C-L-A-S-S-I-C

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In just under a week, I’m heading on a trip to France for nearly a month, and I feel very privileged to be able to do so.

Being a new-world girl, I am a bit of a Europhile and think castles are very cool (our accommodations will be in a converted castle), the history is interesting, but what I’ll most be savoring is the food (and the wine). Aged cheese, wine and fresh bread baked in centuries old tradition are definitely on the top of my list.

These things are classic, timeless and also crafted not processed.  Things I aspire to in my work. Since I produce custom solutions, I consider much of my work a craft.

I will be wondering about how to infuse more “classic” thinking with my work philosophy.  What is classic or timeless and how do we adapt to the new and embrace innovation without completely ditching things that are old.

Here’s my first attempt at a checklist way of assessing if something is worth keeping around.  Let me know if you have some improvements (I may be stretching on a couple of these!):

• C – Culturally relevant – does this provide a cultural touchstone that conveys much more that what’s in the face value of it?
• L – Lasting functionality – does it still do what it’s supposed to do (if it ain’t broke…)
• A – Attractive – is it still pleasing to look at or interact with
• S – Status – is there something about this that conveys status?
• S – Solidly built – is there still use left in it?
• I – Interesting – is it interesting for people to use? Are people still intrigued by it?
• C – Cost effective – is it cheaper to use it than “tear it down” and create anew (sometimes it is/sometimes it isn’t!)

Thanks for reading and I’ll be back in September.

Salut!