Design Everything
If you are going to own something, enjoy it.
The act of owning something, causes that thing to be a responsibility. Whether considering the maintenance, storage or just the mental effort to concern yourself as to it remaining in your posession.
Make the things in your life fit the need you have, and make those things reflect what you value.
Do you have a favorite knife? paint it, etch it, alter it to meet the needs you have. Make a list of the things you want a knife for. Then find the cheapest knife that meets all of your needs. But not just knives, design your Pen? Lighter? Fanny-pack?
What is your favorite brand of shirt or shoes. buy blanks and design them yourself.
Why?
It is not only fun to have the things that you like. It is also a fun process to question what you value in an object, and create the object that is perfect for you.
If you are having trouble getting started, these are a few of the guidelines I like to think about while designing.
Meaningful Symbol - why are you designing this
Keep it Simple - remove clutter and frills
Don’t over share - leave some mystery and let outsiders remain outside
No letters or numbers - use symbolism
Different perspective - look at it reversed, or try to see if from another angle
Exaggerate empty space - makes the design pop with cleanliness of purpose
Use geometric shapes - precision and a common experience
Lots of contrast - illuminate the differences
Focus on the focus - proportioned for the priorities