A project that has taken more than a decade to see the light of the world and still is not finished. I began working on this book by compiling my dearest and most effective principles for both design and life, two realms that are inextricably intertwined for my personal journey through time.
If the visual appeal also allows these lessons to grace a wall or two as an added bonus, it should only be reinforcing and anchoring itself deeper into your mind through repeated exposure.
Design is for humans – by humans
Two alternate ideas for the cover.
When I find myself stuck I remind myself that it could be because of facts or limitations I accepted without questioning, which might either be nonexistent or significantly different than I initially perceived them to be.
Challenge your assumptions
Geometry – math – patterns
Geometry provides the building blocks. Math guides alignment and proportions. Patterns create a sense of rhythm and can capture and focus attention. These three elements are my foundation for harmonious design.
Breakthroughs often emerge at the intersection of different fields. The more you connect different threads of knowledge, the more you experience what some call chance. Staying curious and learning to connect seemingly disparate subjects produces powerful moments of insight.
Chance favours the connected mind
Design for one billion
This mindset pushes me to transcend personal preferences and consider the needs and experiences of a billion individuals. It challenges me to craft solutions that are intuitive, adaptable, and capable of enhancing lives on a grand scale.
Simplicity allows me to communicate complex ideas instantly and universally. Bold choices in color, typography, and layout captivate attention and create a lasting impression through powerful visuals that possess both visual punch and provide enduring value.
Be bold + simple
Use constraints as creative resource
I see limitations not as a hindrance but a source for creativity. They naturally guide me to discover new and unique solutions and make me refine ideas within defined parameters. The push and pull of these boundaries lets me discover new ways to solve problems.
Never settle for black
Black's neutrality allows it to blend seamlessly with any element. To challenge myself I try to avoid this easy way of achieving visual harmony and have come to see it as a missed chance to harness the full spectrum of creativity and expression.
Work with your mistakes
Rather than viewing errors as setbacks, I've come to see them as stepping stones to unexpected revelations. Working with my mistakes leads me to discover surprising new places where innovation thrives and creativity flourishes. These detours often produce unexpected solutions and reveal hidden potential.
Do no get lost in the advice of others
I want to absorb the wisdom of collective insights and feedback can provide me with invaluable insights. At the same time, in life and design, it is important to stay true to ones vision. Confidently strike a balance to ensure your creative expressions stay original and are true to your voice.
Organize your data
Design is the art of organizing data and arranging it to convey a message or evoke an emotion. The way the data points relate to each other influences how effectively an intended message reaches its audience. An organized composition enhances clarity and impact by creating narratives that resonate and captivate.
Consider context
Perception of color is just one example of how everything is influenced by context. Every choice gains depth and meaning from the interplay with its surroundings. It imbues significance into every aspect of our existence, whether it's the visceral impact of a design or the intricate mosaic of experiences that form our lives.
Never design the same thing twice
True mastery emerges from the perpetual quest for deeper insights and more profound solutions. Always starting from first principles and never settling for what has worked in the past allows me to discover new frontiers and push myself to new heights with every project.
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