Rules, Rules, Rules

“The advantage of rules is that they prevent mistakes. The disadvantage is that they prevent discovery.” These words, written by Matthew Carter in Paul Felton’s The Ten Commandments of Typography, resonate very strongly with me. Despite my efforts, I find that I am more concerned about screwing up than I should be. The more prevalent fear in great designers is a fear of not creating. If one does not take risks, one never makes anything remotely new. I worry that my work has become a series of safe decisions that happen to be visually harmonious.

Although it may seem to others that I take risks, I am actually very comfortably resting in mediocrity. Every day I do things that may seem scary to others. Public speaking, putting myself out there and even being alone - these are the common fears of people unlike me. I, on the other hand, primarily fear rejection.

I have seen people put their heard and sould into their “baby,” whether that be their work or something else. I have seen some people rise to success by investing everything into what they do. I have also seen people get their heart broken when someone tells them that they have an ugly baby.

I, on the other hand, don’t feel that I have ever done something so risky. My actions are responses to those around me. In a way this is good. I plan based on the situation and act accordingly.

Nevertheless, there is something missing in this equation. I have the logic of observation. But, as my message development professor always says, “where's the magic?” I need to take risks that actually make ME feel uncomfortable. I need to step out of my comfortable boundaries and take a look at my work and realize how boring it really is.

I don't expect to shake the design world. There are people creating innovative work every day. I just want to be one of them.