Over-Designing!

[L[Design]]

Thanks Zumo! At times we tend to put these professors on pedestals, not that they do not know what they are talking about, but each and every designer will tackle a job totally different. Example, the artist Marcel Duchamp, really challenged the art world with his placement of a urinal and a snow shovel in an exhibit. He broke the rules, of course there are the fundamentals that we all abide by in some way, but for the most part, you go do your own thing. I had thought about attending school that year to further my degree, but after that, I figured for what reason, they are only going to mold me in the direction they want me to go. I've gone as far as I can in formal education, I teach myself now and hone my own technique. I still respect them for what they taught, but I had been out of school for 9 years, I think they should have respected me as a designer and not a student. To each their own. I stand firm on SIMPLE.

I see some of the designers Toon posts and I love the work, very intricate and colorful. Beautiful work! Clients do tend to think they need all kinds of stuff and fill the design with color and words and such, some designers can make that happen, as for me, white space. I think it's the most beautiful and demands your attention.

[zumojuice]

Professors and tutors are often teaching for the exact reason that they can't make money out of their work themselves. Visiting or part time staff who are still in the industry are much more solid in the experience and knowledge they can bring to the table. There is some amazingly beautiful intricate work: big on the photoshop. There is simple, clean and beautiful work. The real balance is staying between these and keeping that edge, while remaining commercially viable.

[heatherink]

Originally Posted by zumojuice

There is some amazingly beautiful intricate work: big on the photoshop. There is simple, clean and beautiful work. The real balance is staying between these and keeping that edge, while remaining commercially viable.

I completely agree. I think there are some gorgeous pieces out there where you know the designer spent days designing and reworking, but they inherently know when to push further or when to put on the brakes.

I think all good designers are constantly growing and changing and if you don't question every piece then you do fall into the over/under designed rut. I always lean toward white space and when a client wants bigger, bolder, etc. I have to take three steps back and usually end up giving them an alternative design that works better for both of us.

[flick]

Originally Posted by PaulClark

Apologies to everyone who's seen this already, but it's just SO good!:

Make my logo bigger cream

hahaha, that is brilliant! :D

[L[Design]]

I want to push the boundaries. I want ultra simplistic. I will continue to move in my direction. I like what you said Zumo about professors and why they teach. Also, my former professors are much older than me, what they learned is much different than now. I learn from what I see.

[zumojuice]

It is always important to listen to everyone and take on board what they say, but take it all with a pinch of salt. Those professors had useful insights; many of which have made you the designer you are today;even if that is to be nothing like them.

At uni, I was a hard worker, but never following the crowd design wise. I had a clear idea of what I wanted to create, and I think some of my ideas were washed back by tutors.

I think some people find the need to feel they have a style, and others are happy to dabble in many fields and techniques. At the end of the day, we all have a style somewhere.

[L[Design]]

Absolutely!