The unsung heroes of the design community

[RazoRmedia]

good man killabry. You can get design and inspiration from absolutely any 'real world' object or situation. Remember Flight 404? It was smart because it was new. I once had inspiration from a car steering wheel disklok.

[Lauradot]

Coolness, you lot.

I'm not so sure I agree with totally void of influence inspiration, because firstly its not possible. We live in the culture we live in, and every sight and sound makes an impression on us. You dont believe in memory if you dont believe that.

You've seen 2advanced (personally, I think its a nice technical achievement, but I really hate the design. sorry. ), and its there in your brain, and its possible to try to invent something totally different, and be back at square one.

Also, there is little point in reinventing the wheel. (cliche! I know!!)There are basic design principles that work because of the way our minds work, or our eyes percieve it, whatever.

Once in a while someone breaks the rule, and it works (Trainspotting ad campain), but the rules are not there because of a group of idiots decided to make them up, but cause they're basic design principles.

Until a new medium for web come out (3d, or something), I fear it will be left a little like newspaper/magazines. Ok, occasionally creative, but all follow basic design. Otherwise they dont "work" with people.

This is the commercial stuff I'm talking about tho. Experimental rules.

Forgot to say:
I know you probably know this already, or disagree. Just wanted to vent some.

[CNO]

A lot of it has to do with the natire of celebrity, and everyone's innate need to relate back to a single point. A discussion about "this good designer" is a lot more solid and understandable to both parties than an ethereal discussion about "good design", although the first could easily flow into the second.

I was thinking a lot about this during Flashforward, comparing how many of last years speakers were invited back to speak, which discussions seemed to be the most popular, etc. And a lot of these people are reluctant celebrities - they'd rather be surfing your sites than signing your book. We make them into "folk heroes".

While a bit of hero worship is not at all bad, the problem comes when people become complacent - either in copying someone else, or in their own style. Very few people have the ability to consistantly produce amazing work (see Yugo Nakamura), but everyone has the potential. It all depends on one's willingness to push themselves as far as possible at every possible opportunity.

Are you a good animator? Try designing.
A brilliant graphic designer? Try animating.
Excellent at both? Try fly fishing.

Ultimately, celebrity is an illusion cast upon you by others. The people who will make a mark in the industry are those who produce work that they are satisfied with, and continue to do so on a consistent basis.