]

The final phase of the ritual focuses on finalizing and sharing the work.

• Spicing Up and Plating [5:07]: After the shoot, he returns to edit his photos, refining his colors and selecting the best shots.
• Serving the Work [5:17]: Publishing is described as the "ritual's handshake with the world," a small but real action.
  • The goal is to communicate the most profound beliefs through art or social media, leveraging platforms to reach a wide audience.
  • He notes the transient nature of social media success and the importance of focusing on sharing ideas to a specific community rather than personal ego.

    

    

Tool Takeaway: 90-Minute Ritual Card [6:30]

The ritual effectively combines structured discipline with the romantic aspect of creation.

• The 90-minute ritual mirrors the Istanbul rhythm: anchor, 3x30 cadence, and close.
• It is simple, attractive, and rewarding, providing consistency and structure to creative work.

  

Reflection: Romance + Discipline [7:30]

The ritual highlights that discipline isn't just about willpower; it's also about infusing romance, timing, texture, and sensory details into the creative process.

• When attention is focused and consistent, creativity flows gently, fostering gratitude.
• Shifting focus from mere profit to devotion allows artists to inspire others and create work that truly withstands the test of time.

  

Try It for 3 Days Yourself [8:10]

The video concludes by encouraging viewers to try the 90-minute ritual for three days to experience its benefits firsthand.