I’m stumped.
I’ve already gotten through most of these videos. I’m pretty sure I only have two left (I haven’t been going in order), and I’ve listened intently to every artist and listened to their thoughts.
Even after all of that, I still don’t know what I should say.
Personally, I think every single one of those artists is right, one way or another. Each one of them has a specific style and a specific objective they’re trying to make. Maybe the one thing that they’re all doing is that they’re trying to tell us something in their art. Isn’t that the point of most graphic design, most art in general?
See, art can have such powerful meaning towards a goal, an objective, a voice, anything really. Art can send an idea to the rooftops and shout it out so everyone around the world can hear it.
I think, for most of these artists, they’ve figured out that good, simple design is a universal language to millions of people. This language can unite many to a cause. This cause might not have had a voice, but thanks to art, now it does. This language could also try to sell something to us, and since it’s reaching out to so many people, it’s likely that a few people will buy.
The only real thing this may depend on is us. We’re the ones creating the language. We all have our specific style, something that can give the language a specific edge. That may mean that future clients might not want that.
But you know what? That’s okay. There’s always going to be a new client. All that matters is for you to be persuasive enough to say “My style is perfect for your voice.” That’s why it’s also important to know how to sell what you’re offering. If that involves a large power point presentation, awesome. But that can also involve knowing how to speak to a crowd, how to get them on your side.
Maybe I’m just rambling at this point because I don’t know what to talk about in regards to these videos. I mean, yeah, they’re all different. I’m different too! I have my own style of art and my own outlook on life: less is more. It’s always easier to take out than add more in.
A lot of people have told me that some of my work looked like it only took five minutes to do. Sometimes, if I’ve planned out far enough in advance, yeah, it does! Other times, it can take me days, weeks even to finish. I don’t need a lot of clutter to convey what I’m trying to say. I just want the meaning to be clear and visible. I learned that a long time ago with editing film; usually, all I need to do is make some simple cuts here and there, fine tune the color a bit, and that’s it. It all depends on whether or not the footage I took was exactly what I envisioned as the final product.
So I guess what I’m saying is this: be yourself, be proud of your work, and convince your clients that your way is the best way to do it.