Design lessons from the Wu-tang clan
I have been a fan of the Wu-tang since I heard 36 chambers for the first time. What blew my mind was not just the sound and skill level of each of the members but how they took something like hip-hop music and completely changed the substance while remaining true to the format. No other hip-hop group incorporated comic books, kung-fu movies, philosophy and science into their music. But they manage to do it all with a high level of skill without making it feel like a gimmick.
After watching the brilliant semi-autobiographical tv series “Wu-tang: an American Saga” I have become somewhat obsessed with the Wu-tang mythology. As a designer, it’s hard not to be captivated by the story of how a group of young men with only a vision and no real prerequisites for success, at one point took over the world with their music. Staying true to the core idea while still incorporating so many highly individual talents.
Hip-hop has inspired my design process for years and especially the process of beat-making and sampling. In the same way that hip-hop creates a thematically linked journey but still has room for individual style and free expression. Borrowing aspects from your peers and adding something new to make it your own.
“I think a lot of people can learn from listening to hip hop. It ain’t always about beats and rhymes.”
– Raekwon
While reigniting my fandom for the Wu-tang clan I started to contemplate what else I might have picked up and what more wisdom can be had from the Wu.
For the “full” story, I recommend watching the tv-show and reading the books, The Wu-tang manual and the Tao of Wu by RZA. I say “full” story as this is mainly RZAs version of the story. The lore of Wu-tang is much deeper and almost endless but the above is a good starting point.
Here are my 10 takeaways of what I as a designer can learn from the Wu-tang clan.
1. Embrace Collaboration
The Wu-Tang Clan has been successful in part due to their ability to work together as a collective. They recognise the power of collaboration and have shown that it can lead to incredible results.
“We form like voltron”
-Wu-tang
Harnessing the power of collaboration and drawing inspiration from their peers is key for any designer. Designers don’t work in vacuums rather we work with a multitude of professions and competencies to create a successful product or service. Good collaboration tends to generate good results. Bad collaborations usually don’t.
2. Focus on Quality
“Don’t wait till you die to go to heaven.”
– RZA
The Wu-Tang Clan has always taken great pride in the quality of its product. They focus on crafting every track and every record with precision and meticulous attention. As a designer, I have always found that sloppy work just leads to more work. Cleaning up after yourself usually teaches you something as well but if you keep producing too much sloppy work someone else might step in and start cleaning up for you.
3. Simplicity
Wu-Tang Clan songs have often been minimalist, but effective in their details and design. For designers, this means recognizing that less is often more and being conscious of the amount of detail and style you add to a design.
“Peace is the absence of confusion.”
– RZA
It’s always easier to add than to take away so always start small and build on what proves to be successful. Adding more than what is needed is just design that is bad for business.
4. Boldness
The Wu-Tang Clan have always done things their way, no matter the consequences. Designers can learn from this by having the courage to venture their way, and not be afraid to go outside the box. As a designer, you always have to navigate user needs and commercial constraints but once in a while, there will be situations where you as a designer know something others don’t.
“Fear is a state of nervousness only fit for children.”
– RZA
Doing the right thing when everyone thinks you are wrong requires determination.
5. Versatility
Wu-Tang Clan members have succeeded in various genres and projects. Designers can learn from this by diversifying their skillset and not being confined to one discipline, style or tool set. Before Figma, it was Sketch or even Adobe XD; before that we used Photoshop. Before that, we used pen and paper; in the future, other tools will dominate the market. Master the skills you need at the moment but do not cherish them as precious. The tools or skills for your next challenge might be something entirely different.
“I strive to be like the sun sitting in the middle of the solar system with all the planets spinning around it — millions of things going on. It’s just sitting there being the sun, but exerting gravitational effect on everything. I think man should look at himself that way.”
– RZA
6. Creative Thinking
Wu-Tang Clan members have pushed the boundaries of hip-hop music by drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, such as martial arts and philosophy. A designer needs to be open to new ideas and willing to explore all avenues in search of a creative solution.
“Inspiration is found everywhere if you look hard enough.”
– RZA
If you don’t have the answer straight away you won’t have it tomorrow unless you change the conditions by which you conclude. This usually means bringing new information or knowledge into your process.
7. Self-Promotion
The Wu-Tang Clan has always valued self-promotion and has embraced the power of buzz around its projects. As designers, there is much to gain from being vocal about their work and being active in their networks. For a long time, I thought I only needed a good portfolio with good-looking projects.
“Now what Clan you know with lines this ill?
Bust shots at Big Ben, like we got time to kill.”-Method Man
After some years I realised the importance of being able to communicate your ideas even if you don’t have anything to show. Usually, people don’t pay designers for what they have done in the past but for what value they can bring in the future. To get the chance to do this you must first frame the vision and then be able to communicate it.
8. Legacy
The Wu-Tang Clan have left a lasting legacy on the music industry and beyond. Designers can learn from this by creating work that will stand the test of time and be remembered for many years to come.
“The better you get, the more your legacy shines. I always just try to go hard. If you don’t want to do it for real, don’t do it at all.”
– Raekwon
This will usually mean creating work that is focused on solving real-world problems and enduring needs, instead of short-term trends or superficial vanity. It is important to remember that trends come and go. Design for the lifetime of the product, not just a moment.
9. Business mind
The Wu-Tang Clan have had a strong business acumen and has used its success to further its interests. Designers can learn from this by taking the business side of their practice seriously and making sure they understand how to make smart investments and create a lasting presence.
“Cash rules everything around me: cream, get the money. Dollar, dollar bill y’all.”
– Method Man and Inspectah Deck
Being a good designer is not the same as bringing value to a company, brand or team. Know your value and what you can bring to the table. Calculate your process and learn how to time manage. These skills are equally important to other design skills.
10. Appreciate Others
The Wu-Tang Clan has always given credit and appreciated the efforts of its peers. Designers can learn from this by recognising the efforts of fellow designers and those in the design industry and expressing gratitude for their work. We all learn and borrow from each other and remix things into new things.
“In order to be one of the greats, you’ve got to study the greats.”
– Raekwon
Never hide this fact or where your inspirations come from. Knowing how to backtrack your decisions is also vital to evolving as a designer.
And know the difference between being inspired and stealing from other designers. You might get away with it for a long time but eventually, you will fall short as you are not actually developing any skills of your own if you only rely on stealing from others.
