chip cullen graphics freelancer

“Make it Bigger” - second strip

November 30th, 2006

So, my big idea is to do a webcomic about graphic design. As I’ve previously alluded to, I wasn’t happy with the writing of “Mad Cackle”, and wanted to come up with something I’m a little more passionate about. So far, I’ve been happy with my ideas for strips, I just have to work on producing them consistently.The idea for this strip really sprang from reading this post by Michael Bierut over at Design Observer. He makes a much more nuanced explanation of the problem that I tried to encapsulate in this little strip. But then again, he’s Michael Bierut.My real point is that as designers, we feel the need to “explain ourselves”. We come up with these elaborate explanations so that what we do sounds grounded and objective. The truth of the matter is the process, when it works best, is much more organic than we tend to describe. I have injected a little bit of my own experience into this strip- I’m one of those designers whose best ideas tend to emerge at the eleventh hour.Maybe I need to work on that. Maybe I’ll get more strips done!

2 Responses to ““Make it Bigger” - second strip”

  1. mike Says:

    You’re not alone. I have always done my best stuff when I had my back up against the wall. There is something about constraints that make you get really creative when you have to.

    Like throwing fuel to the fire.

    … and yeah, can’t wait to see more strips on a consistant basis! :P (But with the holidays, I’m one to talk!)

  2. Dennis Says:

    Good one, Chip.
    I find that my creativity just happens, not under any pressure and deadlines…at least when I used to be an artist, before I got married and had kids!

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