Remembering Steve Jobs, my thoughts

Visionary of course is a term that has become synonymous with Steve Jobs. He was that, of course, but so much more. To follow the cliche – he has changed the world. But more importantly he has changed the thinking of the world. He has shown the world that often beauty lies in the details, that simplicity does not necessarily mean “simple” and that there is no reason why a highly complex device should not just work. He has shown the world that design is more than just a “veneer,” it fundamental to our understanding and gives meaning to the world around us. He has shown us the importance of a good user experience and that that experience does not simply happen, it is carefully crafted. He has shown us that the difference between average and outstanding is passion, commitment, and a lot of hard work.

Those of us whose careers have been transformed and possibly created in part by the work of Steve Jobs own him our respect and our reverence. He dared to “think different” and we in the creative fields have all benefitted. He dared to think that a computer screen should reflect elegant typography, that art and music and film could be created in that space. Would I have pursued a career as a graphic designer if I was still working on an analog typesetter and process camera… perhaps, but it certainly would be a much different life and career than I now lead. As a young boy when the first couple of home computers came out the last thing I would have pictured would be pursuing a career in computer related field. The Macintosh changed all that for me, it was something entirely different and uniquely useable. Now, it is the tool of my trade and the means of my livelihood.

Certainly it is odd that the passing of someone whom I have never met, nor would I have met had we both lived 100 more years, would have such a profound effect on me. I think that is the impact of Steve Jobs. For probably close to 20 years I have spent my days engaged with one of his devices – spending more time than with anything or anyone else in my life. I’ve spent many long hours in front of many Macs, thankful that those hours were spent in creative output and not mired in technological tedium. As Steve said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Steve Jobs deserves plenty of credit for helping me love what I do and create great work.

Thank you Steve Jobs. A great void had now been created in your absence. You have given us the tools and the inspiration, I hope we can continue to create new and wonderful things.