Have you ever noticed that things take longer than you expect? Yet I find that those last few changes are the ones that really make things pop. They say that the difference between good art and great art is a matter of millimeters. And they say that God is in the details. In other words, subtle changes make a big difference when it comes to art, or anything really.
In photography, I find that the last few moments when I’m taking a picture, long after I have found my angle, and shutter speed, etc… the last few seconds when I’m adjusting the composition, a hair to the left or a hair to the right, these are the moments when transcendence is most likely to occur. This is when the mind settles into something that is more than just a photograph. And I’ve learned not to rush that moment if I can help it.
It seems to be a similar thing with design. I have been working on this wall calendar pretty steadily for the past week or so, much of my time spent checking holidays and details like that. I would really like to get it to the printer, and I do believe I am only one double-check away from doing that tomorrow. However, I’m glad I’m letting the process run its course.
One suggestion that I got regarding the final photo choice made a lot of sense to me. A friend said that, while each picture makes a good calendar shot, overall the pictures picked last week were a little gray… more “pop” was needed. I agreed completely and revisited the images we had to choose from. I even opened up some recent images.
Playing with the back cover design, it took me a while to settle on a selection that jumps off the page more than what we had last week. Let me know if you agree.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
morning Todd,
Love the calendar
June
Thanks, June. I’m excited about it. Just doing the final proofread this morning before sending to the printer in a couple hours.
Definte GO!! I love the colors and the seasonal theme for each month!
Hi Todd,
Superb!
You’re so right about subtle changes along with patience thrown into the creative pot. The results can lend pleasant and dramatic surprises. And with this calendar you’ve certainly succeeded.
June Parrish Cookson´s last blog ..Almost Here!
Maggie (Mom) – Thank you! Glad you like it. It is in my printer’s hands now… waiting for a proof!
June – Thank you. Sometimes I’m hard on myself for “getting behind,” when I take the time to go back and revise… but you know, I’m starting to see that taking that time upholds the whole purpose of my work. If I had to prioritize things, taking the time to rework the calendar would be at the top of the list. Letting a few others things slide last week was the perfect thing to do. Until now, I was thinking, “I’m behind this week.” Now I realize that I’m ahead for taking the time to do it well!
Todd Smith´s last blog ..A Few Changes to the Wall Calendar
it was really worth spending so much time on it! the result is great!!!
Thanks, Elaine!