We Asked a Simple Question: “Why are you here?”
"Why are you here?"
I was asked this question a couple of years ago. It is a question that is meant to have an easy answer and yet I found myself at a loss for words when I tried to answer it. The concept is simple enough. However, as I started thinking about what the question actually meant and what it was actually asking, it started to take on a life of its own.
Of course, "here" could be anywhere and it’s different for everyone. However, beyond that notion of location, we have to take into account that "here" also means being in the present; being in the ‘now’ which makes "here" not just a place on a map but also a place in time.
Knowing why we are "here" gives us the most concrete and basic thing we can know about ourselves, which is, that there’s a reason for us being where ever were are in our lives.
For artists and designers, knowing why we are "here" is especially important since it’s the kind of knowledge that can give purpose and meaning to our work.
For this piece, I asked previous contributors and friends of Six Revisions and Design Instruct to answer the question: "Why are you here?"
The writers could answer the question in anyway they like. It could be several sentences long or it can be just a single word. Their answer could be funny and clever or inspiring and deeply profound.
Below, you’ll find some of the answers I got from this exercise along with a sampling of their favorite works.
Click on the image below to see the full size of the graphic.
Special thanks to:
- Francisco Inchauste of FINCH
- Shannon Noack of Snoack Studios
- Zena Santos
- Tyler Denis of Denis Designs
- Jacob Cass of Just Creative Design
- Jan Cavan of Dawghouse Design Studio
- Miguel Cardona of Dumbwaiter Design
- Matthew Heidenreich of Devise Function
- Richard Carpenter of HV-designs
How about you? What’s your story? Why are you here? Share with us in the comments section.
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About the Author
12 Comments
Nicole Foster
March 5th, 2010
I’m here because the ever-changing world of Web Design is fascinating. I love everything about and I can’t stop loving it. I’ve tried, but I can’t stop being involved with Web Design. I guess it’s just a never-ending passion.
Matthew Heidenreich
March 5th, 2010
It’s nice to hear why people get into the industry. Thanks for including me as well for the article ;)
Jason
March 5th, 2010
Great post, very interesting find other designers perspective on why they are doing what they are doing.
For myself, I’m not sure I could say one reason as to why I’m here. It’s always changing, my goals, my ambitions and my desire to experiment always evolve. Maybe that’s just it, I’m here to evolve! :D
jomoro
March 5th, 2010
Awesome inspiring words.
Jordan Walker
March 5th, 2010
Almost touches on the meta-physical aspect of the internet.
Shannon
March 5th, 2010
Great article idea, and I love the piece you made with everyone’s work displayed along with their quote. Thanks for including me in the article!
Kiren
March 5th, 2010
I’m here because no one is going to design for me…. Not if I can do it myself:)
richard carpenter
March 5th, 2010
good article.
p.s thanks for asking me to be apart of it
Mark
March 5th, 2010
I’m here because of the large variety of ways you can have a career on the Internet. I run 3 websites and it keeps me connected to different people on the web
Anton
March 15th, 2010
I’m here because I want stay informed about new web projects and web technologies, find more inspiration, see what other do and compare with my work, and so on. Great site, a lot of helpfull articles. Thanx a lot. Keep doing!
Kat Skinner
June 8th, 2010
@Kiren – I loved your response, very humorous.
I also agree alot with @Nicole Foster regarding the ever changing world of the web. I’ve noticed that the “evolution” of a product, industry and more are sensitized by the web, and any content that is created by the web can unfortunately become quickly outdated. Coming from a younger generation I missed the “introduction” of web in society, but I am quite capable of looking back at websites that were popular 10, or even 5, years ago. Websites that would have been seen as the peak of their time, and yet now considered so seriously outdated that they are almost shunned. That evolution is never stopping, and its not only important to reflect on “why are we here” but “where did we come from” and “where are we going”.
Steve
September 21st, 2011
Why are you here? I think “I” am here to learn on the road of intense life experience,not brainwashed,living in the moment that’s all we really have,when I look in the mirror I know I didn’t sell my soul for money, SLAVES. I have a clean conciseness,I know what’s right and wrong so it pretty simple. I know we are all one, with the earth and the universe, atoms are everywhere and almost everything is made up of them through-out the universe. See simple. Live and let be.
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