Orientation
If you live in a metropolis like New York City and use public transportation you know how easy it is to lose your orientation. You’re not lost, exactly. It just might take a minute while you get your bearings. On the gridded streets of New York, knowing which way is North is everything.
Above ground, finding the right direction is easy. Actually, it’s even easier this week than last—I just treated myself to the new iPhone 3Gs which comes with the new compass feature. With the touch of a button I know instantly if I’m going the right way. Before technology I had to move my own two feet to orient myself. One block in any direction will clue you in.
Below the streets of New York where phones don’t get reception the compass doesn’t do much good. Even after living here a year I’m still surprised every once in a while when a train approaches from the left when I was expecting it on the right. It’s no big deal. I’ve got it, just give me a second to rotate the world around me. Ahh. That’s better.
Certainly we all want a clear sense of direction. Now here it comes, this is the part that morphs into cheesy career metaphor. Defined goals, a master plan. Laser-like ambition. These things never hurt anyone. But sometimes you need to keep your eyes and options open. You might be surprised at what’s approaching from the left.
A year ago I moved to New York without a plan. I was relocating without a career destination. For the first time ever the typically oriented welcoming disorientation. But somehow I knew that something good would find me.
Something good did. An amazing MFA program in Design Criticism at the School of Visual Arts. This innovative two-year program trains students to research, analyze, and evaluate design and its social and environmental implications. It’s an opportunity to study with some of the best design writers and thinkers of our time, including: Studio 360 host and author Kurt Andersen; MoMA’s design curator Paola Antonelli; Pentagram partner and co-founder of Design Observer, Michael Bierut; former editor of I.D. Magazine Ralph Caplan; graphic design historian and critic Steven Heller; Metropolis contributing editor Karrie Jacobs; and New York magazine’s architecture critic Justin Davidson.
Website: http://dcrit.sva.edu/
If you’ve met me then we’ve talked design. It’s what I do—it’s what I care about. If you’ve been to my home you’ve seen books stacked in every corner. If we’re related you might remember the stubborn child refusing to set the book down at Easter dinner. Let’s not even go into podcasting details. Suffice to say I’m addicted and take credit for many converts to the medium. Design, reading, writing, and podcasting—I just found out that my career can incorporate all of these. I’m on a new track to becoming a bona fide design critic.
Orientation starts next week.
Artwork: Curtis Parker
