As ideas for a better-designed tomorrow start flowing, it may be useful to identify a few of the false narratives that creep into our world and into our work. Particularly when we are afraid, we humans tend to wrap ourselves in ancient stories that make us feel safe. I certainly understand that instinct. But, if we let it, this is also a perfect season in which to evaluate the underlying belief structures that shape our design thinking—and perhaps bust a few of our most enduring myths.
Watching You Watching Me Watching You…
Having logged more hours sitting on video conference calls over the past couple of weeks than I care to remember, I’ve noticed a few trends that (for me at least) can totally make or break a call.
No more war
Warp / Weft
Lettering assignment for Story Matters magazine. Ashley Rose Walton, Art Director.
(Issue 2, 2019)
Sic Semper
A reimagining of the seal and flag of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Lettering Study
To design is to make decisions for others. Because it involves an exchange of power, however slight, design is best understood as a moral pursuit.
I was recently asked to transcribe a series of essays published last year into a single manuscript. The result is available for free download (subject to Creative Commons protections).
In preparation for a son
- Remain ready at all times and in all places
- Approach every opportunity to receive help
- Adopt the adventures of Robin Hood
- Avoid the culture of sports
- Honor all women at all times
- Treat all men as equals at all times
- Think about your own death only enough to prepare
- Be careful never to become too comfortable
- Borrow as little as possible
- Learn to sharpen blades
- Delight in good food and drink
- Find a trade and a bride and a place
Architecture as a verb
This past weekend, I had the privilege of participating in the first workshop offered by Umbau School’s new Studio Shenandoah in Staunton, Virginia. Umbau, which means something like transformation zone, is a school of studios—or places of focused study.
Dollars and sense
Whenever feasible, I’m an advocate of value-based pricing in creative work and particularly digital work. Having tracked and billed hours for many years, I understand the model and that it’s sometimes appropriate, but I think the future is fixed.
Taking a hit
Herein lies the paradox: if our ego can convince us that the pain of bearing hard things isn’t worth the strength that comes from it, we will never be excellent. We will be comfortable and mediocre.
Device crippling
Smartphones come out of the box in full-on casino mode. They are pre-programmed to do everything they can to trigger your inner Neanderthal screen junkie. But it need not be so.