Wow! I can't believe it's been two months since my last post. Sorry for the dead time but between a heavy work schedule and a new daughter due in August I've been a little busy.

Here are a few samples of a new technique I've been experimenting with for Concept 180 to break out of my comfort zone. I like to take at least thirty minutes each day to practice gesture sketching. During these mini-sessions I focus on creating a rapid, "stream of conscious" series of loose, abstract sketches. I put on some good music, free my mind, and randomly throw down loose, exaggerated lines and shapes . I do each sketch as fast as possible without bringing along any preconceived notions in hopes of discovering a fresh proportion, profile, line, etc.

This technique is similar to a process I saw illustrated in a Nick Pugh DVD. I use many of the same methods shown in Nick's DVD but I've adapted them a little to match my style. The principle and results are the same but I've tried to add to the accidental, abstract nature by using Photshop custom brushes.

I have a library of custom brushes I have created for this purpose based on abstract shapes from nature, art, architecture, etc. I simply start with a blank white canvas and then randomly make a few gestures with one or more of my custom brushes at various settings. I do this changing little things each time until I notice something that stands out. It could be anything that catches my eye. A composition, an arrangement of shapes, anything different. I save these interesting files in a separate folder and then I go back and overlay them to try and develop the features that I think are unique.

The key is to keep everything quick and loose. Whenever I catch myself spending too much time on a sketch I put it away. Five minutes at the most. This is about trying to discover something new and to stop drawing the same shapes and lines that I have subconsciously favored through the years. I strictly draw these gestures in black and white to take advantage of the positive-negative space.

As you can see, some work and some don't. I get more than my share of bombs but every attempt has the possibility of sparking something new. It's a great way to loosen up or break out of a creative block.

Stay tuned for more!

Labels: Concept 180, Design, sketches

Comfort.

As human beings we spend the majority of our lives in pursuit of comfort. Whether it be a comfortable situation financially, emotionally, or physically we strive to create an existence that is wholly comfortable and stress free.

I believe this inherent longing for comfort and security in all of us is counterproductive to our success as designers.

Comfort lulls us into a false sense of security and accomplishment. It creates an imaginary bubble of creative novacaine around our brains that encourages us to play it safe, to not take any chances. Why push new ground? Why rock the boat? Why should we venture out of our comfort zone into the unknown? Why be different?

The answer is simple. Because we can.

We owe it to ourselves to try and be different. Isn't our ultimate goal as designers to create? To be original and push the boundaries in hope of discovering that next step? Our very creative nature compels us to go against the flow and stand out from the crowd. To be unique.

In an effort to break free of my own personal comfort zone, I've begun a design experiment called Concept 180. As the name implies, this exercise will be an attempt on my part to go in a different direction. To set out and shatter all of my preconceived notions, habits, and comforts that I have silently reinforced throughout the past 15 years. To stop designing and drawing the way every other designer is and discover my own path.

I'm going to approach things entirely different than ever before. Go against the grain and buck the system. Put the square peg in the round hole. I'm going to experiment with alternative methods and techniques. I'm going to push the limits of proportion and our interpretation of what's beautiful. I'm going to try and completely forget everything I have ever been taught about design and every preconceived notion so that I may break new ground. Hell, I'll try drawing with my left hand just to shake things up.

I'm sure that in the course of this learning process there will be some terrible mistakes, dead-end directions, and more than a few hideous sketches. There might just be some breakthroughs as well. I'll routinely post my work and notes here so that you can track my progress or lack there of. Either way, you'll get to see it all. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

Hopefully I won't embarrass myself too bad and I'll learn a thing or two along the way.

Labels: Concept 180, Design