Consider This a Good, Firm Handshake
“Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.”
That quote is written wonkily on the chalkboard that hangs on the wall across from my dining table. I can’t remember where I found it, or when. It’s really only still there because I accidentally wrote it on in permanent chalk pen, but it stops me occasionally. I’ve thought about it with regard to my work and a lot in the run up to launching this website. The appeal of the original, I slowly realise, twinkles with a promise of honesty.
When I'm faced with that familiar inner question, ‘what are you trying to be/do?’ I have often thought of graphic designers, calligraphers and illustrators about whom I think, if I looked like that, I’d have it made. But really - honestly - I’d actually prefer not to play pretend. Those artists are my teachers, and I’ve taken note to avoid embodying them. Put simply, I find the process of hand crafting a design totally enthralling, and the exploration of this process is what I’m doing here.
My hope is that, through this time of exploration, the work I produce will somehow inspire you. And if you can see an opportunity for my skills to benefit you, your company, or someone you know, I’d absolutely love to chat about it.
So, for now, let me offer you my hand.