Emma Mills
Specialist Ways of Working
Unit 2: Design Manifesto
2nd Year University Project creating our own design manifesto. I found my muse through my love for minimalism, typography and architecture. I designed an a1 poster of my final visual alongside a book which documented my process throughout the whole project.
Design doesn’t have to be complicated, if anything “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” (Leonardo Da Vinci). I also agree with the term that Good design is as little design as possible. As much as we as designer’s seek originality and something new that has never been done before, it is usually in fact the most simple and forward thinking ideas that help us succeed as communicators. Minimalism in all aspects of design is an area which has always been an interest of mine in my ways of working and professional practice. Minimalist design is something I have always been interested in. It has been an apparent theme throughout my work so far. I feel this discipline or theme is a huge part of who I am as a designer, my work in general and who I am as a person.
"Minimalism is not a lack of something. It’s simply the perfect amount of something."
If I have learnt anything throughout my studies and work experience, it is that great things never come from comfort zones! Some of my best work I have created has been when I have been in a different atmosphere to my desk at home. I found that my best work is also my most personal. If I have a true love and emotional connection to it I feel as if I produce better work from it. I am inspired by many typographer’s such as Vince Frost, not only because of their work but how they relate their work to their real lives, especially in his book “Design your life”.
As much as I have my favourite areas within graphic design to work in such as branding and editorial, I like to try new things and explore new avenues that I have never tried before. These new areas that I try usually create successful outcomes, however if they don’t I am a passionate believer that it is great to try to explore new ideas. I can learn from my mistakes allowing me to grow as a better designer in the future and improve my skills as a designer. It is better to make mistakes than to make nothing at all.
