the horror of the BALL chain

1. Learn from every experience

Creating a light fixture made me realize more about my surroundings. Studying interior design is more complex than people can imagine. I use lights in my design everyday, but not till now did I know how they are made and what the importance of each fixture I come across really is.

2. Following is not copying, it is learning.

When designing this light fixture I looked at many different designs and came across Hudson Furniture Inc. I was blown away by the abstract contemporary design and wanted to recreate my own version of it.

3. You grow from failure.

This light was not a complete success. I wish I had added more ball chain and also wish I was more careful when spray painting the mdf board. If I were to make another light fixture I would use different type a wood and make the ball chain more spontaneous.

4. Never hesitate to say what you think or feel. Someone will connect.

When learning how to use the tools in the shop in order to create this light fixture. There were a lot of things said and done within that room that helped our class as a hole get through the difficulties of the project.

5. Go above and beyond when you have it in you.

When creating a sample model of this fixture. I took it upon myself to install a mini LED light on my model in order to allow my class and professor to comprehend what I was trying to show with my design and why I chose those materials.

6. Determine your own Style.

The style of my light speaks for itself. I tend to stay close to the clean edges, right angles, and contemporary look.

7. Take Risks and Be Proud of them.

When physically putting the fixture together, I wasn’t really sure going into it what and how I would put all of the pieces together with. I kind of just went into it clueless, asked questions, and learned along the way.

8. Walk in someone else’s footsteps while creating your own.

Like stated before, I loved ideas from Hudson Furniture Inc. and applied some of their ideas to my own design.

9. Don’t ponder if there’s nothing there. Be adventurous, then return.

During the design process, this got very complicated and tiring. I took some time off did other work and then came back to tackle the obstacles.

10. If you’re not into it, don’t do it. Start over.

When creating the light fixture, I went through 3 different ways of attaching the ball chain to the wood in a clean manner without making the mounting obvious. All 3 ways worked, but only the last one was what I wanted it to be.

11. Being serious about your work isn’t always necessary.

The stress within this time allowed me to do what is always do with my peers. Make jokes and eventually get it done.

12. Who makes the rules? Who said they were true? NOT ME.

Using ball chain for my light fixture completely contradicted the normal use for ball chain in the world. I don’t really care what its for. It looks good.

13. Stressing isn’t accomplishing, smiling is always rewarding.

Like I said, I was stressed and worried. Taking a break helped. But being there with people that were in the same position as me, were there to help me, and people that understand me, was the most amazing part of it all.

Application of my Manifesto

Designing and building my first light fixture.

Design should be non-derivative.

My light design was adapted through out the process of making, due to the materials I had. Originally I had designed a modern piece that was a metal perforated cylinder with an acrylic piece wrapping around the form defusing the light. From the original concept I wanted to keep the defused light appeal yet my design changed completely. My light became a rustic cylindrical form with hand applied detailing. I took my inspiration from Moroccan lanterns. I made my own version by modernizing it with a metal application of green leafing, and keeping a rustic hand crafter feel with hand drilled holes.

Design is freedom to consider new forms and materials-but should always remain true to function.

I knew from the start I wanted to use metal to be the main form of my piece. Metal has always interested me after taking jewelry and metalsmithing freshmen year. I’ve always been interested in patinas, I love how the application of a chemical changes the look of the metal through oxidation. Patinas are a wonderful way to freely change the appearance of metal, while still remaining true to its function. My intentions with this piece was to use the patina liver of sulfur to change the silver metal to look purple and gold colored, but due to time constraints and the complexity of the green leafing that I used instead I felt that the piece looked as I wanted it to and the application of patina in this case would be too much. However, the application of green leafing is still considering new materials and adapting an original form while remaining true to the function of the metal.

The ultimate goal of design, and all creative things, is to bring happiness to people’s lives.

My light was meant to be defused and dim, it is mood lighting. A defused and romantic warm light will set a comforting, and relaxing mood for the user, staying true to my goals of bring happiness to ones life.

