The Value of Letting Ideas Breathe

In the fast-paced world of graphic design, there's often an unspoken pressure to create quickly, to keep pace with trends and deliver fast turnarounds. But sometimes, the best ideas require time to simmer. I’ve learned this firsthand through a personal journey with a project I started back in 2020, only to set it aside when I realized that I lacked the skills to bring my vision to life. After revisiting the project three years later, I finally achieved the look I had been aiming for. And that’s what I want to talk about today— The Value of Letting ideas Breathe.

01. The Value of Letting Ideas Breathe

It’s tempting to believe that we should push through projects at all costs, even when we’re not feeling creatively prepared. However, forcing the process can lead to frustration and, more often than not, a result that falls short of our original vision. Ideas, especially those that are meaningful or complex, often need time to develop. They grow with us as we grow.

For me, this was especially true for Kroma™, a personal project that explores the relationship between sound and visual elements. Inspired by Chromesthesia—a condition where sound involuntarily evokes the experience of color—this project began with big ambitions. But in 2020, I simply wasn’t ready to fully realize the vision I had for it. Instead of rushing the execution and risking disappointment, I allowed myself to step away.

[ Fig. 1 ] D&AD New Blood Awards

02 Why Revisiting Ideas Can Lead to Breakthroughs

When I returned to the project in 2023, I found that I had not only acquired the necessary technical skills, but also a fresh perspective. Over the years, I had expanded my understanding of both graphic design and the underlying concept of Kroma™, which had initially fascinated me. The project had the space to evolve in my mind, allowing new influences and insights to shape it.

The result? I was able to create Kroma™ One a media player that goes beyond just audio-visual synchronization—it delves into the intricate relationships between music, emotions, and colors. The three-year gap allowed me to approach the project from a place of confidence and mastery, rather than frustration. And this is something every designer should keep in mind: great work doesn’t happen in a rush.

[ Fig. 2 ] Work in progress

03 Design as a Journey, Not a Destination

Graphic design, much like any art form, thrives on patience. The most innovative, beautiful, and impactful projects aren’t born from rushed deadlines and forced creativity. They come from a place of reflection, skill-building, and most importantly, time. So, if you find yourself stuck or uninspired, take a step back. Give your ideas time to evolve. You might just find that when you return, the results will be even better than you imagined.

The journey of Kroma™ is a reminder that great design doesn’t happen overnight—and that’s okay.