One thing that I do not hear discussed is the reasons why you even need a website. In my consulting work, I will frequently ask if the client is sure that they need a website.
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Design and Keep Designing
written by stephen.h
Monday, August 15, 2005
I was listening to the radio the other day and the djs were disucssing a musician who forced himself to put out a new song every week. The purpose was to keep his creative juices flowing even when he didn’t feel it. Maybe a song would be good enough for an album, maybe not. Either way, it was a beneficial practice for him.
I think that this sort of “forced” creativity is imperative for any designer to stay fresh sharp. Why? I equate it to the typical warm up exercises that painters, drawers and writers use to get their brain in the mood. Certain exercises help stir the creative juices. These exercises are meant to be informal and unrefined, and sometimes they become more than that.
The process of designing just for the sake of designing, with no goal in mind is healthy and can help keep the creativity flowing. A lot of time my job requires that I produce a certain style of website design. This can put my mind in a rut. But I can use personal projects to keep my mind fresh and flowing.
Try doing impromptu design work in all sorts of styles. Keep your mind going and see what happens with your creativity and productivity.
That’s what I find myself doing sometimes, just to stay “limber” so to speak. I get so set in a certain style sometimes that it’s tough to break out of the rut. I’ve found that by taking on less freelance projects, and focusing more on quality than quantity, I don’t burn out quite as easily.
By the way, Dave - check your email.
Nathan Smith August 21st, 2005 at 11:41 am