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AMA: I'm Frank Chimero—a designer, writer, speaker, and picturemaker person. I just started a design studio named Another. Etc etc etc.

over 9 years ago from Frank Chimero, Designer

  • zach grahamzach graham, over 9 years ago (edited over 9 years ago )

    Being over a decade deep in my career, I still find it difficult to give advice to other designers. Since art and design is widely subjective, I tend to initially think "What makes my opinion or process anything special?". There is no shortage, however, of young designers giving their strong opinions and advice on design. Much of it lacking conversation and being very matter of fact. What do you think makes an individual, for lack of a better term, an "authority" on a field or topic, Actual experience/insight or simply popularity and a willing audience? With the plethora of web publishing formats, do you find it dangerous that uninformed opinions can become popular?

    4 points
    • Frank ChimeroFrank Chimero, over 9 years ago

      Yes. Yes to all of this. Young people often have a ferocious idealism. I know I did. But, as you get older, you start to see the complexity of things and just how interconnected and variable they are. You eventually have to let doubt into the room. Any sane person would.

      But, I also know I've read some pieces by younger designers that honor complexity, and that, in my mind, lends their opinions a lot of integrity. They might not have as much experience, but they are seeing clearly and learning to be articulate. That goes a long way. I want young designers going through that process. I needed it. Why wouldn't they?

      I also have to remind myself to give people more credit: readers can sniff out a farce and are not shy to label something as such.

      3 points