Sending the Elevator Back Down
Filmforum, 1994
When I decided to step away from AdamsMorioka and focus on, forgive the do-gooder tone, working with younger designers, or sending the elevator back down, I worried that people would think I stopped designing myself. Then I realized this was vanity and pride and had no place in moving forward. But every once in awhile it rears its ugly head. At a meeting today, someone asked, "do you have time to work with your own clients in addition to the Art Center work?" I had to admit I recently turned down a signage project because I was already over booked and did not want to start a studio with large staff again. But, I just finished a bandana design for a client.
I felt small. But again, that has nothing to do with the work. It's just pride. And doing something or not because of pride is always a bad idea. The day ended with seeing work I could never imagine doing myself from a group of younger designers. That made it worth it.
I'v been adding work to the BSC site over time, which is like using a time machine. I found a series of projects I did back in 1994, before AdamsMorioka, AIGA, Lynda.com, and Burning Settlers Cabin. You aren't supposed to share old work. It makes you look old. But it reminded me that I was once that young designer, who was helped enormously by Saul Bass, Michael Vanderbyl, Michael Bierut, and Paula Scher.
