A Look at Art & Design

All About Debbie Millman

Debbie Millman Rocks!  I admit... I'm a fan.  Because she is the busy Partner and President of the design division of Sterling Brands in NYC, with a host of projects and probably an inbox filled to capacity, I never expected to actually receive a reply to the email I sent to her.  But I did receive a reply (several in fact) and am also proud as can be that ArtLOOK resides on her blogroll.

For those of you who don't know, Debbie is also a board member of the National AIGA, and teaches at the School of Visual Arts and Fashion Institute of Technology. She is an author on the design blog Speak Up, a regular contributor to Print Magazine and she hosts a weekly Internet talk show on the Voice America Business network titled Design Matters.  Debbie maintains a blog AND has written a terrific book, "How to Think Like a Graphic Designer" which I just received Thursday of last week.  Honestly...  talk about an overachiever!

I'm not the only fan.  Eric over at ideasonideas has just posted an interview with Debbie where he Turns the Table on Debbie and interviews the interviewer.  Be sure to tune into Debbie's Design Matters where she interviews the great names in design and pick up her new book "How to Think Like a Graphic Designer."

Wow... there are so many websites and blogs I could/should link to here.  Well I'll just do my best and hit the top 4 or 5 or 6....

Considering Process

Last month I interviewed Sculptor Gilbert Boro for a feature article in INK magazine.  Interviews are often very enjoyable for me and every time I conduct an interview I learn something surprising.  I've worked closely with Gil Boro for about 3 years, but it wasn't until we sat down to discuss his work for INK that I realized how much Boro really truly embraces, not necessarily the end product of his work, but the process.

Boro spoke to me about the challenges and the fun he has with the stages and series of his work.  He spoke about the way these large scale sculptures of his are put together...the way end pieces meet and how the sculpture hits the ground.  He talked about how when working in a series he is able to revisit a problem or address an issue not fully resolved in the last artistic attempt.  For Gilbert Boro, it's all about the journey.

For the last month or so, I've been thinking a lot about process.  While, of course, I know that a certain conceptual process goes on in creating something; personally I've never really been able to "embrace it."  Process was a means to the end.  I knew it was there lurking behind the scenes, but turning out product for clients and meeting constant deadlines afforded me little time for the luxury of in-depth consideration.  Often I just felt like the machine working for the deadline and the end product.  This was a major mistake on my part.

I believe creativity is intricately bound to process.

Looking back on past work, I noticed that those projects which allowed me time for consideration and to fully develop concepts were superior to those projects which were turned out at Mach speed - duh!  Some projects which were turned around quickly were also quite good, but I attribute that to the mysterious thing that happens when you sometimes throw analysis aside and work from sheer inspiration.  Nevertheless, the projects in which I was able to embrace the process were not only superior but I remember they were a lot of fun as well.

The opening paragraph of Boro's article poses the question, What is it that compels the artist or designer to create?  Is it that first spark of an idea that sends them into the studio?  Or perhaps it is the visualization of the end product that drives the artist to work through the night.  In my case, I think it was often reaching for the end result that drove me to work late into the night.  This, I feel, is mainly due to meeting the deadline or satisfying the client's time line.  Deadlines and time lines are a very real part of the design industry.

One activity where I am hyper focused on process is writing.  Every word is chosen for a reason.  I strive to get the punctuation and grammar as proper as possible although I'd be the first to say I require a good editor.  Not only is the content of the written piece important but also the way the words work together.  I endeavor to be a word weaver.  So, how come the difference between the design and writing process?  Well...for one thing, I think it's because writing is just so unbelievably difficult!!  It requires my complete attention.  When I'm in the process of writing don't expect an immediate reply to your email because I'm not checking email at that time.  Don't call me because I will not answer the phone and in fact, the ringer has been turned off. Don't knock at my door or call my name, because I don't hear you until after the article is completed. When I write it's for fun (in a painful sort of way) but when I design... I'm at work.  Work includes answering phones, responding to email, having to stop what I'm doing to attend a meeting.  I love design more than anything, and I was becoming increasingly attracted to exploring process, so something had to change...

