A new design for a new chapter
I would like to begin my “new chapter” with this quotation:
“Learning to develop the ability to perceive, gather and use inspiration is the responsibility of the designer. It is important to react to the everyday environment with the heightened senses, making the most of all experiences.”
– Kristin Cullen (author of Layout Workbook: A Real-World Guide to Building Pages in Graphic Design)
The quotation, which I got from a book about graphic design, is a keen explanation of what a designer should do to get their insight towards creativity and design. It is so true that I have decided to try updating my blog with a new design and a new insight (or chapter) of my life – an academician, especially in field that embrace design as one of the element that influence people lifestyle. It is also as an effort for me to be more aware of “everyday environment”.
Although not fully a designer, an academician in design related field gave me a chance to explore a new environment and new playground (albeit my last degree was in building science with a specialty in digital craft, in which gave me some insight into creative industries).
I still remember when I was first given an “architectural design” assignment. During that time, I had no clue, whatsoever, on how to deal with design projects. Thus, my first project was a failure, as I did not done enough for my research – for a person who just started his study in architecture. This had been going on and on for a year and I found myself in a real confusion when I found out that I have to repeat three of my first year papers. I was not that aware of “the everyday environment” and very ignorant during that time.
After a year, I try to pick up everything and try very hard to catch up with my friends and try hard to understand more about design related field. I took two “school of design” papers. It was a gamble and I took them in good faith so that I would be able to learn more about design. I found my passion in design and try to learn how to approach a design project. Fortunately, the design papers that I took help me a lot.
I got to know the importance of good research and exploration in a design process. I learned how to find inspirations and used it in my design project. Looking back, it is an important stage in my life – a diversion and convergence of interest, a newfound approaches and a new lesson learned.
Of course that was my past experiences. For now, I have to make the most of it and strive for the better. Most important of all – not to repeat my past mistakes.
It is hoped that the new design and new update of my blog would be a way for me to record and share my thoughts, inspirations, influences, and lesson learned.
From now on, my target is to write and design new blog posts for every week. Not only a new post per week but also I want to experiment with new elements or new design for every blog posts that I will make.
With that, I would like to end my first “new blog” post with a quotation from Paul Rand (author, graphic designer, teacher):
“To design is much more than simply to assemble, to order, or even to edit; it is to add value and meaning, to illuminate, to simplify, to clarify, to modify, to dignify, to dramatize, to persuade, and perhaps even to amuse.”
Value and meaning? Hmmm…