Finding Words & Good Design

04Nov07

photo: Zach_ManchesterUK

I think one of the reasons it is so difficult to find some words to write in this little space of mine is because I now do it for a living. Everyday I am now contractually obligated to blog, it sounds weird I know, but that is a whole other story. Finding something new and interesting to write is kind of difficult during my weekend recovery phase. However something has sparked me enough to make me write this.

That something came from the book I am reading for work. The book essentially looks into the “art meets design” trend that seems to have recently cropped up. However the book traces the idea back into the early fifties in an attempt to shed light on what defines art, what defines design and where the two overlap. Look for a review soon, in the mean time I thought I would share this quote from designer George Nelson, in his essay ” Good Design: What is it For?”

Good design, like good painting, cooking, architecture, or whatever you like, is a manifestation of the capacity of the human spirit to transcend its limitations.

I was stuck by this definition of design and have been continually thinking of the manifestations it implies throughout the weekend. It kind of makes me proud that I could have this kind of impact and also makes me scared of living up to this standard. However it does sum up my feelings on design and why I got into this profession in the first place.

Filed under: Books, Career, Creativity, Design, Ideas, Mantras   |  2 Comments