Jaguar XKSS Image from supercars.net
For car enthusiasts and petrolheads, the following story may not be new. The Jaguar XKSS, developed in 1957 in Britain, was handpicked in 2017 for a complete rebuild using the same materials, including the body and chassis. Although some details may go unnoticed, what's truly remarkable is that these new cars are being sold for over $3 million. The appeal may not resonate with everyone; some might prefer the DB12 or the latest model of Jag for a hundred logical reasons, which is perfectly valid. However, some people still choose to buy this classic, perhaps for a leisurely evening drive through the city to a coastal restaurant.
For those who purchase these vehicles, it can be considered the best choice. The company, on the other hand, celebrates this work of art and the design of the machine. This scenario brings me to my point as a designer: What if I asked you to reflect on your work? What piece would you celebrate if given the opportunity to elevate it from your career yearbooks?
What do I mean by celebration?
Think of your weeks and months of daily drills. Translating design requests into mere wants can lead to overwhelming work, with countless layers and strings of gratitude. However, how will you feel about this approach after 5 years or 10 years? Personally, I believe it won't amount to much, which I find wasteful.
Don't get me wrong; when I refer to a feeling of celebration, I don't necessarily mean an act of joy or pride. Celebration can also be the self-satisfaction of bringing a project to life, marking a significant moment in your career, or even shifting your career trajectory in a meaningful way. Like Jaguar, they find it precious.
Don't get me wrong; when I refer to a feeling of celebration, I don't necessarily mean an act of joy or pride. Celebration can also be the self-satisfaction of bringing a project to life, marking a significant moment in your career, or even shifting your career trajectory in a meaningful way. Like Jaguar, they find it precious.
Let me share an example from my agency days. We had the opportunity to work on a project for one of the biggest fashion brands, creating a concept for their anniversary event. Instead of dwelling on our slim chances of success, we focused on what we excelled at. I developed a concept that I still love today because of its authentic research and backstory. In case you are wondering, my concept was to connect precise craftsmanship with the business efforts of the brand to the ballet performers' journey to their final theatre performance. I enjoyed conducting in-depth primary research to uncover fascinating stories about ballet and its performers, which helped me dive deeper into my inspiration. I also spent time exploring client stories to understand their journeys. Finally, during the production stage of the artwork, I returned to the raw form of art using my preferred medium: watercolour. It was a compact yet holistic approach for me.
Early-stage concept drawings I worked on for the pitch / Watercolour
Unfortunately, we didn't even make it past the lobby; our proposal was turned down right before the actual pitch. Afterwards, we went back to the parking lot without any regrets, leaving the project behind—no hard feelings. While the concept and its execution had their flaws, I genuinely appreciated the idea. It combined authentic watercolour designs and transitioned from paper to digital, showing promise for development. However, Long story short, we didn't get through the door. We returned to our usual tasks and moved on.
"In the age of AI and intelligent machines, having a sense of purpose and conscience in your designs can truly enhance their quality"
The lesson I learned is that we, as designers, move forward, creating millions of unique designs and art, chasing the ultimate piece of art. In this case, we were aiming at much larger projects and designs. This was a minor one, like hit or miss, but as usual, I went through the process like I learned in art school. Once we fail, we simply move forward, leaving them as they were. The work we did with purpose and authenticity will live on forever, like Jaguar's masterpiece designed in 1957 after the Le Mans-winning D-Type. Jaguar moved on, but in 2017, they reflected on and celebrated this exact model.
As you reflect on your career journey, these moments of inspiration stand out like shining stars. Each of these experiences forms a trail that leads you to where you are today. It is intriguing to see how these small yet significant events combine to resemble a Milky Way of remarkable achievements.
In the age of AI and intelligent machines, having a sense of purpose and conscience in your designs can truly enhance their quality. When you look back on your work, it evokes a deeper connection and meaning, especially as you grow older. I believe designs made with intention, purpose, and conscience have a lasting impact and resonate more over time, making them truly worth celebrating.
Image from supercars.net
