Comments on: Why Time Drives and Refines Creativity

By: Bruce

Bruce — Sat, 22 May 2010 07:21:31 +0000

It’s a personal thing.

Some people prefer to work without a deadline because they either a) can’t handle stress or b) have enough self discipline to not procrastinate. I’ve noticed that those people usually are not found within a graphical profession

I like a little bit of pressure as well, it’s quite logical in human terms. Pressure, which is a form of danger of sorts (fear) pushes humans to take action.

Admittedly I do not do client work at the time because I prefer to focus on other things than on projects at the time.

By: Amy

Amy — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:54:13 +0000

I like having as much time as possible on any project. Similar to what you said above, I too design something and then come back to it a little later… even as quickly as an hour later gives me an entirely new perspective.

Good article.

By: Steve Zelle

Steve Zelle — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:25:04 +0000

Thanks for stopping by Mikel and for taking the time to comment. Very true that time can be just as much a driver for the client as it is for the designer.

By: Mikel GNZ

Mikel GNZ — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 23:37:50 +0000

heh, heh.. funny.. i think it goes both ways, i mean the client also “overdesigns” if there is a lot of time.. the whole thing just becomes a monster and you end up with the first thing you had. I think you have to look at the works as “it is correct?” that is, does it transmit what it supposed to? is it to the client’s possible liking? sometimes you hace to stop thinking outside the “i like it” terms and switch on to the practical side. Not all projects are going to be a “piece of art” .. but sometimes, doing that thinking you end up with something nice as well, heh, heh.. btw nice site ^_^

By: Steve Zelle

Steve Zelle — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:43:31 +0000

Arik and Leighton — thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject. Glad you enjoyed the post.

Walk — I would assume this works anywhere a critical eye is needed. The key is working it into a schedule by highlighting the benefits when your client wants it NOW.

By: Arik Beremzon

Arik Beremzon — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:23:20 +0000

It’s a personal thing.

I like a little bit of pressure as well, it’s quite logical in human terms. Pressure, which is a form of danger of sorts (fear) pushes humans to take action.

Admittedly I do not do client work at the time because I prefer to focus on other things than on projects at the time.

By: Walt K

Walt K — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:47:58 +0000

Oddly, the same idea applies to creating copy.

If the web content is due Friday, write it Monday. Fast, under time constraints.

Put it aside till Thursday. You’ll notice you didn’t really say what you thought you said.

Give yourself ONE shot at tweaks and tinkers. Under deadline.

Then ship.

By: Leighton Taylor

Leighton Taylor — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:46:52 +0000

Thanks for the article, Steve. It’s true that we designers are never satisfied with our own designs; I find myself continually wanting to redesign my website and logo, and eventually I have to put my foot down and work on something else!

I’ve also learned that creativity flourishes best under restrictions, be they in the form of deadlines or specific design requirements. There definitely must be a balance of a deadline to motivate you and enough time to reflect on the design.

Thanks for your insight!

By: Steve Zelle

Steve Zelle — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:34:17 +0000

Hi Jonathan,

Great of you to leave a comment and glad you enjoyed the article. I agree that even small breaks help, jumping back and forth between multiple projects is a great way to do this.

By: Jonathan Patterson

Jonathan Patterson — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:33:14 +0000

Good article.