Any other designers here? Particularly those of a graphics persuasion (like me)? Though I don't want to keep this to designers exclusively. In fact a non-designer input would be good.
To set the scene, I've been looking into the way I design recently. I'm from a graphics/illustration for print background, but now I'm working in new media (Flash/AS, Director/Lingo etc for those in the know), on websites and CDROMS. I'm also doing an MA in Design Practice.
Now I don't want to get into some kind of deep discussion on the intricacies of scritping, or Director/Flash as a medium etc, as there are other forums for that sort of thing. I'm more interested in a general approach to design practice. Since I began my course I've had to think about and reflect upon (using action research principles) how I go about designing, and what my future professional self might be.
After having had some initial surface insights into problems I've encountered in my practice, like time management, personal tidiness, drinking too much coffee, spending too much time on eBay, etc. it occurred to me that there is a deeper sense of uneasiness and uncertainty in my persaonal approach to my design practice. And I think a large element of my current feelings stems from a lack of confidence and uncertainty as to what my role as a designer is, or has become. Has anyone else who has moved from one area of practice to another (in my case print to new media) felt this? I'd be interested to know if anyone has any thoughts on what the role/s of a graphic designer are in new media, given that the damn stuff doesn't stay still on the screen, but moves and links in totally new ways.
And getting back to my original title...I sort of realised that, since leaving college, I've learned that I really know very little about my field, and I know almost nothing. A little bit about this, a little bit about that. Not a 'not knowing' out of ignorance, but a 'not knowing' borne out of knowing I don't know what I think I need to know....well anyway, does this happen to anyone else? What is the effect on your design practice? If it's just me, then it occurs to me that professionally, maybe I'm fucked.
I came across a Tarot card of the Fool, who moves forward confidently in the knowledge he knows nothing, other than that with which he knows he can learn. Am I actually in a good position? I did feel a certain sense of relief when I came across this insight while I was in the shower. |
