Do it for you

Audrey Chan
Illustration and Visual Media

The world is moving so fast because how technologically driven we are now. With things being transferable in one second from one side of the planet to another, it becomes hard to catch up. Things are starting to move online as companies and individuals work digitally, things become more efficient and so growth is much easier to obtain. With all this happening, things tend to fall behind and forgotten but one thing never fails to rise to the top, and that is design.
 
My practice exists in every surface, every dimension, and every corner of our daily lives. It grows alongside with humans and improves based on how we improve and upgrade the ways we work and live. We often see it used in terms of advertising which could be for a cause, such as conservation efforts where we garner peoples support to fight for an ideal, or for new products from our local or commercial businesses, etc. It also exists in products, how designers and makers are able to produce goods that are efficient, easy to use, and the best version of, for example, the food processor in your house. It could also be used to catch someone’s eye, make them feel interested in what they are looking at into and to have the desire to learn more. These are what I would argue the basis of design are. With its ever growing potential in our current society, there are no limits to what we can do and how we use design.
I personally enjoy creating art because it is visually pleasing and that was all I ever wanted to take out from the experience, I have always thought of design as something purely aesthetic. The process of creating has always been soothing to me and the ability to see yourself create something that not everyone, heck, no one can, is just extremely satisfying. The creative process includes things such as technique and emotion which is so very personal and no one can take it away from you.

Over the years I have learned that is not what it is limited to. Everything you see around you is a design, the way your house looks, the position those plants were planted in, even the very keyboard I am typing on is a design. There are so many people using design in countless and unimaginable ways for whatever it maybe but there is a common thing between all these and that is the purpose they hold. The last few years in university has made me question more about what MY purpose is? Why am I in this course, studying Illustration and Visual Media, and now that I am studying for the Diploma in Professional Studies, what am I doing all this for?
I had none - to begin with. I took a good look at myself, what are my skills? I did realistic paintings a while back, enjoyed creating work that is more abstract and obscure, especially the ones that made you think, you know? I know I am great with colour because that is how I convey the emotions inside me through something that is often on a flat surface. While I love to play with perspectives on a canvas, I prefer crafting, making things with my hands because that is how I display my unique skills of being able to produce pieces holding great detail. Ok, now what am I passionate about?

Images retrieved from Riot Games

At first I answered, “Not much, really” but it didn’t feel right. Why was that? You know you’re always really excited when you see new champion splash art from that game League of Legends, and you know it makes you really excited to draw time and time again. Didn’t you say that you were going to work there one day? How about the environment? You are always finicky about recycling and you’re constantly trying to change your flatmate’s habits for a more sustainable ones, always going on about reducing waste and getting the most out of what you have. That’s not “not much, really”. Everyone else wants to do such big things with their skills, support acts of activism and changing the world for the better meanwhile I’m just sat here still in my bedroom with dreams and aspirations that all exists only within my bubble…

I keep having conversations of such with myself to figure out what I want to get out of this year and how I can “benefit the society”; but I have come to realise that this isn’t really what is important. Sure, your discipline is so crucial to the ever-changing world but why is it wrong to do it for yourself? There is nothing wrong with doing it simply because you like it and simply want to do what others can because you admire them. Keep looking at those champion splash arts and keep motivating yourself. Keep practicing your drawing skill no matter how ugly you think they are. Throw away all the pressure that everyone, and even you, are putting on yourself. Don’t question yourself and keep pushing for growth not perfection, you will get there eventually. I have high hopes for myself this year. As long as I am working, constantly reflecting on my actions, and most importantly, enjoying what I am doing, I will grow. I am sick and tired of feeling like I have to prove my worth or purpose to others. My worth is defined and created by myself, and me.  No matter where I end up, whether if it’s drawing, painting, animating, doing volunteer work – whatever it is, be ambitious and work hard. It is pretty hard out there so jump at every opportunity you get.