Somehow, as long as one justifies themselves with the claim that they are a procrastinator, it is okay to become completely lethargic when it comes time to get work done. We’re either a nation of attention deficit disorder-laden sloths, or we’ve all discovered a fantastic excuse that gives us more vacation time.
I used to be the guy who argued for the legitimacy of this crippling disorder. Time was wasted playing video games or going out with friends, all while I insisted that I do my best work under intense pressure. In fact, most of my projects completed during my first two years studying design were likely composed in the day or two before a deadline. The first project I really handled properly was for The 2008 University of Minnesota Senior Fashion Show. Under the direction of Daniel Jasper – one of the most outstanding instructors I’ve worked with – I revised good ideas, ditched bad ones, and slowly refined my work over the course of a few months. I wasn’t the most technically proficient designer at the time, but the time I spent refining and polishing the project into something solid enough to remain in my portfolio today.
We’re all capable of wonderful things under pressure, sure, but I’m not sure anyone should really be working for forty consecutive hours with only minimal breaks for food and rest room usage – something I know I’m not the only person to have done with several projects. Not only is it insane, but it’s really never a designer’s best work. I’ve always said good design is about planning and having an exhaustive understanding of the project. It’s impossible to have this when rushing to finish in the hours leading up to a deadline. Frankly, it’s not nearly as fun or rewarding either.
I’m still learning how to best motivate myself to finish things early, admittedly. Don’t get me wrong – I love what I do. Even while I’m not actively working on a project I try to cram as much design-related research and news into my head as possible. I’m just saying this streaming Netflix thing isn’t helping much in the Getting Things Done Department, folks.
Hopefully I won’t wait much longer to completely solve the problem.
Current Comments
inspirationbit
March 12, 2009
2:05 pm
what can I say? I’m glad I’m not the only one with this horrible disorder of procrastinating and then working under pressure.
Just discovered your site, love the look (the colours especially) and the way you’ve organized your links podcast here
Aaron J. Shapiro
March 12, 2009
9:02 pm
Thanks, Vivien!
Rob
April 03, 2009
1:02 am
I’ll admit; I’ve been bit by the procrastination bug before, but I’m too smart to let that happen to me again! Procrastination just makes for stressful times for me.
I tend to create my best work when I have plenty of time to be creative. Sometimes when we are under intense pressure or deadlines, it’s hard to be creative because we are forcing our brains to think way too hard!!
For me, I like to become inspired. Sometimes a moment in nature will provide inspiration or design ideas. This is how I love to work. Although, I can work under deadlines. As a web designer myself, I realize how time is of the essence in this industry.
thai silk
December 14, 2009
8:47 pm
Your work is fantastic looking, the site is a snap to navigate… Consider me a fan! i love this terrible red.
หางาน
January 24, 2010
9:26 am
Hi Aaron,
You wrote nice and impressive post. Thank you for sharing.