Be Happy. Advice 5 of 16
Do what makes you happy. Carlos Segura of Segura Inc., t26, & 5inch, gives us our 5th piece of advice form the pages of Computer Arts. “When you try to be artistic in a satisfactory way, as opposed to a strategic way, you end up with a better product. Be smart … Have a concept. Have a vision.”
As creative people we usually do work for other people such as our bosses, clients and even sometimes friends & family (I suggest stay away from friends and family). So when creating we are normally not concerned about our own happiness as long as the client likes it. But how about you, the designer, the artist, or the painter. What do you like? Are you fulfilled by what you design? What make you happy that you get to create all the time?
I like to work on projects that have short parameters. Designers need some type of parameters! Projects without guidelines are very difficult and ones with too many are restrictive. When the opportunity presents itself and I am able to work on a project with just the right amount of give and take, that’s when it’s fun. The worst part is to execute a project solely based on ALL the rules of the client.
I like design iconography and manipulating type, it gives me a sense of freedom. Sometime I can’t find clients to push me in a creative directions so I become my own client with self-initiated design projects. These projects keep my mind going and the juices flowing. I try new ideas and techniques without the fear, without the critiques and without questions. Like most designers, designing for ourselves is harder than any client could be, because YOU are the client.
Happiness is about how good I feel about the piece I’m working, or its subject matter. I think most of all I think I am most happy when it’s DONE! Then I can move on to the next project, sit back and relax or recharge the battery. Maybe get away from the computer, taking in some nature and creating something organic.
There is no perfect answer, so I asked some fellow designers From the VS Project & Design Democracy their thoughts on “doing what makes them happy” and here is what some of them said:
“At work I get happy when we discuss the conceptual side of developing new technologies and ways of doing things differently, ie a new version of the site or a new implementation of something that doesn’t quite work right.
At home I get happy when I don’t have to think about the world around me. I’m in DC and the people around me stress me out constantly, so going for a run or biking or walking the dog… something physical makes me happy. That’s especially true if my wife joins me.”
My first thought is “it’s complicated.”
Big picture is that I’m doing what makes me happy, in terms of my choice of career and [self-] employment situation. I’m very happy I’m able to do this; it’s what I’m meant to be doing (I think). But there’s plenty with this business/job that I’d love to change. It’s hard work and to be more profitable is even harder. Sacrifices need to be made daily, if not hourly. Sounds vague, but only an essay would address it I’m afraid…
The doodling phase is my favorite part of any project, ideally on paper. If a project doesn’t require doodling or sketching, I know it’s not going to be all that fun or rewarding.
Helping others with their projects is perhaps my all-time favorite past time – I get to avoid my own work and solve problems that i don’t have to “own.” There – I said it.
I love working with small businesses. Its fulfilling to be apart of a project that has impact and that enables people to be successful. I also work alot with non-profits, freelance and pro-bono. Its allows me to engage with my community, by applying visual communication to things I believe in.
George, of the VS Project - George is the main contributor to the ukre8 the VS project website. He works along side DSN to create content and projects to support the artistic endeavors of the versusDSN & the VS Project. To see more posts by the author click here
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