Still Cause to Celebrate!

Even in the wake of a global pandemic, there is no shortage of life events and important milestones worth celebrating. I recently challenged myself to get crafty in preparation for the birthday parades of two young friends who enjoy making and sharing crafts. I pushed myself to use what I already had around the house rather than taking advantage of the usual conveniences. The extra time and effort seemed only appropriate and far more thoughtful.

There’s something particularly satisfying in being inventive during this time. When it’s so tempting to get caught up in what we don’t have, it’s great to be reminded there’s often a way to make something special out of what feels like nothing much. Seeing happy young faces light up while experiencing a whole new kind of celebration was inspiring.

Sometimes we get so attached to the idea of how something is supposed to go, we forget completely that making meaning is something each of us does uniquely and individually. The consequences of our current circumstances teach an invaluable lesson. As many are learning, we can make meaning and experience profound joy in any number of ways.

When we stop worrying about what others find meaningful and focus on our own meaning in design, there can be fewer limits to our imagination. That does not have to translate into expense or excess either. Pursuing our own meaning and sharing our joy with others allows all of us to teach one another new ways to experience joy. Sometimes less is in fact, far far more.

The right designer does not substitute their meaning for yours in helping you realize your project goals. Our job is to understand the design process involved with making meaning; and then put it to work for our clients. The point of our involvement is to make sure that process doesn’t deprive you of any meaning or joy by the time your project is complete.

Working in collaboration with one another, sometimes an entirely new source of inspiration and meaning can emerge from the process. In any case, a great designer will be your partner in the journey toward something that holds deep meaning for you; making it possible for others to share it with you in the way you intended. That is my purpose in working with every client.