Design Thought Leader

Some people will tell you creativity is part of your make-up. That you can’t learn it. I disagree. I believe that there are different levels, and natural talent for sure, but I strongly believe that creativity can be learned, or at least manifest itself in people who are exposed to passionate, inspiring people, or exposed to environments and opportunities that can help bring it out.

Passion takes a person to greater heights. In design, the most passionate never stop thinking or solving problems. They work on a project after the budget has all but gone, with an aim to get it perfect. They do personal projects; they talk with a fire in their eyes about a piece that inspires them. They see opportunities where others see restrictions or walls. I nearly always take on designers who show a passion for their own work.

You can’t fake passion, I will say that. Although passion in design isn’t always an easy thing to maintain. Most of the designers I know have lost theirs at one time or another. I’ve always felt that to get the most out of being a designer, you have to have an interest in something else as well, away from the world of design. It can provide an outlet for frustrations, or act as a reality check, when work can become all-consuming.

Jason Little
Creative Director of Corporate Brands, Sydney office of Landor Associates