We work because it’s a chain reaction, each subject leads to the next.
— Charles Eames
I have a tendency to change up what I do frequently. In 2007, I designed books. In 2008, I was a user interface designer. In 2009, I was an illustrator. In 2011, I’m writing a book. The terminology I use is that I cut my teeth, then wash my hands—meaning I try something new, get proficient, and then move on to something else to try to make meaningful connections. It’s the shark disposition: one must keep moving to breathe.
And so this is my favorite quote in regards to design. The Eames are heroes of mine: such virtuosity over such a wide array of practices. Products for the home, patterns, architecture, movies, I mean, it’s just silly. People have said that doing so was easier back then because the walls between the practices were lower, just like how Da Vinci was able to be on the cusp of understanding in science because we knew so little. I think that’s partially true, but not a convincing enough argument to stand on its own.
The Eames were sharks. One just has to read what Charles said. In work, it’s not that one project leads to the next, it’s that one subject leads to the next. If we’re really sniffing out solutions to the problems of people, then we’ll be going down some serious rabbit holes.
We don’t need to say “multi-disciplinary designer” any more. If we’re truly trying to make things that help all of us to live better, it’s implied and redundant.
Thanks, Charlie.
(via viafrank)