American Idol - Choosing the Right Song
I got hooked on American Idol a bit late - Season 3. It's been my guilty pleasure since. I never wanted to be a singer, yet I find myself relating to the contestants. What do designers and American Idol hopefuls have in common? More than it meets the eye.
Take the "choice of song" for example. This can make or break an American Idol contestant. The choice of song determines the extent of the vocal range they can show, but more importantly it links them to a certain style, period, vibe. They have to choose a song that strikes the perfect balance between many factors - their personal preference, their vocal ability, the popular taste, and most important, that fits who they are as a person.
I find myself often agonizing which design to pick after brainstorming. I end up with numerous sketches, each with its own style and personality. Yet, at the end the judges (the client) and the audience (their clients) will see only one. And my work, me as a designer, will be judged solely on that final choice. Although we can show the client several of our initial sketches and solicit their input, they soon forget about the other possibilities we've offered. The final choice still determines how we'll be remembered as designers.
What we share with the idol contestants is putting our hearts and souls out there risking public rejection. It's no small risk--whether we sink or swim is largely determined by a fickle audience.