On the 21st of February Car design news released an interview with Paolo Martin, an Ex-pininfarina styling director, famed for designing the Ferrari Modulo. I try to keep very up to date with all aspects of design and thankfully every now and then I indulge in a state of realisation with something. Here, Paolo highlights what I think may be an important observation. In one statement he explains the notions of traditional design cheifs;
'With Michelotti, everything was based on interpretation and personal fantasy. In that era, various designers (eg. Pietro Frua, Flaminio Bertoni and others) were totally individualistic, and critiques or modifications were not permitted or accepted. This way of working, even if it seems arcane, is the one that gave the best results in time, and has left us all with the strongest reference points'.
Surely this point is valid and correct? Well I believe that it is more difficult to reach the levels of clarity expressed in such classics as the designers quoted, however possible to exceed with various input. I think that the importance of management and selection is what can create as much clarity and brilliance in a single design than if an individual were to create something. This also highlights one of the most important attributes of a designer in my eyes; the ability to communicate creatively in order to provide either greater creativity or analytical solution. The same principle applies throughout all industries to an extent. The more methodology involved the more complex the process becomes, there for creating a wider margin for error. However this can work to great effect with a great mind. Sometimes a democracy is the solution (more often than not) and other times an individual can be just as effective. On that note, I partially agree with Mr Martin, yet think that higher greatness can be achieved elsewhere.
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