Apr
4
Written by:
IML
Wednesday, April 04, 2012 12:41 AM
Posted by
Jason Barnett
Art Director
Over the past few weeks, I have been completely emersed in being a designer. From a job standpoint, I have been working feverishly on designs for the web, mobile applications, logos, presentations and large events. I have been required to think quickly and shift from one project to another and from client to client without losing sight of the vision for each. I’ll admit, it’s difficult. Actually, it’s incredibly difficult. The requirements of having to be creative day in and day out is, at times, exhausting. It is a tremendous challenge. But a welcomed challenge. If you’re a designer, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. Having a passion and desire to create and design is part of a designer’s DNA. We can’t simply turn it off. Nor do we want to, at least, most of the time.
Last Friday, I participated in Career Day at my daughters’ school. After talking with fourth graders for two hours, I realized that despite the creative challenges and the obstacle of not sleeping, being a designer is a pretty sweet deal. Breaking it down to the simplest of a description, a designer spends most of the work day either drawing or playing on the computer. Of course there are also the times of client interactions, paper work, organizing and moments where the creativity tap is sealed shut and the ideas aren’t flowing in between the creating phases. But for the most part, a designer is a fun job. We make things look good, or at least make a valiant attempt. Most people say, “Oh I have this idea…” but never get to execute it. Not only do we have our own ideas as well as ideas of others, but we get the opportunity to bring those ideas to life. And it usually has an entertaining or enjoyable quality about it (with the caveat that the designer is in fact talented enough to do so.)
When showing the fourth graders some of the things I’ve worked on that included interactive games, branding for t-shirts and working mobile apps, they were excited and fully engaged. No one says “That’s awesome!” quite like an excited fourth grader and their ability to insert a soft “R” sound into words that contain no Rs. And seeing that reaction inspires me and gets me more excited and the passion comes out. Then, I’m just as excited as the kids. That’s when I understand that I do in fact have a cool job. I’m lucky. I’m doing something I love and getting a paycheck for it. So, until I can figure out a way to get paid for eating popcorn and watching movies, I’ll stick with being a designer. Or at least until the moment I realize I’m no longer cool, if I ever even was.
Interactive Media Lab is a Louisville based multimedia resource working with corporations, government agencies, education resources and non-profit organizations. The company focuses on web development, design and hosting; audio and video production and streaming; live event planning and production; and mobile application development for iPhone Android and Blackberry platforms. IML takes pride in its reputation as one source for all things multimedia providing a single resource for the best in creative minds, technology and results-oriented solutions.