Note No. #11 // Master the Basics, then Break the Rules

Explore, experiment, and play to discover new paths.

Experimenting with shutter speed to capture the motion of the Amazon River.

Good morning, and happy Saturday!

Last week, an old college schoolmate posted the question on LinkedIn:

What is one thing you would tell someone just starting to learn UX?

My answer?

Explore, experiment, play—the best way to learn is by doing. But also, get really good at the basics. Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, it’s easier to break the rules and discover new solutions.

That idea goes far beyond UX. I’ve always believed in learning the basics—whether in travel, creativity, or career—and then figuring out where and how to break the rules. The rules are just guidelines. Once you know them, you can bend them to create something new. And this mindset? It’s powerful in any part of life.

Why Master the Basics?

No matter what you’re pursuing—whether it’s art, business, fitness, or a new hobby—the basics are your foundation. They give you a strong starting point and a toolkit to fall back on when things get tough. Just like you wouldn’t build a house without a solid foundation, you shouldn’t approach any creative or life pursuit without mastering the fundamentals.

Break the Rules and Experiment

Once you’re confident your safety net you can take bigger creative or personal risks because you know you have the core skills to keep you grounded.

In creativity and in life, we’re often told to follow the “right” way of doing things. But real growth and innovation happen when you step outside those boundaries. When you’ve mastered the basics, you’re no longer bound by them—you can experiment, push limits, and find your own path.

This isn’t about ignoring the rules—it’s about understanding them so well that you know where they can be stretched or broken. Maybe it’s mixing creative mediums, approaching a project from a completely new angle, or trying a life strategy that feels unconventional. Some of the best discoveries come from daring to go against the grain.

Instead of asking, “Can I do this?” start asking, “What happens if I try this?”

Structure + Play: Finding the Balance

The sweet spot in creativity and life comes from balancing structure and play. The fundamentals give you structure, but experimentation gives you the freedom to create and grow. This balance applies everywhere—from learning new skills, to solving personal challenges, to pursuing creative passions.

Develop the habits and foundations to create space to explore, experiment, and play. The more comfortable you are with the basics, the more confidently you can break the rules. It’s not about following a rigid path—it’s about creating your own way forward by blending what you know with the courage to experiment.

Cheers, and have a great week!

Becca

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Where I Find Inspiration:

Collection of random stuff that inspired me this week:

• This week, I’ll be honest—I fell off the wagon and didn’t explore as much as I wanted (got a little lost in the social media abyss 😅). So, instead of sharing what inspired me, let’s flip it! Drop a comment and share what inspired you this week. I’ll gather the ideas and share them in next week’s post!

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A Question for you:

What’s one basic skill or habit you can sharpen today in your life and/or creative work? And what could you experiment with—what rules could you break—once you’ve mastered it?

I’d love to hear about it! Share your experiments with me using the hashtag #WhereverNotes or drop a comment—let’s inspire each other!

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Note No. #10 // Flex Your Creative Muscle to Build Creative Confidence

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[ACTIVITY] Note No. #9 // The Power of a Letter to You