What you take from life-your experiences, your drive for knowledge, your devotion-is what you get out of life.

I pushed myself with this project. Building and wiring a light is something I have never done before. What I did for this project, and what I explored in this project are things that I will take along with me and hopefully experiment and explore lighting design further.

The product is not the end in itself but a gateway to a plethora of experiences.

Design is never complete. My light is just the beginning of what it could be if I were to push the design much further. Looking back at this project there are things I would change.

I believe that too often technology hinders, rather than helps. Designers mustn’t even lose site of the hand.

Craft is a way for one to express oneself. I made this light completely by hand, with the minimal help of a drill to make the punctures. I feel that it’s very important as a designer to never lose site of craft. Handcraft techniques are as equally as important as meticulous design techniques.

Process is one of the most important elements of design. The process is the product.

I changed my idea many times throughout this process. The process is the product; my light went from a modern silver metal cylinder with an acrylic piece wrapping around to defuse the light to a rustic, handcrafted mood light.

Make mistakes. It’s the best way to learn.

This project had its own forms of trial and error, as any project does. The puncture design was originally very straight forward and perfectly copied all the way around the cylinder. The use of hand drill and not laser cutting the design out of the metal caused the punctures to be random and free willed as apposed to perfect. I’ve learned from this that new techniques needed to be explored in order for the product of this project to end up as it was originally designed. I’ve learned from my mistakes and actually have learned to love them, they were actually positive mistakes and risks that I took along the process to come out with a beautiful product.

Application of manifesto

My first attempt at creating my own, unique light fixture.

I will get it done, I always get it done.

Of course there was a project due in every class the same week my…light fixture was due. I had designed a pretty interesting light fixture, an “illuminarium”, a light that essentially backlights rocks, water, and bamboo. The fixture was designed as a box within a box, the inner box made of milky plexi-glass conceals the light while the outer box supports rocks, water, and bamboo. This aesthetic seemed impossible to achieve; I had to laser cut the plexi to the exact dimensions, wire a light, construct a base, and somehow finish all this within a weeks time while I had all this other work to do! I was excited about the illuminarium, but I felt like as though this task was impossible. By repeating this mantra, “I will get it done, I always get it done”, I was able to complete the project calm and collected with only minor freak out moments. This mantra helps center my focus to the task at hand instead of filling my head with negative thoughts.

I will never settle for anything less than my personal best.

This was the first time I had ever used the laser cutter, every worked with plexi-glass, ever wired a light fixture, and ever used solvent weld. I gave each of these tasks my 100% full attention and although the outcome is not perfect, I tried my best and look forward to practicing my new skills on future project.

Design is always incomplete.

The design of my light fixture could absolutely be stretched and molded into something more, but it was modified to fit the requirements and time constraints.

Make marks with intention.

Every wall of the light fixture is measured with precision and accuracy, to fit together perfectly and seamlessly.

Respect the process.

The process of making is long and tedious, but without it there would be no product. Pressure and anxiety weigh down on the process; it is the entity responsible for creating a masterpiece.

I will make mistakes, but I can prevent them by learning from other peoples experiences.

Learning how to wire a light fixture, need I say more?

You cannot make informed decisions without understanding history.

Why bamboo? Because it is one of the only plants that can grow with minimal sunlight and no dirt. Therefore, the light fixture does not need to be adjacent to a window; that would defeat the purpose of making a light fixture in the first place.

If you do not stop for a minute, you might miss something.

I almost messed up my project completely by measuring out the wrong dimensions on the laser-cutting template in AutoCAD. This would have been really, really BAD because I had a limited amount of material and time was running out. If I did not take the time to check my measurements, I would have ruined an entire sheet of plexi-glass.

Multidisciplinary actions are Design Thinking.

We did not only design a light fixture, we created it!

These points will change as I change.

There will be additional points added to this list as I develop my practice.

Elaboration...

Design should be non-derivative.

Learn from others, but never copy one. Take inspiriting, and agree with opinions, but one should always be original.

