It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything new on Creative Opera. I just haven’t been able to find the time. Things have just been too busy. Blogging takes a LOT of time, and I wasn’t surprised how much other work I was able to finish when I wasn’t using that time to blog. I thought I might even give it up.

But here I am, blogging again. Because I missed it. A lot. Even as I went about my day, rushing to finish deadline-driven projects, I found myself jotting notes for future blog post ideas, and sketching ideas for a new Creative Opera website. I can’t do it. I can’t give it up. I’m back. And, I don’t think I’m going anywhere anytime soon.

So, here are the top 5 things I missed about blogging:

1. Having a Voice

This is the reason I believe that social media has been so successful. It gives people a voice. Landed a new job? No need to yell it from the rooftops — just post it on your Facebook wall. Disappointed in that blockbuster movie you just saw? Don’t call all of your friends. Tweet it.

Blogging is even better than that. I get to voice my opinion, express my thoughts, and vent my frustrations. I have a voice — and I’m able to tell people what I think.

2. Having a Purpose

I love what I do. I couldn’t be happier. I never get tired of design, and I love every aspect of my field. But, am I really helping anyone? Am I making the world a better place? Not really.

Blogging advice to new and aspiring designers is a small way for me to share something useful with the rest of the world. It feels so good when I am able to help someone avoid mistakes I made, or give them the confidence they need to ace an interview. I know it’s not exactly curing diseases and wiping out evil — but it makes me feel like I’m making a teeny-tiny difference, and that feels pretty good.

3. Having a Conversation

I can’t tell you how amazing it feels to put something out there (ideas, opinions, advice, inspiration, etc.) and get a response. Your comments and emails mean so much. There have been so many times that I’ve been having a just plain crappy day — and I get an email from someone on the other side of the world about how they enjoyed one of my posts. It completely turns me around. It’s an indescribably good feeling.

Also, as a freelance designer, I don’t have the luxury of an office full of design nerds like myself who get my nerdy jokes and references. After I wrote 8 Common Graphic Design Myths Revealed, it was great to find that so many of you had similar experiences and could relate. The conversations have to be my favorite part of blogging — and what I’ve missed most these last few months.

4. Having a Connection

I’ve been in the design industry for 12 years now. But, I never before felt like I was part of the design industry the way I do now that I’ve been blogging at Creative Opera. All of the sudden, I feel like I’m part of something. A member in a club. I’ve made connections with designers I never would have been able to speak with or meet — had it not been for the blog.

5. Having a Clue

Blogging forces me to stay in tune with the design industry. News, trends, opinions, and research are a daily part of life for me when I’m actively blogging. It’s my job to stay on top of things so I can translate that to my readers. These last few months, I’ve tried to keep up with technology news — but I lost the real pulse of the design industry. I’m excited to jump back in with both feet, and find out what I’ve missed.

So, there you have it. I’ve missed blogging, and I’m going to stick with it for good. I can’t promise I won’t get busy and have to go a few days even weeks here and there without a post — but I won’t stay away for long. Because, for the me, the benefits of blogging outweigh the time saved by not blogging, and I’m glad to be back.