Studio without computers

• September 28th, 2004 • • graphic design, studio 4A •

Other than just fine art, I work on graphic design type stuff as well. It’s been nailed into my head that good design does NOT start on the computer. You get hung up on the details and mechanics of the computer rather than a good idea. I never really thought about it, but my studio doesn’t have computers in it. Granted this is mostly due to the fact that it would be unwise to store expensive computers in a garage, but it turns out to have it’s advantages. I am physically UNABLE to turn to the computer to noodle with an idea. I really like the fact that when I went down to work on a couple of logotypes today I had a pen and paper.

Computers are really tempting when you’re working! They spit out clean and crisp lines, they can size and re-size, and they can UNDO! Phooey on that. I came up with more ideas today hermit-crabbed away in the garage rather than sitting at the Wacom Tablet. I liken it to the way I write papers. Whenever it’s supposed to be 12-point Times New Roman with 1-inch margins, I start my paper on college ruled with a Rapidograph.

I believe that being physical with a creative work helps to facilitate a relationship with it not achieved when working on the computer. Computers are built for speed: they streamline work and help to speed up otherwise tedious and slow activities. Creative thought should not be streamlined or sped up. Working with your body’s limiting speed helps you to think about ideas being put on paper. In addition, a physical paper trail is left behind. An idea initially passed up as “no good” may be revisited later and reworked to satisfaction. On the computer, ideas are lost through constant modification. In fact, an attempt at streamlining creative work by using the computer may be prolonged because of revisiting ideas that have been unknowingly passed over two or three times!

A few hundred feet between the computer and my think tank works out quite well.

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