chasing your tail
“I love the comment, “You must love designing for a living.” At that point I usually start to laugh or break into uncontrollable tears.” – Andrew Lewis
I am having that day that all graphic designers, content editors and layout specialists dread. I call it the “we don’t have a clue what we want, or any real instructions or guidance for you, but we need this in 30 minutes” day. I’m generally pretty great at extracting enough details after asking questions from my client and/or supervisor (and have been known to be in question mode overkill on occasion). In fact, it’s one of my best skills in the workplace – getting to the heart of the idea or matter. But every once in awhile, I’m confounded and bemused enough where I feel like I’m flying blind and continually running into things. It’s nearly impossible to come up with branding or a measure of consistency when you have no idea what something will be used for, context is a huge component of design. Good design allows the product, the idea or the content to shine, it doesn’t mask what’s wrong or misrepresent the guts.
When your creative spark is burning low already, putting the design/layout in front of the idea and utilization proves to be a mission:impossible situation. You keep chasing your own tail and running around in circles hoping someone will throw you a bone so you can correct your focus. And no amount of flashy Photoshop effects and typography can make up for a nonexistent idea.
I am having that day that all graphic designers, content editors and layout specialists dread. I call it the “we don’t have a clue what we want, or any real instructions or guidance for you, but we need this in 30 minutes” day. I’m generally pretty great at extracting enough details after asking questions from my client and/or supervisor (and have been known to be in question mode overkill on occasion). In fact, it’s one of my best skills in the workplace – getting to the heart of the idea or matter. But every once in awhile, I’m confounded and bemused enough where I feel like I’m flying blind and continually running into things. It’s nearly impossible to come up with branding or a measure of consistency when you have no idea what something will be used for, context is a huge component of design. Good design allows the product, the idea or the content to shine, it doesn’t mask what’s wrong or misrepresent the guts.
When your creative spark is burning low already, putting the design/layout in front of the idea and utilization proves to be a mission:impossible situation. You keep chasing your own tail and running around in circles hoping someone will throw you a bone so you can correct your focus. And no amount of flashy Photoshop effects and typography can make up for a nonexistent idea.
Comments