Old Typewriter: Transform Your Undiscovered Superpower of Copywriting into a Digital Design Machine.

The rule I now follow is write first and create second. I will tell you why you should too but it will take some time to unpack.

Its not that creation is second to anything but that writing directs the course of all the creations.

Why Writing Happens First

Logically, writing has to happen before complex, layered or nuanced creation can or will.

Thats not to say that spontaneous creative masterpieces will never happen without some sort of strategy. Its relying on unicorn moments like this that sets you up for creative block or long periods of misguided failed attempts.

Maybe someone painted a masterpiece spontaneously once. Now they just wait for that to repeat. And it doesn’t.

I can assure you that books don’t write themselves. Use AI and metaphysical channeling all you want to but you still wont get an authentic creative work.

I have been painfully reminded of this dynamic of writing first, set into motion in my mind, by an old and rusted typewriter I had set outside carelessly as a decoration.

It was not restorable and I liked the vintage look. Most importantly the typewriter symbolized the stirring in me that is strongly connected with writing. I was unaware how and when it would pop off.

Old Typewriter as the Object of Value

Day after day I passed by the typewriter.

When I was coming home or heading out, I often neglected and completely ignored it most days.

First I have to back up and tell you how I got the typewriter.

My Dad died and I cleaned out his apartment.

In that empty shell of an apartment were all the things I did not need or want.

I was disenchanted by materialism. It was a slap in the face that that when we pass away, we no longer own anything.

And most of those things have little value to anyone else. It had value to him alone and he was gone. 

There were a few objects of desire that resonated for me.

The typewriter did stand out with a glimmer.

My father and I communicated much better in written form.

That is how I learned to write: chatting with my dad in messenger, through long-winded expressions.

That typewriter symbolized the relationship I had with him in written form and how he unintentionally taught me to write.

When he died I stopped writing and started drinking.

While drinking might be complimentary to writing, I wasn’t writing.

What happens when you stop writing?

Creativity Starts to Break Down with Diluted Focus.

Good things do not happen when you stop writing.

Even if your main thing isn’t writing, it all starts to fall apart once you stop.

Most visual artist like my former self don’t see the value in writing consistently or at all.

A musician often writes music in the form or lyrics or notation but not in a creative process of organized thinking.

A digital designer hardly ever sees the potential in writing.

The list goes on with different types of creatives neglecting writing ad nauseam.

In the great ones there is this one common thread they mostly all share. 

Leonardo da Vinci (Painter, Inventor, Writer)

Writing: Da Vinci is famous not only for his art but also for his extensive notebooks. He wrote in detail about his artistic techniques, scientific observations, anatomy, and even personal reflections. His writings reveal his profound curiosity and creative process, showcasing how writing fueled his innovative mind.

Example: His famous “Codex Leicester” is a collection of scientific writings that explain his theories about water, fossils, and the Earth’s movement.

Ludwig van Beethoven (Classical Musician, Composer, Writer)

Writing: Beethoven wrote hundreds of letters and journals throughout his life, expressing thoughts about his compositions, personal struggles (including his deafness), and philosophical reflections. His writing helped him navigate both his artistic journey and personal challenges.

Example: His “Heiligenstadt Testament” was a letter he wrote to his brothers, expressing his despair over his hearing loss, while also revealing his determination to continue composing music.

Vincent van Gogh (Painter, Writer)

Writing: Van Gogh was a prolific letter writer, especially to his brother Theo. These letters offer deep insight into his emotional state, his struggles with mental illness, and his artistic philosophy. He often explained the inspiration behind his paintings and discussed the colors and techniques he was exploring.

Example: Van Gogh’s letters have become as significant as his artwork in understanding his inner world and creative development. His correspondence with other artists like Gauguin is also well-known.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Composer, Writer)

Writing: Mozart wrote many letters to his family and friends, often filled with humor, wit, and sometimes crude jokes. However, his letters also offer insights into his creative process and the struggles of being a composer.

