Limitations Mean Freedom

We have now reached chapter 10 of Austin Kleon's book, Steal Like an Artist. This is the last chapter in a very interesting journey. I was skeptical at first. Now I find myself using his methodology and sharing his ideas with friends. I'm glad I read this book. It's definitely a keeper.

So as Kleon closes his little book with a challenge and an endorsement that it's not so much what we put in our work, but what we keep out. He say's, "Nothing is more paralyzing than the idea of limitless possibilities." That sounds absurd. What does he mean? How can he suggest we limit ourselves?

Kleon suggests that using constraints is actually a form of freedom. To concentrate on what is really important. And therefore will lead to our best work. So he has given us a challenge. To do a project in which we actually limit ourselves.

I think he is right. I think having constraints can make you more creative. Creativity is a form of problem solving. Limits can force us to be more creative. We have to become better problem solvers. Think of Apollo 13 and how close they came to tragedy. The Apollo 13 engineers had very specific limitations. That forced them to use their minds and solve a problem in ways they problem had never considered. As a result, they saved the lives of three men in space.

As a graphic designer we will encounter a lot of limitations in our profession. Like time, money and client choices. Limitations that will challenge our ability to problem solve. Just like the Apollo 13 engineers, we may come up with ideas we had never considered if were give unlimited options. 

Kleon challenged the reader to make a last project by setting some limitations. I chose to write a poem with only the letters in my name. I have posted the poem below. I had fun with this project. Please enjoy.