There’s something to be said for working within limitations.
I know, I know: As creative people, we love to have it all—all the colors, all the supplies, all the room or the time. And yet, lately I’ve been reminded how inspiring (if not challenging) it is to work within a set group of limits.
With any professional design work, there are limits—usually decided upon by the client, the magazine or the manufacturer. For example, whenever I write a magazine column or article, I can only use widely-available supplies. Even if that discontinued stamp from 2009 is so perfect for the project, I can’t use it because it would be really frustrating for readers to see a fantastic stamp they can’t buy.
I just finished projects for my book Twenty To Make Washi Tape Cards. For this book, I made 40 cards. (Yes, it’s called Twenty to Make but each one has a variation, to make 40.) Okay, so 40 cards with washi tape—no problem. But here’s the thing: None of the cards could use words.
No words? Yipes!
Now, for a word person like me, this is like designing a card without paper. I’m always using word quotes or fragments or other text somewhere. And what about the card message: “Happy Birthday” or “Thank You”? Nope. I did get away with using “Merci” on one card. The reason? The book will sell into foreign markets and it wouldn’t appeal as much to someone who speaks, say, Polish, if I use English on every card.
At first it was a real challenge and I had to get my head wrapped around it. Even more interesting is that I realized I often reach for a word or quote stamp out of pure habit. Now, I had to break the habit—and like any habits, it’s tough at first but gradually gets easier with practice. Instead of filling the card space with “thinking of you”, I had to rewire my brain to balance the design elements with something else. Buttons, a flower, a stamped image.
I’m grateful for that challenge. Now I feel oddly empowered! I was able to find a solution, not once but 40 times. (Okay, 39.) To design against your natural inclination is not so simple but a really fascinating learning experience.
Then the fun part is: When the limits lift, you have another outlook on your projects. When I finished the book and went straight to work on a magazine article, I realized—oh, hey! I can use words on this one! Initially it felt like a relief, but then I realized: But I don’t have to. Because now I have a set of alternatives.
Have you ever made something while fitting into limitations? If not, is it a creative challenge you’d ever try, maybe not using your favorite colors, or hand-cutting instead of automatically reaching for the paper trimmer?
I’d love to hear.
Happy Monday!
