Michael Wolff, D&AD Presidents Lecture

"Being right is a deadly thing"

I took a trip down to Liverpool to go to the D&AD President Lecture at Liverpool John Moores. It was more along the lines of a formal talk rather than a lecture, with a very laid back attitude around the audience. Michael Wolff sat down in front of Patrick Burgoyne from Creative Review, and let Michael Wolff talk, raising a few question from what Michael Wolff said.

Michael Wolff said a very few interesting quotes:

• "Being right is a deadly thing"
• Don't ever presume, you are right"

Michael Wolff firstly talked about how he started out which was a very different area from Graphic Design. He originally studied Architecture. He said he was a 'Sucker' for what thing felt like and has always been fascinated by it.

He said the mind should work like a muscle.

1. Inquisitive - ask questions, don't be afraid.
2. Appreciation - Value it, how people feel, colour, don't go looking straight in the Pantone Book, go into the park and find the colour you want.
3. Imagination - Is the above to combined together.

Michael Wolff said when he was a student and also a young designer, he settled for good work. If his work looked like his favorite designers, he said he was happy; he never has come across the word 'Plagiarism'. He the rejected plagiarism and started to do his own thing. If it worked before do it again. Value insight, but don't create repetition.

Michael Wolff said he has noticed a few things in his life. 'Liking' is a social event. Michael said he liked things that other people he respected liked. Even if he didn't like them. Michael challenged the conventions upon agreed upon what is good design.

Respect people who are bold

Boldness can be arrogance

Never take no for an answer

Michael Wolff said be bold make decisions, be passionate about your decision, don't go through routes. Choose one and go for it. Michael briefly touched upon branding talking about logo for cities. Such as the Liverpool logo. He said why use a font why not use somebodies handwriting.

A portfolio is to only demonstrate an extension of you, it is only there to assist you. What does your portfolio say about you? Keeping on asking people to see your work, don' take no for an answer, people will see you.