Existential Design Thoughts
As a designer, I'm constantly reflecting on where my true passions lie. Perhaps it's the idealistic child within me, but I firmly believe in shaping one's career around the intersection of their deepest interests. Designing for pharmaceutical companies, while lucrative, doesn't quite align with the artistic aspirations that led me to art school. It's when I'm immersed in projects that resonate with my soul that life feels a little closer to perfect.
This notion of intertwining passions led me to embark on a side project inspired by a simple Venn Diagram. Picture each circle representing a different aspect of your life, with one circle symbolizing your career and the others representing your various interests. Now, imagine all these circles intersecting in real life. For me, it meant melding my love for craft beer, typography, and games into a creative endeavor.
Starting with pairing favorite beers with fitting quotes, I honed my typography skills while contemplating what brew the author of each quote might enjoy. Crafting coasters for Chicago-based breweries presented an intriguing challenge—how to capture the essence of each brand while ensuring recognition?
Beyond beer, my passions extend to volleyball, blueberries, and connecting with new people. As a bartender, I discovered the art of finding common ground with every patron, illustrating the natural overlap between design and social interaction. Could this synergy pave the way for a backup career? It's a possibility, especially considering the proliferation of platforms designed to facilitate connections.
“The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.”