In my opinion: Art vs. Design

We all know that artists search for inspiration everywhere. So do graphic designers – the main difference that I’ve learned during my short career thus far is the emotional on/off button.

As a graphic designer, I have to set aside my own personal, emotional response to inspiration. When I’m designing I feel cold, analytical – not unlike a researcher. I have to construct a filter first to sort through information, and the filter is the client’s expectations, my team’s input, and ultimately the best solution (however that has been defined collectively).

When I’m making my own artwork I feel more like an explorer. Sure, I get curious when I’m designing, but when I paint it’s like switching an emotional lever. When I feel inspired by something I recognize it immediately – it’s an excited feeling, a sensory experience – it’s genuine and free. My pulse quickens, my eyes light up, I feel warm, I might even get a little dizzy.

It’s not easy for me to turn this emotional tuning on and off. As a sensitive person this felt unnatural at first.

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My illustration teacher used to say “don’t fall in love”. Set those feelings aside so that you can make your way towards the best possible solution. Over time I’ve come around to feeling grateful for these two sides: the head and the heart. They inform each other.

A few weeks ago I was hanging out and drawing with some folks at a local gallery. I love looking at work by others – I can go to that design-y place of analysis, put my own preferences of style and taste on a shelf, and try to get into the mind of the artist and see what they are trying to achieve. I might not necessarily like what they made or wish to hang it on my wall, but I can appreciate what they are trying to do. If I ask questions and get curious I can maybe learn something and expand my palate.

If you’re a designer, artist, musician, or all three I would love to hear your thoughts (especially if you disagree with me). Let me know!

Study of Laurelhurst park in my sketchbook

Continue scrolling for some recent design work for Modern Times

Currently reading:

Pillars of the Earth book 3: A Column of Fire by Ken Follett

Currently watching:

Fire of Love
The Bear (on Hulu)
Hilma af Klimt: Life of an Artist (amazing 15min YouTube vid on the life and work of a secretive, queer, occult artist who probably created the world’s first abstract paintings)
Matisse & Picasso tour with National Gallery Assistant Curator Simeran Maxwell
Watch PearFleur use these fancy pastels from Yorkshire and feel like you’re going to fall asleep but in the best way
Marcel the Shell with shoes on: the movie :,) So good

Currently listening to:

South London Forever by Florence and the Machine – “I don’t know anything except that green is so green”
Creative Pep Talk Podcast Ep. 374 Great insight on judgement and why we need to be judge-y sometimes

Upcoming events:

Originals and prints on show at Forager Vintage in Beaverton through August
Originals at Portland Rock Gym through August

MT9 Anniversary beer - 16oz label design

Bottle label design for Breakfast Lord stout

I experimented with vector gradient mesh in Illustrator

POV: you are me and feeling a lil overwhelmed

MT tulip glass – part of my job is to design merch!

Somehow I Manage – Allie’s Monthly Newsletter

Artist, graphic designer, or both?