I am now embracing the process and all it's beauty.  I'm making a concentrated effort to be conscious of its presence and what it means.  I have to say...it makes me really happy to do this.  There are a lot of questions involved and a multitude of ways to do things, but it's the challenge of finding a REALLY GREAT solution that holds the nicotine fix of process.  It's having the time to experiment and play and work toward something truly unique and fresh that defines creativity.  I travel around now with a Moleskin in my bag and a stash of pencils for sketching out ideas.  Process is time intensive but I have found that the client receives a better design, better problem solving analysis, and I feel heaps better about the creation and the development of the design. I believe this is why people hire designers.  And I think its important that designers and artists feel good about what they have created.

I'm often most creative at night.  So I've been doing a lot of the conceptual work during the evenings and into the early morning.  This allows me a good span of time after hours to complete a thought and to work on consolidating ideas.  It's a nice quiet time.  Instead of problem solving while I drive or while I'm in the shower, I now actually take the time to sit in my office, pencil in hand and dedicate time to pondering a solution.

I'm making a concentrated effort to be conscious of its presence and what it means.

Just like when I write, I've discovered that when I'm designing I don't have to respond to email immediately.  I need the time and space to see an idea through (or mostly through) to some conclusion. I've started to check email only two or three times a day. It's true what everyone says...  this allows for a more productive day free from distraction.  Emails don't all need an immediate response. Responding to all at the end of the day, is OK.  Don't tell anyone, but I've also started to turn the ringer off on that Blackberry when I'm focusing on a job... that works really well.

Knowledge provides contentment for me and adding to my skill set is exciting.  I'm tired of doing the same old stuff the same old way.  The time has come to expand and grow.  I believe creativity is intricately bound to process. I've updated my hardware and software.  I'm taking tutorials and having a blast.

I'm interested to know what you as designers, artists and writers think.  Do you embrace the process or is it a means to the end?  What is it that compels you to create?  And how do you consider process?

Art and Propaganda by Milton Glaser

Art and Progaganda by Milton Glaser. There is nothing else for me to say except read it for yourself. Found via icograda.

Adobe Online Events

Being involved in the day to day routines of running our business, we often forget how many valuable resources there are online that can help us out, network us, or educate us. Some of these are so obvious that we take them for granted.

This month I purchased a new MAC and updated my software so I'm on the receiving end of numerous Adobe and Apple newsletters. Having most likely unsubscribed to these in years past (I was just too darn busy to read newsletters, right?) I realize what a mistake that was.

2008, as readers here might remember, I declared as the year to expand my business and my skill sets. So I've been reading the newsletters and here is one resource I've found really helpful:

Adobe Online Seminars: OnDemand. You'll find valuable audio/visual seminars on all the Adobe products and information on how to best use them. The seminars are also topic oriented and will provide visual step by step instruction on topics such as CSS, HTML, Spry, Flash, Developing mobile content, Photoshop etc. Samples of seminars are: Photoshop CS3 and Dreamweaver to Design Websites, Flash 101 for Video Professionals, Independent Filmmaking, Sustainability and Printing, Quark to InDesign, Adobe Bridge for Print Professionals, InDesign In Depth, Color Management, and literally hundreds of others. The Design Center also offers an RSS on seminar events. eSeminars are also provided live and offer the ability to interact with the instructor. I've taken a few of these tutorials/seminars and they are excellent. Each one took about an hour. I sat at my desk, viewed the seminar on my computer screen and was still available to pause the thing if an important call came in. Best of all, I feel that every day I view a seminar I'm working toward my goals of developing my skill sets.

Defining Graphic Design

I'm a bit puzzled. I've been reading A LOT in the last few weeks and of course I'm a big fan of graphic design publications, Taschen being one of my most favorite.  While reading Graphic Design for the 21st Century and Contemporary Graphic Design, I noticed that many of the Designer's commentaries were all in attempt to define "What is Graphic Design?"  There were, in fact, so many designers defining their idea of graphic design that I began to wonder if Taschen had specified this question in its request for materials in putting the publication together. I was a little disappointed because in buying these beautiful books I really wanted to read something more substantial from these designers. Ok... The work displayed is fantastic and inspirational but after all, I'm a graphic designer and I already know what it is I do for a living and what the mission and intent of graphic design is and why it is that I love graphic design.  Charlotte and Peter Fiell do an excellent job in their introductions to both books but I really wanted to know more from the designers themselves.  For instance: How did you solve a particular challenge?  What are your thoughts on designing for a global audience? I guess I wanted a Debbie Milman interview!