Example: His letters to his father Leopold reveal how much he cared about his music and how he navigated commissions and performances.

Salvador Dalí (Painter, Writer)

Writing: Dalí was not only a surrealist painter but also a writer. His autobiography and other writings are filled with his unique blend of humor, philosophy, and self-reflection.

The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí

Example: His writings often explore his artistic process and the underlying psychological motivations of his surrealist works.

Frida Kahlo (Painter, Writer)

Writing: Kahlo’s letters and diary reveal her internal struggles, her political beliefs, and her thoughts on art and pain. Her writing adds another layer of understanding to her intensely personal paintings.

Example: Her diary has been published as , giving readers insight into her thoughts and feelings about art and life.

The Diary of Frida Kahlo: An Intimate Self-Portrait

Bob Dylan (Musician, Songwriter, Writer)

Writing: Known for his music, Bob Dylan is also a Nobel Prize-winning writer. His lyrics are often considered poetic, and he has written extensively beyond his music, with his memoir offering personal reflections on his career.

Chronicles: Volume One

Example: His Nobel Prize in Literature is a testament to the literary quality of his songwriting, showing how deeply connected his writing and music are.

Charlie Chaplin (Actor, Director, Composer, Writer)

Writing: Chaplin is well-known as a silent film actor and director, but he also composed music for his films and wrote extensively. His autobiography, screenplays, and personal reflections offer a window into his creative philosophy.

Example: His autobiography, , reveals the depth of his thoughts on creativity, comedy, and human nature.

 

This is just a few artist, musicians and actors that write and have also achieved notable things.

Consistent writing is almost always synonymous with great achievement.

It’s not that the writing has to be the product.

Writing is the method of conjuring creativity itself.

Writing is the muse we are all searching for.

Writing is the seed even though what it grows into might not be book and for you might be a painting, a musical composition or a movie.

But in todays digital scape, we all have to express ourselves with words. And your content needs to convey a message.

It is critical to have these things figured out well before you sit down to write an email or write a post on social media.

 

Starting to Write Again with the Metaphorical Typewriter

Being that my old typewriter is anchored at the front door to my house it gets lots of attention. It is a heavy weight typewriter so no-one has run off with it, yet. 

I have had offers from people wanting to buy it and asking if its for sale.

Again, its not a model you would really want to restore. Its only a metaphorically valued typewriter. The monetary resell value is near zero.

The sting of the neglected writing I had long lost, that the old typewriter represents and reminded me of, was manifesting as variety of problems.

• Lack of Focus

• Lack of Direction

• Lack of Creativity

• Lack of Inspiration

• Lack of Organization

• Lack of Interest

• Lack of Energy to Create

Sadly I could go on. Writing sources all the good stuff. It pulls embers out of thin air and makes it real.

The problem with writing what you have to in order to get by each day vs writing with a mission is that there is a completely different approach and it is very premeditated and well thought out.

And most of us are completely unaware of how all of that goes down.

When I started back writing I fell into a world where words are known to have power. The world of copywriting.

This isn’t academic or even artistic writing.

Copywriting is actually much more because it reaches more people.

I am going to share what I have discovered behind the scenes of what real copywriters do to create massive connections in their content and source inspiration from other writers and content.

But Before I do you must know exactly how much writing will impact your work no matter what your work is.

Regaining Your Lost Empowerment Through Writing

All creatives, content creators, freelancers and entrepreneurs are missing out on the one most powerful tool for creative empowerment, if they are not writing.

In other words, If you are not writing with purpose and direction you have lost a high degree of your empowerment.

Writing changes the way you think and approach your work.

It makes things glaringly obvious that were once unknowns by illuminating the truth.

It’s easy to begin again in small bursts.

With a single step you can completely reboot.

When you start writing again you are no longer missing out on the light of truth.

