After watching Stefan Bucher talk at the 2009 Make/Think AIGA Design Conference in Memphis we were asked to write a letter to Stefan regarding our thoughts and observations, the following is my own personal reflection.
Please feel free to comment as feedback is always appreciated.
Dear Mr. Bucher,
As a Graphic Design student studying in my second year, I was asked to review the talk you gave at the 2009 Make/Think: AIGA Design Conference in Memphis, which I must commend you on your inspirational, and extemporary career as a designer in our field. I personally found your deconstruction of your own thought process to be extremely interesting, as I found myself beginning to analyze my own thought process in order to try and establish where I myself fit on the Make/Think scale. Like you had mentioned as designers I too think that we tend to see ourselves more towards the Make side of the scale, for as you stated we like to ‘make things’ generally speaking, for it ‘makes us happy and gets us excited.’ I do feel however that understanding how our own brains think is also an important asset in the design field, for it allows us to conceptually understand our creative process.
After reviewing your speech numerous times I feel that my brain too might be functioning more towards the thinking side of the scale, for I find myself spending a lot of time consumed in my own thoughts while working on design projects. It is in this state that I am constantly processing the many solutions that could be derived from the challenge I am faced with. The idea of needing to tire out your brain is an interesting take on the process, something I had never thought of before, however may have subconsciously been doing on my own. I can see how allowing yourself to experience outside influences and other activities and just stepping away from the task at hand can be beneficial to regain a clear head. When I find that I an getting frustrated and the ideas just seem to be becoming less supportive or in some cases more of a designers block I have found through my own trial and error that allowing myself that personal time to step away from the brainstorming process and experience something I enjoy like going to the gym, taking a walk, riding horses I am able to just step outside of that state for awhile and focus on something new. Subconsciously while I am doing these activities I know my brain is still back there processing ideas however it gives me a chance to let other circumstances be at the forefront of my thinking, allowing all the unnecessary distracting bits to work their way out, so that when I do actually return to my work I am clear headed and ready to produce good quality work.
Some questions that your speech raised in my own mind are related to your discussion on how your thought process was better suited outside an design firm/agency where you would be able to go about your creative process in a less conventional way once you had decided to become your own boss and created your company 344. I have realized that I am most excited when creating my own work, as I think many of us designers are, however having somewhat of an unconventional thinking process myself, I begin to wonder how this will affect me once I enter a design firm or agency. I guess I question if I will be able to conform or tailor the way I think in order to excel in that environment, for while I would like to run my own business one day I feel that first I am going to have to get my feet in the traditional style. Another question that presents itself is how you determine if you would be good at running your own company and being your own boss, or is it better to stay in a more structured environment? These are just questions that I feel, I will have to ponder and explore answers to as I continue my career as a budding designer. I thank you for your insight and inspiration regarding your opinions and views on the make/thinks scale for it has allowed me to step back and really analyze my own process as you can see. I look forward to your next creations especially the monsters!
Sincerely
Jodie Cornel
Graphic Design Student
Humber College
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