Drawar

TMI

I’m an over-thinker. All input needs to be meticulously processed and stored. New information is always cued. And that is a sure way to that most modern of first-world problems: distraction.

These days, we’re bombarded with conflicting advice on how to find our way when it comes to information overload and retaining focus.

Some tell us that for writing we need dedicated apps that remove all interface clutter. Mac OS X has added full screen apps so that we do not have to see our menu bars and docks.

Others add numerous tips and techniques about turning off email and Twitter, assigning time slots or preparing hand-written outlines in preparation.

A classic: just do it

Recently I have found that the only way to write and stay focused is: if it’s worth it, just concentrate.

That may sound ridiculous; but the fact that it does, surely means something is wrong. Perhaps not ten years ago, the advice would have seemed perfectly sound — and it is: you’re doing something important, don’t let anything else steal focus from that.

To me then, it’s the same with design. One reason why I think we see so many design trends take off, then become mainstream, and later mocked or regarded as a designer pitfall, is because we see so much inspiration — and let our attention drift away with it.

Because we love to see galleries and collections and tips and tricks and critiques and shots of work in progress.

Nothing wrong with that, but when it begins to hold you back from opening Illustrator or Photoshop and just work from the idea you had in your mind the night before, it becomes problematic.

Don’t tell me that’s not the case. I read Twitter. I see how you struggle.

Go old school

So am I saying death to inspiration from our peers? No more social networking? Begone sharing awesome designs?

Far from it. But try to remember how back in school you had a class, and all you had to do was sit down, shut up, and listen for one period?

Do that at your job too. Open your app; work. At some point in your life you decided this is what you wanted to do: your passion, your one-and-only. If that’s the case, surely it must be possible to sit down, shut up and get it done?

You like your retro Mad Men, you have your retro Eames studio chair — why not work like a retro designer. Because if your work is something that’s become easily interrupted by mundane distractions, you have a problem. Don’t have it.