Design is freedom to consider new forms and materials- but should always remain true to function.

We design for the comfort and convenience of others. We should always explore new ways to do things, and new means to do them with. There is a plethora of opportunity to be had, you will never know until you try.

The ultimate goal of design, and all creative things, is to bring happiness to people’s lives.

Everything you do affects someone or something. Design with a purpose; question everything you design and its reason for existence. Always think about the context of your designs, and how the user will experience it.

What you take from life- your experiences, your drive for knowledge, your devotion- is what you get out of life.

It’s pretty self-explanatory. Take all experiences that come to you. You only get far in life if you try. You have to have the drive in order to get to where you want in life. Nothing will be handed to you.

The product is not the end in itself but the gateway to a plethora of experiences.

I feel as though a design is never complete. There is always room for improvement.

I believe that too often technology hinders, rather than helps. Designers mustn’t ever lose site of the hand.

There are many programs that have been invented to help and enhance ones designs. Many times these programs can make the process longer and harder than it need be, simply because it’s technology. Technology is flawed and as I said before, the product always has room for improvement. Therefore I feel as though the designer should never ever lose site of the hand, sometimes the classical way is just better.

Process is one of the most important elements of design. The process is the product.

You should always question yourself. In the process you must question everything you do because it’s the only way to perfect the product. The process allows you to work through the issues to develop the idea.

Make mistakes. It’s the best way to learn.

If you fail pick yourself up and try again, there is no point sitting in the mud wishing you had done something differently when you can’t go back and change it.

If you ask me...

1. Learn from every experience

Every experience has an impact on your next project. You can do things in life that will alter the way you think about a space or design, may it be something completely out of the ordinary.

2. Following is not copying, it is learning.

You learn from seeing the work of others. When your working on a project other peoples opinions, input, and ideas can help you learn things about you design that you never knew. If you use someone else's idea to think of you own, great things can come of it.

3. You grow from failure.

You can never necessarily do something wrong. This is because everything you do in your life allows you to grow as a person. By making mistakes, you begin to realize what is good or bad for your process in design.

4. Never hesitate to say what you think or feel. Someone will connect.

When dealing with group projects i tend to say things that are completely crazy. I try to spin these things to allow my peers to understand what i am getting at. All in all, I'm a weirdo. But my absurd comments always seem to get my somewhere, spark an idea, or just be me. A weirdo.

5. Go above and beyond when you have it in you.

I always get a sudden motivation to do more work then needed. If i love what I'm doing, i don't mind spending the unnecessary hours to get things done the right way. Even when it isn't "due".

6. Determine your own Style.

After working with the same people for such a long time, you begin to realize everyone has their own style. You begin to be able to tell who did what work. You make a mark on peoples emotions towards your work.

7. Take Risks and Be Proud of them.

if you go above an beyond you can fail. you can only learn. Do things you never thought you would do. Live a little.

8. Walk in someone else’s footsteps while creating your own.

If there are people in the world who you admire, theres always someone there to catch you when you fall. To guide you when your lost.

9. Don’t ponder if there’s nothing there. Be adventurous, then return.

I always tend to sit there and get very angry when i cant figure something out. I have found it helpful to just drop it. Go do something fun. Take a break and just don't think about it. Then come back.

10. If you’re not into it, don’t do it. Start over.

Ive taken it upon myself to not do anything i dont like. i find it a waste of time. Yes im in school and there are assignments im not going to like. But i believe in always making things you approve of. For example, i hate office planning. It drives me insane. But that doesnt mean im not going to try to make the best design that i am capable of. If i wasnt going to try and make it the best, id rather get a 0 and not even waste my time.

11. Being serious about your work isn’t always necessary.

Adding a kick to your work is always entertaining as well as interesting. Cookie cutter is not my thing. Its boring. Like i always say. Live a little.

12. Who makes the rules? Who said they were true? NOT ME.

i dont believe people HAVE to do anything. i mean yea there are laws, but in design, you make your own if you ask me.