Eric Kajaluoto wrote recently about style.  His opening sentence reads "Design is such a multi-layered practice that it’s often difficult to define. That being said, I believe that the word “design” is increasingly confused with “style”. For example, to most “I like the way it’s designed” means that they like the way that something looks."

Veerle Pieters recently ran a "What is Graphic Design" poster contest.  Her readers submitted some really great design work and Veerle did a marvelous job in sorting thru all those entries and setting up Flickr for submission.

Now, however, I have to ask... WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH ALL THE DEFINING?  Do we not have a clue what it is we are doing and therefore need to clarify it for ourselves?  Perhaps our attempts at definition is to educate our clients or potential clients?  Perhaps we are attempting to inform the general public?  I don't know...

I am a graphic designer and I read mostly art and design magazines, blogs and publications.  I read these things to get inspired, informed, to learn, to grow, and to become a better designer.  I know this type of question comes up pretty frequently in art circles as well, "what is art?" and the old debate about "art for art sake" etc.   But I don't think for instance construction workers, architects, concert pianists, musicians etc... regularly define their jobs or their career roles.  What makes art and design different? What say you?

A Bit of Finnish Art and Design History

I sometimes believe the spirit of Finland repeatedly knocks upon my door.  I don't mind the knocking, so much, because on a personal level I believe I could grow to love Finland (not having been there yet) and goodness knows I certainly love it's people and seem to have an affinity for attracting Finns in my life.  Nevertheless it always rather surprises me at how often, and in such unexpected ways, Finland comes to visit me. 

Some weeks ago while undergoing construction at my house, I found a knife with the inscription of Tapio Wirkkala on the blade. I knew the name was a Finnish name and I liked the simplicity of the knife design. I really didn't think much about it... other than "how strange to find a Finnish knife at my house."  I put the knife upon my bookshelf and pretty much forgot about it.

Today I received via email my installment of MetropolisMag.  Huh... an article about Eero Saarinen catches my eye in an article entitled Predicting the Future, a new exhibition at the Cranbrook Art Museum.  The museum is hailing Saarinen as "an architect way ahead of his time."  Knowing a bit about Finnish culture and art history, I know Saarinen was the architect responsible for the St. Louis Gateway Arch.  Indeed, a beautiful curvaceous structure, despite whatever Vince Scully has to say. I found the article to be quite interesting and decided to click some links and learn more about the Finnish born architect.

Saarinen's father, Eliel, was also an architect and went to Cranbrook to design the art academy, school and museum.  Eero was 15 and the family accompanied Eliel to the job site.  Later Eero graduated from Yale University.  It would appear (and here's the stuff I love about art history... somehow everything seems to fit together) that while at Cranbrook, Eero met up with Charles Eames and together they developed the very famous Eames Lounge Chair.  Huh... what do ya know?  It just seems these Finns are all over the place!

I decide to do more research on Saarinen and now I'm kinda interested in the relationship with Eames as well.  I discover that Eames is the guy responsible for this very cool film I saw 15 years ago, called Powers of Ten. (If you haven't seen it, you must!)  I had no idea that the Eames chair guy was the same guy responsible for this movie.

Ok...enough about Eames I want to know more about the Finn.  I discover on www.eerosaarinen.net that "Shaping the Future" is a TOUR beginning in Helsinki, continuing on to Cranbrook and other destinations and ending right here in New Haven in 2010 the centennial of Saarinen's birth.  Saarinen, I learn was also responsible for The General Motors Technical Center (1948-56), and the TWA Terminal (1956-1962) at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport.  I think one of the quotes I like from Saarinen is from Jayne Markel's article at Metropolis. Talking about the film (yes yes..a documentary has been made), Markel includes a quote from Saarinen, “Tech­nology has given us the ability to do almost anything we want. Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies, and Le Cor­busier have given us the ABCs. It is up to us to develop the language of Modern architecture.”  WOW... it all sounds so Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead, doesn't it?

Wikipedia has a section on Finnish Designers. Crazy!  And here is where I learn about Tapio Wirkkala... remember, my knife?  The knife is called a Puukko.  It's a specific carving knife, designed by Tapio, a major figure of post war design.  Wirkkala's range was pretty vast as he designed not only knifes but the Finnish Markka banknotes introduced in 1955, stoneware, jewelry, sculpture and glassware.  Guess who designed the Finlandia Vodka bottle from 1970-2000?  Yup... Tapio, my knife guy.  And that knife... the designer used a traditional Finnish carving blade to do much of his design work and later developed his own variation, the Wirkkala Puukko, which was built by Hackman Cutlery and marketed in the US in the early 70's by Brookstone.

