⧉ A parallelogram of projects
Welcome to the twelfth issue of OVERLAP ⧉

A parallelogram of projects
My life is full of projects — at work and otherwise. I’ve been thinking lately about how they fit together, and initially visualized a pyramid. Sort of like Maslow’s Hierarchy, but for experimentation instead of needs and motivations. My side projects, the most experimental, formed a foundation at the bottom, and my most public-facing work projects formed the apex … less experimentation, but reaching for something higher.
I started sketching it and realized it wasn’t quite right. For one thing, the critical work that pays my rent shouldn’t be the smallest piece of any chart. Experimentation (in pursuit of learning and creative growth) is one reason to invest in a project, but it’s not the only factor. For another thing, “Hibbard’s Hierarchy of Experimentation” didn’t roll off the tongue. What about a parallelogram of projects?

(I never thought I’d become the type of person who makes PowerPoint graphics for fun. What is happening to me?)
I think the parallelogram — two connected triangles — is a better depiction. Each type of project has a different balance, but one isn’t necessarily taking up more space than another. I almost always have at least one undertaking in each tier, though the precise projects change over time. Right now, film photography and this newsletter are my solo side projects — the foundational tier. Not many people are paying attention to this work, and I’m 100% in charge of what I do with these projects. In theory, they should be wildly experimental; I’d like to push myself further in that direction.
The next tier, collaborative side projects, is similar — but I’m accountable to other people. Roll Film Week, a community/event that I manage with input and support from friends, falls into this category. This is fertile ground for experimentation, and I’ve used it as an excuse to try new social media tactics and new tools like Substack.
In my role at a consulting firm, my work is split into two areas: internal projects for the company and external projects for clients. These tiers at the top include projects that are complicated and collaborative; the work is meaningful and exciting. The stakes and expectations are higher than with any of my personal projects. Experimentation is encouraged, especially if it helps us optimize and improve outcomes; ideally, we’re minimizing risk by testing ideas on internal projects and applying what we learn to client work.
I used to think of my work and my side projects as intentionally separate. As I get deeper into my career, I see how they build on each other. I’d love to know how you think about your own work — what shape does it take?
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One of my latest projects for Luminary Labs is a crowdsourced list of email newsletters. I’m sharing this 60-second survey with the smartest people I know — that’s you. If you have a minute, please share your must-read newsletters. All topics welcome. I’ll share the final list when it’s published.
I’m always happy to hear what you think — reply to this email or send a note through my website. You can also forward this to a friend or two and invite them to subscribe. If you missed a previous issue, all the archives are online.
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Auntie Jess recommends:
Vintage Seltzer. I keep waiting for these classic bodega bubbles to have their La Croix moment. But maybe things taste better when they don’t even have a website.
Peak ice cube trays. A slightly fancier way to ice that sparkling water (or cocktail).
Crease Release. I wear a lot of linen, but don’t own an iron. This spray solves all my wrinkle issues.
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Thanks for reading. I’d love to hear from you — hit reply to share your favorite newsletters, seasonal supplies, or anything else that’s on your mind.
Until next time,
Jessica
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