creators inspiring creators inspiring creators...

One of the major differences between art and design is that art is more personal whereas design is meant to be collaborative. A designer cannot keep their designs all to themselves, this defeats the purpose. Designs are created to communicate and express to others. It develops function, purpose, and a goal. There are various steps in the process depending on the goal. This can include decisions on content, form, genre, structure, and quality. While final designs can't please everyone, they should appeal to more than designer only. With this said, it is important for designers to find inspiration outside of themselves. This can mean breaking out of their usual patterns, experiencing new phenomenons, and gaining different perspectives to influence a more versatile designer. Without inspiration from others, their work can become based only on what they know and largely self-satisfying. Various clients calls for the need of various viewpoints. While designers do have their personal brand/identity/style, having a wide range of looks and feels allows them to attract and appeal to diverse clients. Another important reason for becoming influenced by others has to do with history. Many Greats come from the past (Charles & Ray Eames, Jackson Pollock, Charles Sanders Peirce, etc.). Their ideas and knowledge inspire designs today and laid the foundation for what designers know today.