Over the last several months we asked a variety of people to take part in our second annual poster design competition in an unconventional way. Instead of asking them to create a poster, we’ve asked individuals to respond to the design brief in an interview format. We gave them one question and the freedom to explore the topic in any way they like.
Below is the response from Colleen Hill, AIGA Detroit president.
Look out for this and other interviews taken from the What Would You Say book available at our season 2 Poster Show, February 25th, 2012.
Question:
The theme of our season 2 poster design competition is This Way Forward: given the last 2 to 5 years “say something” to help prepare the next generation for the future. What would you say?
Colleen Hill:
Pay Attention
A professor in college once told me, “If you want to be a better designer, read the New York Times every day.” It took me a while to fully grasp the importance of his advice. The New York Times isn’t a design publication. Reading it won’t help me better my type choices, color selections, or learn about the newest design trends. If anything it seemed like it would take more time away from the craft I had been dedicating all of my time and energy towards. It wasn’t until after I graduated that I took my professor up on his advice.
I realize now that what I’ve gained from paying attention to current events is more valuable than the content of all the design books I’ve read – it’s exposed me to new perspectives, concepts, and ideas. It’s given me the gift of an endless list of conversation topics with friends, coworkers, and complete strangers. It’s broadened my view of the world and made me a more interesting person. Additionally, related to my work as a designer, it’s given me ideas that lay the foundation for my projects.
The Say Something Poster Project has granted me the opportunity to add to the advice my professor once gave me: pay attention, stay informed, and develop opinions. Read the news, listen to podcasts or the radio, seek out new information. It will make you a more interesting person, regardless of what career path you choose.