Designer Porn

We recently enjoyed the third edition of Ladfest, and the release of the series “Abstract: The Art of Design” on Netflix, where each episode celebrates the work of designers across different specialties. Whether online or in print, we have unfettered access to the work of our design idols. It’s what I affectionately refer to as “designer delight”: a visual banquet set in a utopia where problems cease to exist. Seldom do we get the chance to peek behind the curtain and witness how they navigate their creative process, confront frustrations, and traverse the journey before arriving at their groundbreaking ideas.
Access to this insider information is where true learning happens. We realize that their struggles are akin to ours – challenging clients, tight deadlines, incomplete briefs…sound familiar? Yet, they produce stellar results. How? Here are the key takeaways from this surge of inspiration.
On the act of creation: Creative processes vary widely. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but clarity on what works best for each of us is crucial. Christoph Niemann, a German illustrator featured in “Abstract” whose work graces the pages of publications like The New York Times, maintains a disciplined routine: from 9 to 6, he’s seated, pushing through his work. It’s a practice that instills a sense of calm, despite the ever-present fear of inadequacy – a fear he confronts head-on, trusting in that magical moment when creativity flows freely.
On self-awareness: We’re not mere artists; we’re communicators. Our work conveys specific messages, yet our personal tastes undeniably influence our creations. Malika Favre, at Ladfest, shared her wellsprings of inspiration: textures, colors, architecture, and how these diverse influences coalesce to define her unique illustrative style. Paula Scher’s unyielding passion for typography stems from its expressive power, evident in her standout works. Nurturing our interests and understanding our motivations are paramount.
On simplification and playfulness: Designers excel at distillation – simplifying complex ideas to create clear, engaging messages. Christoph Niemann, with his box of Legos, finds joy in visualizing essential concepts with just a handful of bricks. Our craft often demands saying more with less; honing this skill is essential.
On originality: Nothing exists in isolation. Every idea is a fusion of pre-existing concepts, and the most remarkable connections are often the most obvious. Mario Eskenazi, at Ladfest, unveiled his projects, dissecting the concepts and resources behind each. While this process isn’t groundbreaking, Mario’s clarity and confidence elevate each solution to brilliance.
What we glean from these designers is that they’ve forged their own unique perspectives, and the world values their contributions. There’s no universal recipe for success; each of us must carve our own path. It’s time to ditch the excuses and dive into our work – who knows, the moment of creative flow might be just around the corner.