Artist Series (Gilmer)

For most of us, our whole academic career we’ve been taught to plan and polish everything that we produce. After watching several of the artist series produced by Hillman Curtis, one message is clear and consistent: March to the beat of your own drum.

Creative professionals like Paula Scher, David Carson, Mark Romanek, James Victore and Lawrence Weiner created whatever made sense to them. And furthermore, they stood confidently behind what they produced.

This philosophy can be intimidating especially for someone in the beginning stages of their career. Carson described his design process as self-indulgent. Scher reveals that she’s never been much of a refiner and works off instincts. So much so, that if she doesn’t get it after a second try she’s probably not going to get it. Wow. That’s so counterintuitive to everything we’ve been taught before. But when you think about it, it’s probably the best approach to have when creating. Trying to design for the masses as opposed to yourself can be an impossible task. At least if you design to satisfy yourself, you have the approval of your toughest critic.

Until we see something that breaks all the rules we don’t realize how boring we’ve become by following all the rules. Make your own rules. And even then it’s still okay to break your own rules (with good reason). The important thing to take away from education (any type of training) is not what to think but how to think. Still be critical of yourself. Still think deeply about what you’re producing. But know when it’s time to stop refining and let the world get a glimpse of what’s true to you.