How do I create?

In Week Two of GDES 440, we viewed a TED video featuring Ken Robinson. He discussed creativity as it stands in the education system today. I found myself relating with many points he made about creativity and the imagination–its richness and infinite possibility. Robinson mentioned that the human imagination was a gift and should be treated as such; that human capacity exceeds what our education system allows us to believe. While I don't agree that school suffocates creativity, I am aware of the pressure to pursue what is perceived to be a noble career in the maths or sciences. I can relate with students who are told that being a writer, musician or an artist will not lead them on a prosperous path. Personally, my creativity had the chance to grow and develop in secondary school.

I think I have the insight to understand the necessity and nature of creativity in all aspects of human life, academic or not. I can see how everything around me that functions or stands on its own required a creative mind. I think true creativity is the unknown. It's the courage to travel into the unknown and leave behind the things that you easily identify with; the things that are comfortable. If you have the courage to delve into that realm, into the dimensions of your imagination, you can emerge with something brilliant. I am constantly collecting inspiration. It can come from anywhere. The more I see, know and experience provides me with more and more inspiration and resources, and things I can relate with.

Of the suggestions discussed from the 100 Habits list, 'you are what you eat' stood out to me the most. Who we are is defined by what we consume in our environments, by what surrounds us. Our knowledge and creative ability reaches only as far as we reach. Being hungry for knowledge only allows me to design better, to write better, to understand society and cultures better, to be a better person. Being educated allows me the privilege of forming legitimate opinions and the ability to create and use my creativity purposefully. The more I learn, the more my imagination becomes limitless. For example, the first novel I ever read resulted in an uncritical reaction–an emotional response, as I had nothing to compare it to except my own life experiences. My response was confined and isolated to my own little world.

In the context of creativity, I am a developing individual with a lot to learn about trusting my intuition and appreciating ideas, however small or large.

What is design?

Defining a topic as broad as design is not easy. Thus, the 15-week exploration of all things design in this blog. I find most explanations of design are either too vague to be meaningful or are too generalized to cover everything that it encompasses. I chose to study graphic design when I began to realize the effects that design, advertising and the media have on people and cultures internationally. It is an industry with so much potential for success, power and change, as communication technology continues to be an integral part of Western civilization. Design often reflects the social, political and economical norms or issues of the time and impacts our lives on a greater scale than most realize. It surrounds us, influences us, persuades us, informs us, reminds us and asks us to ask important questions.

Because design is a practice rather than an art, good design requires a creative, yet critical mind. Similar to design, creativity is not a miracle. It is fostered, nurtured, and developed from a foundation of ideas, inspiration and previous experiences. A designer's imagination is a vital part of the design process, as concepts that work and satisfy a need must also be unique and compelling. Design is not about impulses or a designer's emotions; it is a problem-solving business. It is about understanding human nature, behaviour and desires both in a client and your target. It is fundamental, conceptual and should serve a purpose or communicate a message. The designer's role is to be objective and create a solution to a design problem that is the most effective and simple way of doing so.

As I try to completely wrap my head around the design industry over the next 15 weeks, I will hopefully be able to better answer the question, 'What is design?' in a way that is significant and specific to my personal journey and design style.