Many people feel that they are different; they think differently from others, and while that may be the truth, how many people actually act on thoughts of difference? Not many. As we grow older, we find it easier to follow what everyone else is doing and rightfully so, it’s only human nature to want to belong.
Throughout my life, I’ve not only thought I was different, and was often told I was different, I find myself acting on thoughts of difference daily. I often think to myself, “how can this be done differently?” Life is too short to do what everyone else is doing. Life is too short to be complacent. Why dress down when you can dress up? Second best is first loser. These are my values.
This type of mindset has had a huge influence on my work. When I’m designing, I think to myself, “how can this be done differently?” and I build from that specific question. Whether it’s purposely avoiding popular trends, combining colors that wouldn’t normally be used together, or completely scrapping a piece of work someone else would deem to be suitable.
I don’t want my work to be considered ONLY suitable or ONLY adequate. I want my work to be considered both artistic, and complementary to the content it was designed for. To allow myself to produce a piece of work that is anything LESS that the high standards I hold myself self up to both personally and professionally, would degrade my personal values and the values of those involved in my upbringing.