Nothing Comes From Nowhere

It's a simple saying with a lot of meaning. To me, it means things do not just magically appear out of thin air. Things don't just happen. You can't pull shit out of your ass all the time. (I guess you could, but that would suck. And stink.) You gotta put in the work work work work work to make it happen. Especially when you're a freelancer like me, expecting great results only comes from executing great plans.

Things, objects, and ideas take time and labor to create - two things that are invaluable to you and me. When we appreciate something, it is not fair if we overlook everything else it took to bring it to what it is currently. Everything is a remix. Everything is inspired. Everything is connected. Whether it is in design, tech, fashion, food, an event, whatever, whatever, or even a person. Appreciating the process, history, context and culture in which something is made is not just relevant, but very necessary. Know where your shit comes from. In other words, nothing comes from nowhere. Just like something comes from everywhere.

Just like how this post and signpainting was taken from a letterpress poster by Anthony Burrill.