Perspective is “the state of existing in space before the eye”. Often interchanged with the word ‘viewpoint’, perspective is used to describe a visible scene extending into the distance or simply how an individual sees something. For those of us who attended art school, we know that when drawing in perspective you must first choose a reference point. This point is the place all lines must follow. It can be located anywhere on the drawing (or off) but all lines must relate to that one small point in space.

As designers we first must choose this point of reference then look off into the distance and determine how far it will go, how much of the scene must be explored. We do this through a wonderful little document called a creative brief. The brief is our point of reference and ALL exploration must relate to that point. Without this starting point (or points) the remainder of the drawing will simply not make sense and will most certainly not provide a desired result for the client. Successful design solutions are just that -solutions. They must follow a path, lines that radiate from the reference point. This does not negate the importance of creativity and uniqueness rather it encourages it and provides a place for infinite interpretation.

As people our thoughts and feelings radiate from a very specific vantage point. Understanding where that point lies is critical. Without knowing the location of this point, perspective is literally lost. All human contact with animate or inanimate objects is based on relationships – how it is we relate to a given person, situation or thing. The relationship has a point of point of reference. If you are a manager or a wife or a father, your style and reactions comes from somewhere. It is based on innate personality traits you posses through no fault of your own and your experiences, some of which you control and others you do not. Add these together with a splash of environment and there is your unique perspective.

Regardless of whether you are creating design or interacting with your life and the people in it, perspective best starts with a point of view that is seen through a wide-angle lens. Too often we find that point of reference (applause inserted here), create relationship between our design, our employees, and our loved ones (standing ovation), but narrow our focus so far that we miss the beauty and the opportunities of the scene before us (boo, throw a rotten tomato). The idea here is to avoid taking a step back to look at the situation because the point of reference often can’t be changed or simply shouldn’t be. Rather than step back or forwards or sideways, try changing what you see without moving your feet. Change your lens to reveal as wide of a perspective as possible seeing the peripheral and the forefront all at once.

Perspective is a way of adding tangibility to an intangible world. When you are asked to create a visual communication solution for a client, a point of reference allows you to plant your feet and perspective allows you to create. When a situation hits you in the face, be a designer. Find your point of view, open the lens as wide as you can, and design your own reality.

This post was inspired by my conversation with Scott Wadler of MTV Networks. As a guest on “Talk Story with Jeni”, Scott and I shared many of our thoughts and ideas on living life large and making your career and your home places you love to be. Click here for a full hour of “Talk Story with Jeni” and Scott.