As you begin to strike connections you will not only bring value to other peoples lives, but you will be fueling your own creativity.

The Impact of Not Writing Enough

Ideas trapped in your head just swirl around.

Without writing, your creativity stagnates, and your growth slows down.

Every unwritten thought is a missed opportunity to create something remarkable.

Not writing consistently

Sporadic writing leads to incomplete ideas and scattered focus.

Consistency in writing is the key to unlocking creative breakthroughs.

With consistent and regular practice, your writing muscles strengthen and so do your ideas.

But you also need the best system to achieve that. 

Now that we’ve identified the challenges you’re facing in writing, let’s explore the solutions that will empower you to overcome them.

The Rocket Fuel of Writing Everyday

Manifesting Your Thoughts with Purpose

Writing every day does more than organize thoughts—it turns your intangible ideas into something visceral, something real.

Each word you write is a piece of your internal world made visible, giving form to what was once hidden in the shadows. 

By writing with intention, you craft your own reality, shaping the world around you with your thoughts.

This is the transformative power of writing: it takes what is internal and makes it external. It’s not just an act of self-expression—it’s an act of manifestation. 

When you write, you are deliberately putting a part of yourself out into the world to be seen, understood, and devoured. 

In doing so, you illuminate the truth that emanates from within you.

Writing allows you to sculpt your thoughts with precision, directing your creative energy toward purposeful action. 

It provides a path, a structure, that makes your vision real and concrete. 

By writing daily, you are not only capturing ideas, but empowering them to take shape, creating a ripple effect in your creative journey.

In the act of writing, you create with your mind before your hands ever touch a canvas, an instrument, or a tool. 

This is where the magic happens—your thoughts gain clarity, your ideas take root, and your creative work becomes a reflection of your innermost purpose. 

This is the ultimate gift of writing every day: it empowers you to create from a place of truth, with direction and purpose.

if you are going to write everyday and give it the rocket boost you are wanting, then you need a system.

In this system for supercharging your daily writing, you need to build connections.

These connections are going be the rocket fuel of your daily writing. 

Let me explain further…

The Zettelkasten Method: Building Your Second Brain

An artist falling off into the world of copywriting doesn’t happen particularly often. 

But what I discovered with not just copywriters but writers of many disciplines and academic scholars is that they have radical note take systems that are next level. 

This is how they make all of those handy connections!

I have always thought that was a great mystery and now I know.

One of the most well loved methods is this…

The Zettelkasten method is not just an old and outdated tool like my typewriter—it’s a system that allows you to organize your thoughts in a way that creates meaning over time.

Imagine your mind as a network of ideas, connections, and knowledge, often fragmented and disorganized.

The Zettelkasten method provides structure to this network by acting as a “second brain,” one that remembers, organizes, and links your thoughts for future retrieval.

In essence, Zettelkasten turns passive note-taking into an active learning and creation system.

You don’t just write down thoughts and forget them; you store them with the intention of revisiting and connecting them to other ideas.

Each note is a piece of a larger puzzle that slowly comes together as you add more pieces.

Over time, your second brain evolves into a dynamic system of interrelated thoughts, concepts, and creative sparks.

With the Zettelkasten method, ideas never truly disappear.

They may fade from the forefront of your mind, but they remain alive in your second brain, ready to be retrieved and connected when needed.

This ongoing process enhances not only your creative output but also your cognitive function.

The more you engage with your second brain, the stronger and more resilient your thinking becomes.

Whether you’re a visual artist, a writer, or a designer, the Zettelkasten method becomes a tool to break free from creative blocks.

By capturing ideas and storing them in a system designed for growth, you always have access to inspiration.

You aren’t scrambling to find ideas or force connections—they’re already waiting for you in your second brain, nurtured by the ongoing process of capturing and linking.

if you are scratching your head and still not understanding this method then let me explain it further.

Imagine every time you have a thought, idea, or something you want to remember, you write it down on a small card or note.

