Outcome and Ambition Lecture

The first speaker talked a lot about their past projects and the hidden connections within their design systems. They discussed how infographics and photography play a part in shaping their creative approach. Although it was interesting to hear about their process, I didn’t find much that felt directly useful or relevant to my own work, so I didn’t take many notes.

The second speaker focused on the importance of commercial projects and how they’re often necessary to keep a business running. However, they also emphasised that side projects are what really allow us to push creative boundaries and explore personal interests. These projects give designers the chance to express themselves freely and help define the unique identity of both the individual and the studio.

The third speaker highlighted that simply participating in design is, in itself, a form of expression. They spoke about how the core of design lies in solving other people’s problems, and that this problem-solving process can form the foundation of a business.

The final speaker took a different stance, arguing that self-initiated projects are far more valuable and can actually be more profitable in the long run. They explained that working for companies often means losing a large portion of profit to whoever owns the brand, whereas creating your own brand allows you to take on more risk but also reap the full reward. When your name is attached to your work, it becomes part of your reputation, and the more recognition your name gains, the more people will want to work with you simply for that association.

Overall, most of the speakers seemed to share similar ideas. The key takeaway was that as designers, we need to find a balance between client-based and self-initiated projects. It’s about deciding what matters most to you, creative freedom or financial stability, and how much risk you’re willing to take to shape your career in the direction you want.