As a web designer who runs his own design studio I find it very easy to get caught up in the flurry of day-to-day work and the business dealings of design. Anything from client meetings, project deadlines, answering emails, and managing project tasks can be a sure fire way to derail any bout of inspiration and sap all creative attention. Not that these activities aren’t important. They are vital to the proper functioning of any design business. But what I’m considering in this post is the critical importance of another often overlooked aspect of the design professional’s life. A principle that fails to get credit but one that is so powerful that it can make or break a design project, or any creative project for that matter. It’s the difference between attacking a new project with creative fury and facing the same project with trepidation and no ideas in sight. I’m referring to the cultivation and nurturing of my own creative muse.
I chose to be a web designer because I wanted to build pretty things for people and have my work showcased around the world. But as anyone who’s been in the field for a while, I know that designing for clients can get pretty boring after I’ve done it a few times. Some projects are more exciting than others, just like some clients are more difficult than others. And of course, as a web design professional I can’t let this affect the quality of my creative output. So here’s the question. How can I maintain my creative juices continually flowing so that no matter how dreary a project is I still create kick-ass work? And here’s the answer that I found extremely valuable in my search for the ultimate creative high: Design for yourself first.
It’s extremely important that I do creative projects to satisfy my own inner drive. I cannot allow client projects and other activities to take precedence and override this impulse. If I do, something unspeakable happens: my muse withers and dies. And this can’t be simply because this is the fuel, the base from which all good ideas and beautiful designs emanate. If I don’t pursue my own creative aspirations for their own sake, my work will surely suffer. We all need to live inspired, and this passionate pursuit of our own private creative expression is the key.
In my case, these creative projects could be anything from drawing in my sketchbook, snapping new photos for my own library, writing a new article for my blog or designing a new wallpaper just for my own enjoyment. It can be as simple as learning origami or as complex as shooting my first documentary. But create I must.
All great creative professionals know this principle to be true. Santiago Calatrava, one of my favorite Spanish architects, creates masterful structures and buildings all around the world. He’s been successful because he keeps tapping his creative muse outside his field of work. On the weekends he’s usually in his studio sculpting or painting or sketching. During the week he designs stunning skyscrapers. So if you want to be a kick-ass designer be involved in your own creative growth and inspiration. Don’t just be creative 9-5, and then switch it off. That’s the road to mediocrity. Put your own creativity first, and set it apart from everything else you do. Before any client work is done do some creative work for yourself. Make your own creative projects a priority in your life and you’ll always be on fire.
I couldn’t agree more. It’s so vital that you design for yourself. Even if you are classified as a “design professional” and your dealing with clients on a daily basis, you are an artist first and for most. You have to keep those creative juices flowing! All creative professionals face this issue in there careers. We all must find the time for our own creative expression. Which can sometimes be a sweet reminder why we love what we do.
Well written article very informative, is it possible, though, for you to head into more detail on this topic, I’d like to learn more and think it’d show up better in bing (where I located this article too) if you wrote more on this. Cheers