Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
you should be able to apply many of these ideas in your own work.
1. Embrace constraints.
Constraints and limitations are wonderful allies. They lead to enhanced creativity and
ingenious solutions that, without constrains, might never have been discovered. In the
words of T.S. Eliot, “Given total freedom the work is likely to sprawl.” Constraints can be
inspiring and liberating—it all depends on your point of view. There's no point in
complaining about constraints such as time, money, and tools. Your problem is what it is.
How can you solve it given the resources and time that you have? Often, you'll have few
options and fewer choices at your disposal. Yet, as Zen scholar Steve Hagen reminds
us, in life as in design, “True freedom doesn't lie in the maximization of choice, but,
ironically, is most easily found in a life where there is little choice.” Learn to view
limitations not as annoyances but as welcome editors that force you to think creatively.
2. Practice restraint.
Anyone can add more. It takes discipline of mind and strength of will to make the hard
choices about what to include and what to exclude. Self-editing is an important skill, but
it's something we all struggle with. It's hard to let go of our “babies”—those ideas we've
worked on for so long and have grown so attached to—and it's sometimes impossible to
see that they are unnecessary. As new media designer Hillman Curtis says, “You may
include things you believe to be crucial in a design, but those elements are often only
crucial to you.” The genius, however, is often in what you omit.
3. Know when to stop.
Hara hachi bu, which means “Eat until 80 percent full,” is a Japanese idea from the
culinary world. This idea can be applied to the length of meetings and presentations, and
also to the amount of content and the number of elements you use to express your
message. The answer to the question “How much should I include?” can only be
answered by you, as you are closest to the problem. But remember that self-restraint
—the kind exercised in hara hachi bu—is difficult but often leads to greater clarity. Resist
the urge to pile on more “just in case.”
I've used these simple slides in workshops when talking about principles of self-control and moderation, ideas
