The Hidden Power of Constraints.
As a kid I loved Dr. Seuss’ book Green Eggs and Ham. I still love the book. I read it to a couple of little girls just the other day. There is something so masterful in such a simple book.
What most people don’t know is that Dr. Seuss wrote Green Eggs and Ham on a bet. In 1960, Bennett Cerf, founder of Random House, challenged Theodor Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) to write a children’s book using only 50 different words. The wager? Fifty dollars.
Dr. Seuss took the challenge—and won. Since its publication, Green Eggs and Ham has sold over 200 million copies, becoming one of the most beloved children’s books in history.
That’s the magic of creative constraints.
I love the idea of the power of constraints—setting limits for ourselves and seeing what happens.
When we work within limitations—whether it’s a fixed number of words, a restricted color palette, a specific canvas size, or a set amount of time—our minds actually open up. We stop overthinking. The clutter falls away, and the path becomes clear.
Constraints push us to solve problems differently, to look for new angles, to invent.
Lately, I’ve been studying Argentine Tango. At a recent Milonga held in the lobby of a 1920s building, dancers arrived dressed to the nines. It was the perfect chance to dance and photograph the evening.
Normally, I’d bring a bag full of lenses. But this time, I set a rule for myself: I would shoot with just one lens, my fixed 85mm portrait lens.
I knew I’d miss a few shots, but that was the point. I wanted to see what this limitation would teach me.
And it changed everything.
Because of the lens constraint, I had to step into the action instead of hiding on the outskirts. I stood right in the middle of the room, surrounded by dancers swirling in rhythm around me. I had to interact. Anticipate. Move differently.
The result? Some of my favorite photographs—and an experience I never would have had if I’d stayed in my comfort zone.
Constraints are not the enemy.
It’s easy to think that more options mean more freedom. Imagine having every color in the world at your disposal—sounds amazing, right? But too many choices can actually be paralyzing.
What if you chose only four colors to work with for your next piece?
Or gave yourself 30 minutes to write or paint without stopping?
What new ideas might emerge when the boundaries are clear?
Limiting your options gives you freedom. It forces you to dig deeper into your creative intuition and trust yourself.
I gave myself 30 minutes to write this post, and it was liberating not to overthink or edit endlessly.
See what happens when you set a timer, pick a color palette, choose one lens, or one tool—and create. See what unfolds when you give yourself the gift of limitation.
Because sometimes, the most beautiful art is born not from endless possibilities—but from the power of less.
What constraints have you set for yourself in the past and how did it change your process? Next week is another Q&A Monday, so if you have any photo encaustic related questions make sure you stop back next week.
Be well….be creative,
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Great post!!!
Thanks Kay!
I’ve also been thinking a lot about restraint, particularly with color. Only four colors? It sounds painful. The real question is would I have the discipline to stick to the plan?
Then again I had a residency in Finland last year and I decided to make encaustic with no panels. I worked on encaustiflex and inkjet silk. I’m still exploring the process especially the silk. I also didn’t take a computer so all my images were edited on an IPad with apps.I proposed large photo banners on silk for a show in 2020 in Los Angeles based on the Hubble Telescope images and was invited. Still, only four colors?
Give it a shot Carol…….never know what you can do until you try. Congrats on the show. I’ll be looking forward to seeing those images. Post lots online!
Love this Clare! I’ve been experimenting with constraints in my art without even realizing it. But you bringing attention to it will certainly inspire me to do more! I limit my color palette to 5 tubes of color when I paint, and I have set time constraints to go faster. Wow what a difference that has made in my work. The color constraints have taught me soooo much about color mixing, and the time constraint has brought much more spotaneity to my work. Both have freed me up from overthinking & over”tinkering” lol. Thank you so much for really nailing how constraint actually HELPS one’s process … this is something that I will def continue to rely on now that you’ve pointed it out:)
Love this Barb. I fall into the overthinking and over ‘tinkering’ category ALL the time. It drives me CRAZY and I get paralyzed by it. I’m loving working with constraints. Initially it seems odd that there is such a freedom in limiting…..but it’s indeed powerful. So glad to hear that you’ve been experimenting with them.
P.S. May I share this blog post with my email subscribers thru a link to your site?
Absolutely. I’m honored!
Great! I will email a copy to you when it goes out this coming Friday.
Also, I know you love to photograph horses, and are very drawn to them. Conceptually, I was thinking about how horses that live on ranches & farms are kind of in a constrained freedom. They roam freely on a very large open area of land, but then there’s still a fence around them, you know? I wonder if the constraint of the fence allows them to feel more free, knowing where their boundaries are. Just a thought from an overactive mind 😉
Hadn’t thought about that aspect of working with horses…..huh….maybe so. Thanks for that insight.