But instead of just leaving that idea on its own, you find a way to connect it to other ideas you’ve written down before.

Think of it like building a giant web. Each idea is a little dot in the web, and when you see how two ideas relate to each other, you connect them with a line.

Over time, you get more and more ideas, and your web grows bigger, with more connections between them.

This makes it easy to remember things because you’re not just writing them down once and forgetting them—you’re creating links between ideas, so they stick in your mind.

For example, let’s say you write down an idea about “climate change.” Later, you write down something about “pollution,” and you realize these two ideas are connected, so you link them together.

As your collection of notes grows, you start seeing even more connections, like how “renewable energy” can help reduce pollution and climate change, so you link that idea too.

The cool part is, as your ideas connect, you’re building a “second brain.” This second brain remembers everything for you, and you can always go back to it when you need to see how your thoughts and ideas fit together.

Traditionally this is done on note cards and with handwriting. 

There are some great things about hand writing and I don’t think you should eliminate that altogether. 

The downside of this note taking method for daily writing practice and growing your connections and content pillars is that its not actually connected. 

This is truly where modern technology comes in handy. 

There is an app called Kortex that does just that. 

Kortex App: A Modern Tool for a Timeless Method

Now, take the Zettelkasten method into the digital age with the Kortex app.

While the original Zettelkasten method involved physical note cards and tedious organization,

Kortex simplifies and enhances the process for the modern creative.

Kortex designed for the empowered writer as your second brain—ready to help you capture, tag, and retrieve ideas at any time.

The beauty of Kortex is in its ability to organize your thoughts without limiting their creative flow.

And unlike the traditional analog note taking, these connections are actually linked. 

You can capture random inspirations from a book, an article, or even a fleeting idea and instantly tag it for future use.

Over time, these tags create a web of interconnected thoughts, allowing you to make connections that might not have been obvious when you first recorded the idea.

Kortex also ensures that no idea gets lost.

The app’s searchability and structure make it easy to return to your notes when needed.

This is especially valuable when working on long-term projects or when you’re looking for creative solutions.

You can trust that your second brain is working in the background, storing your insights and giving them space to grow until you’re ready to use them.

The digital nature of Kortex adds flexibility and ease to the process.

You can capture ideas anytime, anywhere, and know that they’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready to link them to something greater.

This freedom means you’re never stuck or blocked creatively—there’s always something to pull from and expand upon.

 

Writing First Empowers Your Creative Work

Its a strange synchronicity that I rediscovered the symbolism in my old typewriter and started writing again.

Sometimes it feels like there is some inherent meaning written into life itself.

At minimum writing empowers creativity.

And writing isn’t just a preliminary step—it’s the foundation for everything you create.

Think of writing as a form of planning that goes beyond mere reflection.

When you write first, you’re giving structure and intention to your creative ideas before they ever take physical or visual form.

For visual artists, musicians, and designers, writing is often the missing link that turns good work into great work.

By writing before you create, you clarify your vision and set a direction for your project.

This foresight allows you to be more intentional with your creative choices, ensuring that your work aligns with your larger purpose.

Writing first also helps with the flow of your creative process. When ideas are written down and structured, you know exactly where to start and what steps to take next.

You eliminate the ambiguity and guesswork that often come with creative work.

This doesn’t just save time—it enhances the quality of your output by making sure every decision is well thought out.

Moreover, writing before creating allows you to reflect on your ideas and refine them.

You can spot gaps in your thinking, improve weak points, and better understand the message you want to convey.

By shaping your thoughts with words, you create a blueprint for your work—one that will guide you throughout the creative process and ensure the end result is more impactful.

When you write first, you’re not just organizing thoughts—you’re empowering your creative work to reach its fullest potential. Writing breathes life into your ideas, giving them clarity and strength.

It aligns your inner vision with your outer execution, allowing your creations to resonate with purpose and meaning.

Thats it for today!