Married to Pixels
The relationship of you and design.
I’ve recently been obsessed with the idea of “marriage” — as a designer — and the fact that design is, and will always be, our long term relationship — our one true love.
We as designers need to be aware of this relationship — acting as one and learning from one another to become secure with what we are together. We must understand that what we are getting ourselves into is a union in which we must make sacrifices, be aware of each other’s faults, and always, always compromise for the good.
Our craft and skills for creating powerful creative won’t ever evolve if we don’t evolve together. We must listen to one another, as design speaks volumes and has the right to be heard. We must back away from a finished piece and have it speak to us — have it stand on its own and let us know if it needs more support — or if it’s ready to show themselves off. We must allow time for evolution — for work to be influenced by the time it’s taking to grow and take shape. We must not crowd — we must breath together. We must communicate if something doesn’t feel right — when results cause visceral reactions. As we listen to one another, we grow with one another. The results of that growth are something that maintains strength, integrity and substance. We must learn from what we have created, as it always takes on a life of its own. Growth is beautiful. Growth is success.
As with any successful relationship, what you put into it is what it uses to live. Anger grows — but so does heart and compassion. Allowing yourself to free your spirit and approach every complex situation without toxicity will allow the innocence of that to become the base of something brilliant in the end. Listen to what your work is telling you and accept it — even if you don’t want to hear it — it’s telling you because it’s the truth. As designers — if something “fails” we are built with the skills and talents to turn that around. It’s part of what makes us artists. We just have to be aware of it. We are artists, in love with design.
If we want our work to truly evolve, to make a bold statement in this world and cause imaginations to surge, we must be aware of the fact that we are, indeed, in a relationship that is always exposed. We are in bed with design. Growing and sharing, listening and evolving will allow us to be mature about our craft and be proud of what we have done allowing the next big thing to be created. This relationship is for a lifetime — make it the best possible experience you can and embrace what you have become and will become. You may now kiss the bride.