Well ok...that's enough on Finnish Art History for tonight.  I'm off to bed to read The Kalevela and get some sleep.

Andy Rutledge scores a big TEN (10) when Falling Down

Wow! WOW!  I just finished reading an inspirational article entitled, Falling Down, by Andy Rutledge over at Design View.  Comparing design conundrums with the ability to fall down gracefully at his dojo, Rutledge provides some eloquent advice and insight as to how designers can maintain professionalism during the bad times.  Well done Andy!

"If you’re a designer, you know that perfect designs do not always spontaneously flow from your pen. You know that truly creative solutions that effectively serve the client’s and users’ needs do not always present themselves when you want them to. In short, it is simply not enough to be highly competent under the best of circumstances, when you’re filled with inspiration and all the gears are turning. What matters most—and most often—is how competent you are when things are not going well."

Feed readers make me a bit sad

I use Bloglines for my feedreader.  It does it's job very well, allows me to consolidate all my favorite feeds in one place and it's certainly convenient and keeps me updated.  But somehow I really hate using it and when I come upon a well designed blog that I love, I always feel a twinge of sadness at having to add it to my feed reader.  Feeds are ugly. 

I think one of the great appeals of reading a blog is also the design work that accompanies the content.  I suppose this is because I'm a designer and I really appreciate the personality associated with the design work of someones blog or website.  I get pleasure in viewing the "stuff" not just the words displayed on a reader.  Yes yes... I know I can access the actual blog from the reader but somehow I just don't manage to that as often as I'd like.

I thought I'd journey out of my feedreader to visit some favorite blogs... not just because of their written content but because some blogs should be experienced.

Another Shade of Gray
Cult Design
Color + Design by Colorlovers
Debbie Millman
Design Observer
Designer's Who Blog
GraphicPush
Josh Spear
Nordic Design Blog
Veerle's Blog

Creative resources

Ok... so I'm not nearly caught up with my 1000+ unread blog posts but I've been seeking out some resources for creatives.  Here they are in no particular order:

Coroflot - Jobs & Portfolios for creative people :  A great way to network
Design is Kinky : Cruise jobs and submit news
Create Magazine :  A host of resources for the US.  Networking, chat, set up an online profile. Regional breakdowns
LuLu :  Self publishing.  Create your own book, brochure, CD/DVD presentation.  Very affordable. Nice.
LinkedIn :  Expand your network.
Graphic Design Jobs Central :  Yeah... graphic design jobs but also architecture, gaming, marketing, music and more.
Design Encyclopedia - Written :  Submit your design articles and essays here.
IdeaFixa - Art e-magazine  :  OMG... this was too cool.
Artivi :  Sorta like YouTube for artists and galleries.  Well done.
Wet Canvas : Art Resources

Deadlines :: Love 'em or hate 'em, how does it effect your inspiration?

I'm not even sure where to start. Heaven forbid if I'm beating a dead horse here, but this just needs to be addressed. On October 22, Veerle Pieters wrote a follow up piece to her Sept 18 post entitled "Deadlines Kill Inspiration." Veerle's follow up piece, "Deadlines Sometimes Affect Inspiration" was mostly in response to "The Tao of Deadlines" by Andy Rutledge who felt he had to address some issues in Veerle's original article.

Now, I will also tell you that within Veerle's original post she kindly quoted my Tomorrow is not always an option. She quoted my post because I had written to several designers whom I respect greatly requesting their opinions on the subject of unrealistic deadlines.

There are all kinds of deadlines (which Veerle points out.) There are the monthly deadlines, deadlines for copy, deadlines for the printer, client imposed deadlines, self imposed deadlines and.... unrealistic deadlines. "Tomorrow is not always an option" was in response to a particular client here at Dragonfly Blu requesting (dare I say, demanding) unrealistic deadlines. It was quite clear to me that Veerle was addressing not ALL DEADLINES in her original post, but those which are unrealistic. It is a pity that she felt she had to re-visit something so obvious due to Mr. Rutledge's comment and post, however, she does so most eloquently.

I too read Andy Rutledge's Design View. I've tuned in to listen to his new podcast. I've agreed with some of his points but I also know that if I want the most hard-core, opinionated, conservative view on design and how to practice it... Andy's my man. But... life, business and design is not always black and white.

