Love this from Bruno Munari, via @fchimero in his talk at the Build Conference.

The quote comes from Munari’s book Design As Art - one I surely should have read by now. Must find it.

Thx to @mssngpeces for sharing this @the99percent article today on Jonathan Fields new book - Uncertainty: Turning Fear & Doubt Into Fuel for Brilliance.

Looks like it will press many of my fear, angst and uncertainty buttons. Ahhh we meet again, my old nemesis, self doubt. I know you will eat up my inner steely will up if I listen to your nagging whiney tones too closely… *places hands firmly over ears*

But thankfully:

It’s possible to effectively build “uncertainty scaffolding,” practices that allow you to do what you do (a) without ending up a psychotic mess, and (b) giving you access to an often untapped reservoir of creativity.

I wonder how sturdy my uncertainty scaffolding is? There are definitely days when I feel it swaying in the breeze, but it hasn’t toppled over quite yet. Perhaps as Jonathan Fields says I’ve trained myself into constructing it subconsciously.

For a far greater number of high-level creators, across all fields, the ability to be okay and even invite uncertainty in the name of creating bigger, better, cooler things is trained. Sometimes with great intention, other times without even realizing it.

Also, admittedly, I’m a sucker for the adrenaline kick that comes with not knowing what’s going to happen next.

Love it! I read this Dr Paul Samuelson quote in Sir Ken Robinson’s book The Element on my way to work this morning and it resonated so that posting it here is the first thing I’m doing before getting on with the rest of my day. I am definitely, for the most part, a ‘happy warrior’, except on the really bad days when I’m just a grumpy warrior ;-)

I am one of the lucky ones that from early on in life absolutely knew that art and design was the path for me. Doesn’t mean that I haven’t struggled to find a clear and meaningful route to forge ahead, or had to occasionally deviate onto a side road in order to make ends meet, but in general I’m still on my chosen path.

Having said that, the ways in which I’ve used my skills in art and design to make a living has been, and continues to be, constantly surprising (The environment! Who knew?) - keeping this happy warrior on her toes and helping retain that vital sense of play. The path might be preordained, but you can definitely choose which direction you walk in.