In a shameless attempt at acquiring an internship at Bruce Mau and in the spirit of such blogs as The Julie/Julia Project and Living Oprah I have decided to live my life by the The Incomplete Design Manifesto.
For my first blog, I thought it would be appropriate to start with number 15 – Ask stupid questions.
One of my favorite people in the world, Janet, taught me that if you ask a question, all people can do is answer – and sometimes that answer is a no… but that is ok. And as with any good mentor, there was a story to go a long with this important life lesson. Janet had become friends with some amazing people, Ed Sherin and Jane Alexander. One is the original producer of L.A. Law, one is an esteemed actress and former Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts appointed by Bill Clinton. Both googleable — but more importantly — filled with great conversations, knowledge and warmth. How did this great friendship blossom? She simply invited them into her home while they were in Tallahassee teaching at The Film School. Her attitude… “Hey, all they can do is say no.”
But they didn’t. And her life has been all the richer for it. And mine has too.
Sometimes it is the simplest of questions that no one thinks to ask because they assume that someone else will know. But in the design world, simple is so imperative. Most of the answers are right in front of us, and if no one stops to ask a stupid question, like – will you be my friend, then things don’t happen. Change doesn’t happen. Good design doesn’t happen. Isn’t that what human centered design is all about, being friends?
So, Mr. Mau, will you be my friend? And more importantly, will you give me a chance to work in your admiringly inspirational office for 3 months? For my credentials please visit my web site.
Love,
Rachelle
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