There are a lot of stages to a project and “the handoff” is one of them. From there, we have to determine how to proceed. A lot of times the project will stay in the client’s hand for a bit and hopefully, it comes out at a later date. As a designer, it’s hard to know when the best time is to get the work you did ready to show to the public when the project goes live. No matter how long it takes, part of the project is to show the work. Wait too long, and you have lost perspective, don’t care, etc.
One thing I have been thinking about a lot is once the project is done, it metamorphosizes into a new project. It takes on new objectives and almost starts over. I am very interested on how you address, document and think about this stage, please let me know if the comments.
I run a type foundry called Public Type and we released our first typeface by someone other than me, Shiva Nallaperumal, which is a landmark event. Someone online asked for a specimen (a few for sale here) and I obliged. When you publish a font, it’s a joyous event. After getting copies, I was reminded that doing something after, it becomes more real and transforms perspective in many ways.
I think a physical object makes a lot of sense but when I ran another type foundry, I always tried to do something to celebrate, from hosting a “font release” metal concert to hiring elderly influencers who had a segment on MTV to make a promo video, etc. In general, celebrating big and small landmarks is an important ritual that I try and do for everything in my life.
A few days ago I found 8 pieces I had started for Thousands of Eyes in the Dark and collaborated with my past self to wrap these up. As time moves, everything changes but sometimes you are able to tap into that original feeling/energy. I posted them online on my studio site, which I am building out as time permits. Another reason to celebrate…
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Links: Cina Associates, Cina Art, Public Type
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