“What I sometimes do on purpose is essentially choose the other way around and look for something where I have no connection with, where I just feel like I have no idea of whether this works or where this comes from, or what people think. Or develop some sort of consciousness regarding aspects that I simply don’t know.”

-Torstan, FELD Studio

As someone who tends to over ideate, the 5681 briefs disclosed to us this week was slightly overwhelming. Ok, so it’s only 59 but it feels like 59! (Yes that’s a math joke).

week 5: creative context + new brief.

lecture summary:

This lecture features insights from several design studios, each offering valuable perspectives on their work, strategies, and industry approaches. The speakers touch upon diverse topics, including their company backgrounds, creative processes, and their approach to project selection. The overarching theme revolves around the importance of diversification, staying open to new experiences, and how the intersection of personal preference and venturing into unfamiliar territories can foster creativity and growth. Here are some key takeaways:

FELD Studio for Digital Crafts, Berlin: Torsten, one of the founders, emphasizes the studio's multidisciplinary approach and how they integrate computational design skills into their work, spanning various mediums. He discusses the importance of branching out into different areas to prevent creative stagnation, emphasizing the need for fresh perspectives.

Accept & Proceed, London: Matt and Michelle highlight the studio's transition towards working for the greater good, focusing on collaborations with clients that align with their values. They emphasize the significance of a strong project management team, which allows designers to concentrate on the creative process. Their commitment to self-initiated projects aids in reaching out to both existing and potential clients.
Studio Dumbar, Rotterdam: Wouter, from Studio Dumbar, sheds light on their organic process of attracting projects, which often come to them due to their reputation and the quality of their work. While they engage in knowledge-sharing activities within their agency, they primarily rely on their established presence in the market to bring in new projects.
Eden Spiekermann, Amsterdam: Stijn and Luke discuss the challenges associated with actively pursuing projects outside their established domains. They emphasize the importance of finding problems they are passionate about solving and matching their skill sets. They highlight the benefits of focusing on specific industries, which allows for a deeper understanding of the issues at hand, and thus more effective solutions.

The common thread running through the lecture is the significance of maintaining a balance between personal interests and exploring uncharted territories, both of which contribute to fostering creativity and achieving success in the design industry.

“There is nothing worse than a designer always doing the same thing because you get colour-blind at some point, you just don’t see the spots anymore, because you saw it so many times.”

-Torstan, FELD Studio

Obviously, Torstan’s words resonated with me. I like pushing the boundaries. However, I also recognize the need to reign myself in and perhaps not be overly ambitious- especially given i am coming out of a trifecta of covid + strep + croup.

So as I plow through the 1.3868312e+80 (see maths joke above) briefs, this is the balance i am striving toward. How to change the world but within my current capacity.

Too many. But whilst recuperating I have had an abundance of time to ruminate over them and read all the design books i’ve been obsessively ordering from my bed.

Conclusion is the creative conscious brief. Because the world needs good right now.