There's been lots of discussion on where creativity comes from, inside or outside the brain, nature or nurture. It all depends on many factors.
I want to talk about the story of one of my favorite graphic designers and typographers: Marian Bantjes.
After being a book typesetter in her 20's, and owning a design studio in her 30's, Marian was burnt out by age 40 and unhappy with what she was doing with her job. So she just quit.
And moved to an island of the coast of Vancouver, Canada by herself.
She began to create the most beautiful and personal works of design and typography. Her creativity began flowing, and her mind created these beautiful pieces of art. They truly were art
A year and a half after she literally, overnight, exploded onto the design world and got noticed for her work.
Academically speaking, to what degree does frustration push us to the edge of our creative selves? How long does it take until we just can't do what we're doing anymore? Did it take Marian 20 years to realize what she truly wanted to do, and if that's the case, were those 20's years of "suffering" needed to get to where she is now?
I also wonder (and I'm assuming it does), how much her personal lifestyle and location play a huge factor in the continual renewing and exploring of her creativity. Probably a lot. Who wouldn't want to live on a quiet private island, for a little while anyway. Enjoy some of Marian's exquisitely crafted worked:
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