The Perfect Project

We recently interviewed someone for a designer position. It’s always nice chatting with another designer, and understanding their point of view. We don’t work off of a set list of questions for applicants, we try to just have a nice conversation, and understand who they are as a designer and a person. One of the questions we asked during the interview was “what’s your idea of a perfect project?”

As a young designer we’re all fascinated with doing stuff we’ve never done before. We all remember the first time we used an emboss or a foil or an expensive paper in a project. It’s the coolest feeling when you check off one of those items that you always wanted to do. Your perfect project is anything that’s different than what you’ve done before.

We all look for gratification in our work, and new experiences can be very gratifying. But after working in design for many years, your idea of the perfect project changes… It doesn’t revolve around materials, or processes. The perfect project has more to do with the way you interact with a client, and the successful outcome. The perfect project gives you an opportunity to solve problems, and do it elegantly. You’re not as concerned with fitting the client into your list of accomplishments as you are in solving their problem. It takes time to learn that patience.