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Hi guys! And gals! And the ones still confused!

It's been a bloody long time since I updated anything around here. Comments are plentiful, at least those that I gave anyway but still, nothing new from me in a while.

Anyway, I'm not sure what's the update on the bill that was to be implemented in America on the creative rights of our works on the internet and other places that we share them. God help us if it does get implemented! The current economical crisis is far more important and it should keep the guys there occupied for now.

I'm not pretending to fully understand the economical crisis this world is facing since I don't invest or spend my time in the stock market buying shares and what-not. But it is safe to say that if there's no solution soon to fix the problems, we will simply go down a wonderful path to find ourselves. Sigh.. and the poor get poorer...


Anyway, this journal was meant to question the ever-on-going debate when we start on a piece of art/design. Form versus the function versus the available room for expression.

Like most of us here, when we start doing something on a blank bit of space, it might or might not end up as a work of artistic brilliance. But that's art, and art, in my opinion is all about expression. How about design then?

My definition of design and art is simply:

Art = for the artist's personal expression alone
Design = for the client's expression of his/her ideas and needs.


Design follows function. There's no doubt there.
Art on the other hand, has no immediate or clear function. Other than of course beautifying a space of any kind or perhaps expressing a deep emotion or idea that isn't possible to express any other way. Like love. Or horrible horrible sadness.


When I take on a freelance design brief, I have to meet the needs of the client who gave that brief to me. Whether it's a logo, brochure or a piece of clothing, I need to get inside the dude/dudette's head and help him/her get his/her ideas out on to something physical; like paper.
But here's the stumper.

Where then shall the artist in me have the space to express his own feelings or thoughts?

There's rarely such luxury in design, ladies and gentlemen. And sometimes, that's the best, or at least the most rewarding part of this job to me anyway. It's knowing when to stop being selfish and to help your client realize his/her dreams on paper or screen. It's to know how to subtly hint your style in every inch of the logo or brochure or that kick-ass piece of fashion design.


So artists of this world, be subtle and don't lose that artist inside you, regardless of how demanding or unreasonable your client(s) might be!


Take care~



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