Building Natalie Racz 101

Over my lifetime there has been a few people who have helped shape the person, and therefore designer, I am today.

I know it is cliche and it is a bit corny, but I would be lying if I didn't say that the most influential person on my life is my mother.
I think I get my workaholic attitude from her; And, like my mum, I cannot stop until the work is done.
Two years ago she was diagnosed with cancer and this came as a great upset to my family. However throughout this battle she has not missed a beat and taught me that life is a precious thing that we should not take for granted, no matter how the cards fall. Shrug off the small things because it may seem like a big deal at the time but in the "big scheme of things" (oh how I used to hate when she said that) it's very minor.
Most importantly, we have to live each day to the fullest because we don't know how long we have to make each day the best day of your life.
{I am aware how ridiculously cliche this sounds, however it is 100% true}

My twin, Max.
I don't really know if this counts as influenced, but Max has been a huge part of my life.
As most people know, I am a twin & that Max means the world to me.
I actually don't know if I could function if I wasn't a twin because no matter what there is always Max and we tend to lean on each other and rely on one another as one person. People come and go in my life, but when everyone's gone I can always count on him.
We also, luckily, have the same interests, and since we think a like I never have to explain anything. (Which might explain why I have little paitence)
Max is also very creative and very, very artistic, so we've always had each other to bounce ideas off of as well as critique each other's work in a completely honest way.
No matter what I need help with, Max can help me.

Even when I'm feeling at my worst and I just want to throw in the towel on some pieces, Max is there to kick me in the butt and help me realize that nothing comes without sacrifice and hard work. I have to work especially hard now to shape a successful future.

Just having the support and unconditional love from Max has been a huge impact on my life.

Stephen Fry. Although I have never met him personally, he has affected my life greatly. I admire his intelligence and wit immensely. Over the years he has inspired me to learn as much as possible (no matter how random or useless it may seem) as well as appreciate classic literature.
In fact, just the random tidbits that I've learned by watching his program QI over the past six years have helped me join in on discussions and answer questions that without it I would have been completely clueless.

Radiohead {& Stanley Donwood}
Through their music/lyrics and artwork I have developed my design style. I have been listening to Radiohead (almost exclusively) for almost a decade now and I think the nature of their music has helped me develop my darker/grungy style of design.

And there we have it.
Four people/groups that have helped shape the designer I am today

Natalie's Manifesto

Here are 13 short and simple points that I live my life by;

1. Don't take things to seriously
Life is short: try and enjoy it. Don't hold grudges or look too deep into anything- because it will drive you mad (and/or you'll end up wasting valuable time that you could have spent otherwise enjoying yourself). Remember, we are all human.


2. Try to see things from a different angle
We all see things differently, so try and look at a everything from at least two angles or points of view.


3. Make mistakes
As hard as it may be to admit it, we all make mistakes. However, this not a bad thing. The best way to learn is to make a mistake and then learn how not to get in that situation again.


4. Read as much as possible
It doesn't have to be Dickens or Cicero, but reading has the ability to stretch your imagination and force you to create without even realizing it.


5. Have a passion
It's perfectly alright to have hobbies and interests, as well as be passionate about something. If something can help you escape the real world for periods at a time, the more power to it.


6. Make time for others
Sometimes our friends and family can be a good influence on us. As well, having conversations with others can be quite insightful.


7. Take long walks to nowhere
The world is an interesting place, you never know where you can find inspiration. It's fun to see what's going on around you locally, so walk away from the computer and go for a walk. Fresh air and sunlight are good for you.


8. Don't stay still
Move around. Working from one angle can put your brain in a rut. Lay upside-down, move your furniture around, hop up and down.


9. Don't be afraid of change
Like it or not the world is constantly changing. If we don't embrace the change and change with it, we get left behind.


10. Be informed
The better informed you in all areas the more interesting you are. Read the news paper, surf international news websites, watch documentaries. Learn as much as you can. We live in an age where there are so many free resources, why not take advantage of it? Nothing is random or meaningless, you never know when it will be important.


11. Have a muse
Inspiration can come from anything. Having something that can inspire you can help motivate you when you're stuck, therefore find your muse early on.


12. Live one day at a time
Start each new morning fresh and forget yesterday's worries.


13. Set a short term goal
Plan a vacation or treat for yourself. Having a short term goal ahead can help you get through tough times.

Design in 20 words

Here are a list of twenty words that describe my design theory;

1. Communication
2. Exploration
3. Experimentation
4. Message
5. Creation
6. Thought
7. Provoke
8. Connection
9. Inspiration
10. Admiration
11. Understand
12. Growth
13. Purpose
14. Express
15. Change
16. Interaction
17. Impact
18. duplicitous
19. Functional
20. Visual

What is Design? /revised design statement

DESIGN IS COMMUNICATION DISGUISED AS ART


**how'd I get that?**
/
Over the past week I have been thinking long and hard about how I am going to narrow down my Design statement.
But it has made me go back and reevaluate, yet again, what I think design is.

Design is constructed
Design is purposeful
Design communicates
Design changes with the times
Design is becoming more interactive
Design is becoming more immediate.
Design is communication posing as art
or is it Design is art posing as communication?
I guess that all depends on who you ask.

But how do I summarize all this neatly into one sentence?
I keep thinking and thinking but I just can't seem to find an answer yet.

Am I being too broad?
Guh!