13. Stressing isn’t accomplishing, smiling is always rewarding.

i believe you don't accomplish anything if your drive yourself crazy. Your always going to get your shit done if you put your mind to it. But why stress? Make your work fine, crack jokes, smile, be with people that make you happy. If you don't. Get a new career.

refined manifesto

I will get it done, I always get it done.

Sometimes the amount of hours I need to put into a project exceeds the number of hours I have to complete it. Apocalyptic visions of my studio space, sheets of vellum with technical drawings, carefully constructed scale models, all set in flames. Heart palpitations. Five bags of Godiva, twenty visits to Starbucks, and three days worth of not showering begin to wear me down. Despite all the stress, anxiety, and disbelief, I sit here now and regret only that I allowed negative thoughts to consume me. By repeating these words, I will get it done, I take an oath to remain calm, cool and collected because I always get it done.

I will never settle for anything less than my personal best.

I am dedicating my life to the practice of design. If a practice is a continually evolving entity, one that needs care, love, and attention, then why would anybody settle for anything less than their personal best? Settling requires minimal effort. Minimalism is not trying to improve a practice. It is lazy and careless. I will never say a project is sufficient to hand in unless every aspect feels right to me.

Design is always incomplete.

I will never say I am finished. When I think I have finished, I rethink; there is always room for improvement.

Make marks with intention.

Preliminary thoughts should not be structured, they should be free spirited to explore above and beyond the scope of the work. When these thoughts begin to focus into a concrete concept, every element should be designed deliberately for the specific needs of the project. Let your thoughts run wild through your brain, and deliver with meaningful, purposeful marks.

Respect the process.

I must always be kind to the process of making, doing, thinking, acting and reacting. The Process is what makes me stronger; it stimulates discovery, overcomes obstacles and allows me to work through design issues.

I will make mistakes, but I can prevent them by learning from other peoples experiences.

Older, much wiser design professionals once stood parallel to where I am standing today, a student who is trying to figure out what to do, where to go, and how to apply what was learned in class to real world applications. These people are filled with the knowledge I will acquire after years of practice and time. I have already encountered a plethora of mistakes ranging in size from how to draw a design line to disassembling a model and reconstructing it to the correct scale. Mistakes are inevitable but I can weed out frivolous, mindless ones by learning from the seasoned veterans. It is wise to listen.

You cannot make informed decisions without understanding history.

How would you know where to go unless you know where you are coming from?

If you do not stop for a minute, you might miss something.

In the past, once I had an idea, I would run with it. I got stuck on my initial thoughts and would allow the idea to consume me on every level. Now I realize that preliminary thoughts should be savored like a steaming, frothy cappuccino sprinkled with cinnamon. The development of a concept is the most important stage of the design process and requires great attention. Should you find yourself rushing into an idea too quickly, slow down, stop and scrutinize your inspiration. You might have missed something.

Multidisciplinary actions are Design Thinking.

Design thinking is the process of developing practical and creative resolutions that look to improve the future. A combination of creativity, rationality, and practicality is essential in developing ideas to drive success. The combination is derived from a multitude of disciplines; an interior designer should also be a graphic designer, an industrial designer, a psychologist and a color theorist. Inspiration from a variety of disciplines often leads to thinking “outside the box” and encourages a building up of ideas.

These points will change as I change.

I am only 21 and have a lifetime to learning left to do.

Manifesto

Manifestos

1. Learn from every experience

2. Following is not copying, it is learning.

3. You grow from failure.

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4. Never hesitate to say what you think or feel. Someone will connect.

5. Go above and beyond when you have it in you.

6. Determine your own Style.

7. Take Risks and Be Proud of them.

8. Walk in someone else’s footsteps while creating your own.

9. Don’t ponder if there’s nothing there. Be adventurous, then return.

10. If you’re not into it, don’t do it. Start over.

11. Being serious about your work isn’t always necessary.

12. Who makes the rules? Who said they were true? NOT ME.

13. Stressing isn’t accomplishing, smiling is always rewarding.