An Informal Guide to Getting Work Done
Allow me to begin by acknowledging a critical truth: not everyone enjoys the same access to education, and modern tools may be out of reach for some, due to impairments or other restrictive factors. While I argue for increased accessibility, I'm fully aware that it's not universally accessible.
As an experienced designer, I've had numerous opportunities to interact with aspirational individuals during guest lectures and career talks. One question that I frequently encounter is, "How do I acquire the tools and knowledge necessary to break into your field, especially without similar educational experiences and resources?"
Addressing this query has forced me to reflect deeply on what it means to be an artist and a designer in this complex, rapidly evolving world. In my early career, my advice would have revolved around honing tool competency and diligence, emphasizing that sheer effort and tenacity carve paths in this field. As I've accumulated more experience, I've recognized the flaw in this perspective. While diligence is undeniably crucial, real success is achieved by those who venture into the real world and actualize their work.
Historical Influences and the Changing Landscape
Take a brief glance at art and design history, and you'll encounter names like Marcel Duchamp, Gertrude Stein, Frida Kahlo, and Vincent Van Gogh. These figures indelibly shaped their fields, laying the groundwork for countless artistic practices. Duchamp, for instance, changed the design world with his contributions to Cubism, Dada, Surrealism, and more. His work laid the foundation for movements like Pop Art, Minimalism, and Postmodernism.
In today's digital age, the barriers to resources and tools are gradually diminishing, creating opportunities for a plethora of individuals to express their creativity and potentially reshape the world. This idea can be best illustrated through the hypothetical example of a neighbor of Marcel Duchamp, the renowned artist.
Imagine this neighbor, a hypothetical individual attempting to navigate life during the post-Great Depression era. Just like Duchamp, this individual may have harbored transformative ideas and a deep-seated desire to express a unique message to the world. They could have had the potential to catalyze significant changes, much like Duchamp did. However, unlike Duchamp, who was privileged with an artistically inclined family and a nurturing environment, our hypothetical neighbor was constrained by a lack of tools, resources, and education, which stifled their ability to actualize their creative potentials.
Indeed, Duchamp's privileged background gave him a platform to express himself to the world. However, we now inhabit a world where the internet equips millions with the equivalent of "a home filled with art". The barriers that once deterred many from engaging in quality creation are dissolving, minimizing any excuses for not embarking on creative work.
The Power of Engaging in Creative Work
Historically, the path of a designer was carved by relentless hard work, an all-consuming passion for design, and a mastery of specific tools. While these elements retain their importance, I've discovered that growth and success can also be achieved through a simpler, more accessible concept: simply engage in the work.
Art and design as we know them today are the products of individuals who elected to create, irrespective of their circumstances. However, it's important to note that what we see represents only a fraction of human creative potential. Today, thanks to technology, we're in an era where design tools and education are becoming increasingly accessible, allowing a more diverse array of individuals to contribute their unique ideas and perspectives. Nonetheless, we must remain cognizant of the persisting digital divide, with access to these resources varying due to factors such as geographical location, socioeconomic status, and available educational opportunities.
I've intentionally sidestepped discussing art curation and dealing, focusing instead on the act of engaging in creative work. Those who've made a significant impact simply decided to act, whether it involved picking up a pen or stretching a canvas. Many individuals express aspirations of becoming designers or artists, yet when asked about their progress, they are often waiting for a more convenient or opportune moment. My encouragement to them is simple: start now. Embrace the courage to be bad at something and do the work. Mastery and acceptance come with time and practice; there are no shortcuts.
In Conclusion
My advice has evolved over the years. To the budding designers questioning their skills or fretting over mastering specific tools, remember that our world is gradually diminishing barriers to creativity. so get out and do the work!
