You might not believe this, but at one point years ago it was totally unacceptable to do a ceremony with anything other than all white. Actually, in many cities this is still the norm.
The first time I did an all red ceremony I received a lot of comments about having bad taste. Some folks even used the word “tacky” (what nerve!). The irony of this is that in some Asian countries all white is associated with funerals.
This, for me, is a very valuable lesson I constantly keep in mind. If you are in any business, it is essential to have this line at the top of your To Do list is: Keep asking yourself, “How can I do this differently?”
I constantly hear the expression “trendsetter;” this just means that one has the ability to see the world and designs from a new point of view. The big challenge, at times, is your clients and how they are going to perceive your need to be “different.” Of course, the other challenge is what’s considered socially acceptable in your market and locale.
On this week’s To Do list, I’d like us to focus on the following:
- Let’s make an inspiration board of three new ideas that we have been contemplating–with an emphasis on being different. And by Friday, let’s actually implement one of them into a drawing or piece of writing. (This is easy, right?)
- Opinions of friends and family can be a very powerful tool. Ask three friends or family members what they think of your work and what you can do differently. (Please do not ask those that are in any way jealous of you.)
- Now, for the BIG challenge: Create one new design with elements or ideas you normally hate. (I tend to look down on balloon designs. This is going to be my challenge for the week). This practice is a great one for when you get a client and you disagree with his or her taste (and if you need more help on that issue, check out my old blog post about what to do if you think your client has bad taste).
“Breaking the rules” can become a very powerful practice for your art, however it also requires maintaining a delicate balance. Gauge how you feel about it. If you are doing it because you actually like it, then BRAVO. However if your main motive is to shock others, I suggest you re-think it.
How do you feel about being “different” and breaking a few rules? In creating your BIG challenge, what elements do you normally hate?
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
alexandra greenawalt
June 14, 2010
LOVE this post! You are spot on. I personally have always dreamed about getting married in a RED dress. Forget white, forget tradition.
With my work i’m always looking to ZAG where others ZIG-for example in following trends which I don’t promote.
I’m going to also carry your message into my art class as it applies.
thank you!
Sharon
June 14, 2010
LOVE this post! Especially the part about doing a design with elements you normally do not like. It is so important to try and make elements work for the client instead of trying to talk them out of their ideas! Now I just need to think about what I normally do not like because really, I am of the belief that there are no wrong ideas in the right setting! In any event, I am going to give your suggestions a try!
Sam Friedman
June 14, 2010
Like the way you put it down, cuz this is exactly what I learned in the past (through my instincts) ‘being different’ or as you say it ‘breaking the rules’ is what makes my work stand out and be the talk of town.
Kristine B
June 14, 2010
My BIG challenge will be working with plaids. I really do hate them! This is going be a really big issue for me. I have a client requesting this.
Barbara Ramoutar
June 14, 2010
Im one of those who dislike balloon designs for weddings,,for kids parties, no prob.I think it distasefull.but I’ve seen some lovely work with balloon.I did a wedding in red silver and ivory ,new years eve,,it was fab,also the seaside ,with the aqua colours,,,,…
Sara
June 16, 2010
Im one of those who dislike balloon designs for weddings,,for kids parties, no prob.I think it distasefull.but I’ve seen some lovely work with balloon.I did a wedding in red silver and ivory ,new years eve,,it was fab,also the seaside ,with the aqua colours,,,,…
Lindsey Huddleston
June 18, 2010
I was inspired by this colorful collection of butterflies from Oh Joy! http://ohjoy.blogs.com/my_weblog/2010/05/found-in-nature.html
I want to make a tablescape to represent each. The first has been harder than I anticipated- I can’t find the linens I was envisioning while sketching. I’ll keep looking! Their colors and patterns are just amazing.
Lindsey Huddleston
June 18, 2010
Oh, and I strongly disliked tents until I saw some of the amazing things you’ve done to create spaces. Now I see them as a frame, not an end unto themselves!
physical therapist
June 20, 2010
Wow this is a great resource.. I’m enjoying it.. good article
Lisa
July 4, 2010
Great post!
I would love to see how the balloon challenge was tackled (anyone?) because I absolutely dislike them for weddings. Absolutely.
Mindless
March 8, 2011
So true…
I am always trying to find ways to be different. It helps to be less bored with the harder (and groaty) part of the work and it is needful to make extraordinary pictures to be special…
Susan
March 29, 2011
You have to ignore people who try to force tradition on you – this is solely because they are subconsciously afraid of change, and less subconsciously afraid of “what will the neighbors say?” I remember being told for my wedding that “You can’t have gold envelope lining unless you do gold print on the invitations, too.” When I pointed out that this was for golden anniversaries, I will still told that I had to have the print & the lining match!” At which point I asked, “What was the point of having wedding colors, if I couldn’t use them where i wanted?” Luckily, the stationer wasn’t an idiot…
gloria
September 8, 2011
How I design…let loose and don’t be afraid to use color!
Tracey Coles
January 9, 2012
Your blogs are helping me grow in so many areas. Please keep writting…maybe in the near future you can do a book of your blogs. I would purchase the first copy. I tend to not like and will not design anything with carnations. Of all the flowers, silk or real they are my least favorite.