Have you experienced moments of disruptive wonder?
Yes, my disruptive wonder came as quick jolts as I broke through a design wall. I would find joy creating this thing. When all of the heavy lifting was done and it was only a matter of the execution. For a moment, all stress disappeared and the only thing left was the process. This is the place that I strive for during creating. It is the most therapeutic. It soothes… The results are pleasing…

In what ways has your perspective on graphic design practice changed?

I think the videos and reading assignments have opened my eyes to different aspect of the creative process. Being forced to reply to various topics has allowed my to articulate my own opinions on matters of design. I think this will be helpful as I continue in this program and deal with new clients in the future.

Jane Dorn’s process book on creating a methodology book was very detailed. This was very successful in delivering the right mix of information without overkill. I found the pace of the book relaxing while exploring her creative process. The actual method book that she produced was of high quality. She used her years or designer experience and delivered a well-crafted unique solution.

Jamie Turpin process book was even more detailed than Jane’s but seem to be less effective. She included a simple color-coded table of contents that listed her process steps. Although the book was sectioned into chapters, some chapters repeated. This caused for a slight confusion. I understand that most of our processes are not totally linear and rewind is needed from time to time but… once I saw the table of, I expected it to go exactly in that order. The book was still very nice and I applaud her efforts.

April Biss’ process book was super-duper-detailed. She included every step and iteration known to man. It is page after page of ideas, sketches, mock-ups, prototypes, and more. Although this is the longest of the three books, it was able to grasp my interest. I felt like I wanted to se more after each page. I love the how she personalized the conversation by adding images of each student and teacher involved in the conversation. This is something that I may borrow for my own selfish design needs. This book had a well designed layout and I appreciate the experience.

I have recently began not to worry about the financial side of design. I just want to create something beautiful… not just something that pleases the eye… something that please my spirit… something that functions well… something that is a perfect solution. This something doesn’t have to be recognized by others. It doesn’t have to make a cent. It just need to be pure.

Are your creative activities leading toward a moment of disruptive wonder for your audience, as well as for yourself?

I believe eventually it will. I have tiny moments of disruptive wonder but I am usually busy worrying about the cost. I have been saving lately to create a project just for the sake of creation.

I have learned one of my issues with clients. I find myself not getting along with certain clients and it strictly my core beliefs getting in the way. I also have grown tired of doing senseless designs. I would like to work on something more meaningful. I also noticed that I feel no remorse for any client relationships that I severed do to my own personal beliefs.

How do you find that values (personal, political, cultural, etc.) inform your creative practices?

My personal values allow me to look at all individuals with worth. I have seen so many culturally biased designs and I feel like I must right this wrong.

After iBook Timeline:
2005 Mac Mini – stolen by low life drug addict
2007 Macbook – dead, replaced by warranty with 2008 Macbook
2007 Imac White PPC – used by offspring but does not support new Safari or Flash
2008 Imac Intel – sold to coworker during sell my possessions phase
2008 Macbook Intel – used to run old peripherals
2012 Macbook Pro – used for SCAD stuff, youtube, and vegan propaganda

I think that I can update this by adding a dedicated step for testing, review, and audience review. I feel that polling opinions from a larger group may allow design solutions to be tweaked to a better end. I have always been a beggining and end result designer. I usually meet Smith the client at the beginning, show the proposed concept, and come back with the completed solutions. I would seldom meet in between those steps. I could possibly add audience review before and after ‘finished comps’. This seems that it should have a positive effect on my process.

This is the first time that I have been introduced to this term. Before Unit 6, I had never heard of the term.

1. Have you ever experienced “flow,” even if you did not know what it was called? If so, describe the process. If not, what steps will you take to train yourself to achieve it? Where do you anticipate inserting these steps into your current methodology?

Looking back on my life, I have experienced flow on a regular basis. I often get lost in the process of creating. Before marriage, I would often paint until I fell asleep and wake to start again. My wife doesn’t seem understand this state of creativity. I now find my self working on design project hours at a time without complaint. I usually do not feel hunger or tiredness during these periods. I am completely engulfed. In the past when describing my creative process, I have stated that sometimes when I drawing my hands don’t feel or look like my own. It’s like being in a meditative state when outside stimuli go unnoticed. The only thing that exist is the creative motion. It has become harder to obtain the state with the constant sporadic movements of my household. I have toyed with the idea of renting a studio space.

I’m not sure if my process is right or not. It starts with a request or a perceived need. Once this is established, I begin the brainstorm. This step varies from time to time. It may include mind maps or just staring i at a blank white wall received for this purpose. Once I have a direction, I begin research. This involves exploring reference materials, textures, type, objects, etc. Next, I start sketching out ideas. I find this works better for me if it is not inside a sketchbook. I used junk mail, napkins, my skin, and what not. Once the idea is mentally approved, I created a very rough composition that blocks out the different components of the design. This is then presented to the client and discussed. If it is approved, I move on to refinement and making the final composition. If not approved, I gather feedback from the clients and start over at the research phase. I think my process is effective. It might not be perfect but it saves me time.

I think overall that my easy going nature allows me to work well with others. I also think my ability to get lost inside the process allows me to continue working on the idea until a successful solution is produced.

It reminds me of the Wieden + Kennedy 12 mural ‘Fail Harder’. The agency burned 351 man-hours and used over 100,000 clear pushpins to create a wonderful message.

http://mocoloco.com/art/archives/tacks_full_jul_06.jpg

We must try as hard as we can to come up with great new solutions and if we fail… so what…just keep trying. I can’t recall when I have done something so innovative that I stood back and exclaimed whoa!. I am eager to find this whoa! moment. I think most of my past projects have been bound heavily by timelines and budgets. I came to SCAD to break away from my current rut and get back to design.