Design the scary word.

Source: Internet

A lot of my friends, relatives and strangers ask "What do you do?" 

I am a designer. 

Wow that's cool! I guess you must be very creative! Hey do you think you could...

....

Stereotype kills me. No we do not always design signboards for your shop. We do not live in a dreamy world where all we ever have to do is 'being creative'. We do not weave designs out of thin air and no, it doesn't take "just a few minutes". I don't know how many people I've met that has this presumed idea about artists and designers. The scenario is repeatedly played sometimes I get the feeling I am whatever they perceive.

So confused about what I want to be and armed with little knowledge of this teeny tiny sector, I went on to read Designing Design.

by Kenya Hara - one of Japan's leading creatives, art director of MUJI. Everyday now I read a bit of Designing Design and exercise my brain for a few minutes. Here design is presented almost as philosophical writings. It is very gentle and humble, like white marshmallow I once bought from MUJI. I thought I know a thing or two about design but in fact I barely touch the surface. Design, Ethics, Role, Culture, Media, Medium, Message, Manifesto, Economy. Will they ever stop tangling together? Would it be better if we question less and do more? Does it really matter to read on and be confused about the subject? 

Not to be compared with Yayoi Kusama's bio or illustrated book because they are totally different in genre but personally speaking I found senses and zen and good design much more appealing. Poor me, tossed up and around between Art and Design, the biggest dilemma of my life to date.