Steve Leard - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Recently there was a post on the CR blog regarding blogs. After reading this I decided to contact a few people who have posted there thoughts about blogs.

One of these was Steve Leard. Steve runs his own blog also so the feedback should be interesting.

Questions and Answers;

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

I would recommend it, I believe it's a good learning exercise, especially if you were analysing and presenting your own work. Being self-critical is an important skill to learn as a young designer, it's how you learn and develop.

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting there design's up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. What would your opinion be on this?

So what? I wouldn't give it much thought really. As a creative person, you'll come up with an infinite amount of ideas, no one can steal that ability. Ideas get stolen, it's an irreversible fact, you can't let that deter you.

3. People see a way to publicize themselves and their work, but a lot of blogs don't get a lot of hits, so what should the purpose of a blog be?

It's there if you need it. You might not get a lot of hits, but I think it's still a positive thing for a designer to do. It makes you analytical, critical and open to what's around you. If you go for a job interview and tell them you write a blog, that's going to make a good impression, it shows you're inquisitive.

4. Finally, what's one positive and negative about having a blog?

Positive - Makes you a better designer

Negative - I can't really think of one, what's the worst that could happen? If it's not for you, just stop.