I read "The Tao of Deadlines" and I must make issue with several points regarding Mr. Rutledge's "absolute" statements.

Andy writes, "Deadlines can have absolutely no impact on inspiration or creativity." Ummm... yes they can. But let's make the differentiation between deadlines which are realistic and planned for, and deadlines which come upon us as surprises. Life is full of surprises.

A big part of our job as designers is to anticipate and plan for deadlines. We expect them. We plan for them. And they do not affect inspiration or creativity because we know what's coming down the pike. However, when a surprise comes along, the reshuffling of priorities and duties can impact inspiration and creativity.

Sometimes the impact is positive and sometimes it is not. There have been times when an urgency has occurred and a client has requested a quick and dirty deadline. I've found that by pulling a design out of my head in a matter of hours has resulted in something instinctual and wonderful. It was something created from my gut and no thinking or analysis hampered it.

I've also found that when a deadline is looming and I still haven't received materials from a client, (and the deadline hasn't changed), their lack of preparedness has affected my ability to produce the best possible product. The stress levels in these types of situations increases and stress is not the friend of creative thinking.

So please, Andy... don't say that deadlines have absolutely no impact on inspiration or creativity because whether the result is good or bad, they do. Clearly, my own experience, the experience of Veerle and the many comments she's received on this subject shows that surprise deadlines do indeed impact inspiration and creativity for many people.

"To be clear, problems with deadlines almost always come down to one root problem: poorly managed business. I hope you can agree that professionalism requires a designer must never miss a deadline," so says Mr. Rutledge. Holy cow... whose poorly managed business are we talking about here? The designer? The client? The back end programmer? Many people can collaborate on a project and it's not always the designer who is responsible for missing a deadline. This is not to say that a lackadaisical attitude toward business ethics and responsibility should not be taken seriously by all involved. Hitting a deadline is a trademark of professionalism on everyone's part, but in the real world shit happens. This is why we must also embrace the ideals of communication and trust.

I have also seen and appreciated the "scope creep" situation. This too can affect a deadline. But when I see a client getting excited about the process of a little project which turns into a bigger project, I know I'm doing a good job for that client. I want my clients to feel excited, to start saying "ohhh wouldn't it be great if we could add this or that." It's a team effort and one I embrace. If the deadline needs to be extended then so be it. While I can count on one hand the times I've had to extend a deadline it's been for good reason. I've consulted and communicated with the client about it. And the project has been the better because of it. I am not a slave to a deadline but I do work my butt off for my clients and being that many of them have been with me since the start of my business... well I guess I'm doing a pretty good job of it.

Andy goes on to say "No client ever caused a designer to miss a deadline. If you believe otherwise, you’re laboring under a grave misapprehension (not to mention that you’ve got a victim-mentality)." Ohhh please! I have been fortunate to have great clients and I'm all about communication, but not all clients are great clients. And when asked what is the biggest problem I've faced in my business practice, it is that the client has not provided materials on time. I give my clients deadlines and timelines in what I call a "working description" which lays out the objectives and tasks of each job.... and yes, I've had clients who have missed those deadlines. I don't take them to task for it because guess what? It's a team effort and those clients are pretty busy people who are running their own businesses as well. Instead we talk about the issue. I explain the deadline for design work must now be extended and it all works out. But again with the absolutes here Andy... "No client ever caused a designer to miss a deadline"? Really, Andy... never ever? (And I won't even address the "victim-mentality" statement. Honestly!)

"When it comes to reviewing contracts with clients, be sure to deliberately point out the client responsibilities as described in the contract(s). They must be made to appreciate that the project is not a one-sided affair. They must work as diligently as you in order for the project to be a success. Few clients understand this of their own accord." And please pray tell Andy... What is a designer to do when the client doesn't understand this or when they don't deliver on their responsibilities? Is that the fault and responsibility of the designer as well? We are all working grown ups here and it's not the responsiblity of the designer or design team to beat the client over the head demanding materials, text or cooperation.

Well it's late at night and I've been ranting on for some time now. It's time to call it a night. I can only hope that somehow Mr. Rutledge finds his way to my little blog to read what I've written here. Actually I'm sure he won't even really care. I'd comment on the "Tao" or send a trackback but hey, Andy doesn't allow comments or trackbacks on his blog. I wonder why.