A Manifesto

As a design student my process is still relatively ill-defined, as such this manifesto represents the ideal circumstances in which I am able to produce my best work.

Follow YOUR Path to the End- While many stress the importance of process, no one can tell you the ideal way to create, that comes from within. The sooner you can find your own path, the better you will be able to express your concepts.

Seek Inspiration from Outside of Design- The best designs are the embodiment of an idea. Taking inspiration from an existing design means either boiling it down to the concept or struggling to mimic something you cannot fully understand.

Stand Back- Don't get too involved in your work, get an outside opinion, take a break and return with a fresh perspective, or just work on something else. You'll never work through your problems if you cant put them in perspective

Take Good Care of Yourself- Nutrition and rest are essential to the creative process. Sound design choices are made with a clear and open mind, and nothing dulls the decision making process like an all-nighter.

Seek Constructive Criticism- While critique is always invaluable, so much depends on your ability to communicate your ideas and get reactive feedback. Always explain your design choices as best you can or the feedback you receive will be based on perception rather than understanding. Never take criticism seriously if it is based on personal opinion or experience, there is no such thing as a universal rule.

Never Let Yourself be Satisfied- Being satisfied with an unfinished job implies that the concept has not lived up to it's full potential.

Learn from the People Around You- The best teachers are strangers and friends alike. Learn new lessons in a real context so that you can better apply the knowledge you gain.

Make Time for Experimentation- Always enter a project with an open mind and figure out what works best, otherwise you may find yourself stuck in a dead end.