Classical trained, Picasso produced realistic paintings throughout childhood and adolescence. Analytic cubism was developed after a progressive exploration through the Blue, Rose, and African-influenced periods, when he took apart objects and “analyzed” them in terms of their shapes.

In a similar fashion, I think, creative design is the result of synthesizing the “rules” (e.g. the emotional effects of colours), the subject matter (e.g. a funky brand), the unique touch of an artist and so on. The end result is more than the sum of the parts. There is a subconscious level of thought process that may not be obvious to the well-practised experts themselves. Still, the thinking has been there all along; the analytical function is at work.

So, why is this interesting? I see this as a way to understand the collaborative engine that makes up a digital team.  While the stereotypes of “tech = black and white = left brain” and “creative = free flow = right brain” may have some truth to them, a successful project relies on the shared currency of systematic thinking.  All pieces – from graphical elements to codes – come together as a final product only if every piece makes sense.  There should never be a division between the “backend stuff” and the “visual skin”.

I consider creative professionals as Messenger Designers. They are able to translate our thoughts and our words into visual presentations, the impact of which renders those A-ha moments – you cannot put on your finger on it, perhaps, but you can feel it.