1. Based upon the reading how are priorities set for specific projects? Or in other words, what is it that determines the guidelines for given projects?

For the Panton chair, the design formula came from the need to break traditions and make something new, and challenge questions of everyday objects. The What If project says that curiosity is a main factor in determining guidelines and ways which one creates. Anything a human experiences can lead them to create something to alter other humans’ experiences.
2. How does the artist/ designer approach decision making differently or do they?

For Linda van Deursen and Armand Mavis, they found design and “editing” to have the same potential for creativity as art. While one may typically see an editing role as that of removing and limiting, these designers made new choices and thought of new ideas to create something cohesive and enjoyable, and enjoyed working that way themselves. Similarly, Michael Amzalag recognizes that instruction and basic form can morph into creativity and art. Mathias Augustyniak recognizes that design is just a specialty art approach, and that romanticizing the idea of being a graphic designer prevents you from experiencing a situation in more than one way, as N55 Art and Reality states. N55 says that we cannot limit art to just one specific situation, or school of thought, in creation or critique. By doing so, the art cannot be fully experienced.

Personal Reflection

1. How do you make decisions? Are they based upon anything substantial? Why or why not?

 I make decisions based on how it will affect the whole. I like to look at how doing one minute thing will change and alter the final state of something, in this case a piece of work, and think a few steps ahead to see the final product. I also compare and contrast outcomes of different choices in my mind to make sure the final project is exactly how I am envisioning it. If a decision ends up not working in my favor, I try to use it to my advantage and alter other decisions I may have made already to make sure each minute piece of my work fits together.

2. How do you know when something is “good” or working?

For me, when something is good I am excited about it. I can’t stop looking at it or thinking about it because I am proud of myself for making it. If it’s not working, I can tell because I can’t move on and I get stuck thinking about how to make it something I am proud of.

3. How do you rework projects to make them work?

I will often sit and think of a different way to attempt it to make it work if the thing I have done is changeable, and think through what different ways will lead to. If it is permanent, I accept that as final and alter the other things I haven’t made yet or that are changeable to fit with the mistake and work and think until the mistake becomes part of the work.