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Thought: Read the comics which no one reads.

Recently, I had an interesting conversation with a comic book shop owner (forgot the name of the shop but it’s located at Atria Shopping Centre, Damansara Jaya). We started off talking about about whats currently interesting in the world of comics; The Avengers, Captain America, Kick Ass, etc. Also spoke on Mark Miller, Alan Moore, Neil Gaimen, etc.

In the midst of our conversation, he introduced to me, Miracleman (which I’m currently reading). He too told me of the awesomeness of Kick Ass and also Wanted in comic book form. But he told me something which caught my attention. ‘Read the comics which no one reads. Sometimes, they are the best around.’

Which means, no Spiderman to start with. And all that mainstream madness which Wolverine Origins, X-men, all that DC Batman, Superman stuff. But why?

Probably they are less bound by commercial success?
Perhaps the ideas are fresher?
Maybe the public just can’t accept it?
It’s always cooler to be associated with something of the cult culture anyways.

Whatever it is, I do appreciate and enjoy the drama and complications which a good comic book can deliver. The CMYK inked, simplified cartoon drawings, saddle stitched, cartoon-like pictures in thin-issued-slightly-smaller-than-A4-size paper feels good in my hands. Furthermore brought to life by complicated and sometimes broken characters, unjustified storyline and oh, the value of a first edition of collectors items. Not to forget the corny part where the girlfriends of our beloved heroes are always caught in between the final battle scene. Funtastic.

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Thought: My dog can design better than you.

Before I start preaching about animals who can design, I just want to share my honest opinion that I’m running low on time to blog at the mean time. Besides that, the blogging era is probably a little outdated already. Twitter & Tumblr are probably the thing now for me (until the next thing replaces what we now call Social Media Networking whatever). Besides that, going to the backend of the blog makes me feel like I’m working on a job. So I have decided to keep my post short, simple and blunt. That applies for the future too. Besides that, I believe that critical design thinking stuff should be left in the good hands of those who can really preach about it and are qualified to do so. But if you still read this blog, I must say I’m really flattered that you do so!

Firstly, my point on animals, especially dogs who can design: Is that graphic designers themselves are sometimes not the best persons to do the job. What I’m trying to say is that clients should definitely not employ design services to settle a performance issue. Or perhaps a graphic designer’s aesthetic sensibilities to judge if whether a product is sellable or not. And definately not ask a graphic designer to write a company profile.

To compliment the issue, it also boils down choosing the right individuals for the job. My experience tells me that I’m not a designer who will stay loyal to my ideas. Last minute inspiration probably helped me form my greatest hits… So probably, if you enjoy the unexpected thrill of growing/throwing ideas, probably I’m the right man for the job.

Secondly, clients are getting smarter and better. Sometimes way beyond what we designers think they are. Clients are fully aware of the platforms we use, its limitations and its capabilities. In no time, some part of our work will be unnecessary as clients will also have the resources (including cash) to do so. Probably, in a few years time, production can be managed over the internet? or the iPhone monitors the design process? I’m not sure.

My last point, if a dog can inspire me to design in new ways, I will humbly acknowledge its assistance and enlightenment. Because if the idea of aerodynamics came from birds, then all vehicles working with the idea of aerodynamic systems to help boast performance must have been of its origin right?

On the last note, I sincerely do not mean to insult or make you feel uncomfortable via this post. But, lets say if you know a dog who can do graphic design, I’m most interested in its imaginative ideas.

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