OlderBen SaysWhen I haven’t made anything for a long time I start to get restless. I frequently get into these long drawn out research and understanding phases. Given the work I’m currently doing it is totally necessary, but still I have a strong need to make stuff.
I don’t really consider this a break though, I’m still very much engaged in conceptual thinking.
Whenever I feel this way I try to make a book, screen print or letterpress something, or at least draw.
If I’m stuck all together in trying to come up with a concept I try to get away from thinking about design at all. I will usually go for a bike ride, to the library/book store.
Frank SaysI think any time I’m not working ridiculously hard, I do feel a certain twinge of guilt course through my veins. I just have to remind myself though that life is more than work, taking breaks keeps me healthy (creatively, spiritually and, um, bodily), and that I’ll always be hardest on myself about my work ethic.
I’m finding that I usually spend my off time traveling and taking things in. It’s hard work always outputting, so it’s important to give yourself some time to take in some input.
Dear Ben & Frank
How many dumb questions do people submit on a daily basis?
Question Submitted by David Turnbull
Ben Says
Frank Says
Ben SaysTo me it’s not one or the other anymore, it’s about doing what is right for the project. For me personally doing a lot of my own illustrations happened out of necessity because most of the clients I worked with early in my career couldn’t afford to do photography or even hire another illustrator. I will say that at this point it’s become something I enjoy and seems to be working well for me.
Frank SaysReal men combine them both.
I’d like to think what I do designery illustration.
Ben probably does something that could be considered illustrationish design.
Ben SaysSatisfaction over cash, but the trick is of course to find the balance between the two.
Frank SaysDoes it have to be one or the other? I hope not... if so, this is going to be one long career I have to slug through.
Ben Says
Frank Says