Less is less, more is more
If there was to be a ban on cliches that have caused a disservice to the
creative and design community, the "Less is More" mantra would be the
first I'd throw into the fire.
interpretation is a grab-in-the-dark of pears and apples, comparing
things that are not related to each other. The overused mantra has been twisted into an excuse for mediocre work,
an excuse to be lazy and for creatives (art directors and designers, I'm
looking at you) to acquire an elitist sense of superiority by uttering
those words. Some creative solutions call for a minimalist approach, and that's fine.
When done properly, it exemplifies a sharp focus on a single issue,
bringing it to the forefront and giving it a life of its own. By taking
away all the superfluos you do have *less*. But less is still less. I am a maximalist. I believe in the unimpeded attack on the senses, and
giving a creative (or visual) solution which will contain a new surprise
or meaning even after repeated exposure. More is more. There is room for both approaches, and the project at hand may require a
minimalist approach, a maximalist approach or somewhere in between. But no matter how you spin it, less is always less, and more is always
more. Next time I hear someone say "Less is more" I will eat a kitten.
