Not inspired

I got up early to work, and sitting at my desk, very early this morning, I realized nothing was coming. Which is why in a little bit I'm going to go walk around the Botanic Gardens. I need that shift in order to be a better designer today. Sometimes it takes stepping away. Sometimes it's as easy as having a coffee break, reading a story, or talking a walk. I've been lucky to work for people that recognize that. Flat out said, "go to a museum if you need some inspiration." That was in the middle of the day. I've also worked for people that wanted us to be at our desks all the time. If we weren't sitting there, he actually questioned why he was paying us. Recently as part of my thesis, I asked "Where do your best ideas come from?" As you can see, taking that walk might be the best idea I have all all day. Let's hope not.

it's not you, it's me

Marketing. It's all about you.

No, it's not. It's about me. The customer. The client. The consumer. What are you going to do for me? Don't make it about yourself. It's not personal. Except it is.

The man behind the curtain

Guilty. I'm completely guilty. For the past few years I have presented concepts to clients that are to finished. Polished. I didn't let them see the work that went in to coming up with an idea. The sketches. Notes. Doodles and bookmarks both digital and electronic. I presented work that didn't show what went into coming up with an idea.

Why? Probably because I wanted it perfect right from the start. But design itself isn't perfect. It's a process that involves collaboration, listening, refinement. It can be messy and confusing trying to visually communicate someone elses work. And that's why I've changed the way I work. To better help you understand how I got someplace. To be part of the journey. And to understand that the road to get there might be paved with a few rocks, but climbing there is worth it.