You have to utilize who you are in your work. Nobody else can do that: nobody else can pull from your background, from your parents, your upbringing, your whole life experience.

Source: "Design and Discovery." TED2003. Feb. 2003. Conference Presentation. Additional Information: This quote is from sociologist and graphic designer David Carson's 2003 TED Talk, "Design and Discovery." The quote means that in creative work, you must draw from your own personal experience. No one can tell you how to pull from your unique background. If you can utilize your background in your creative process, you will do more unique work and you will enjoy your work more as well. Carson says this type of personalization or human touch will become increasingly important as we become more technically driven. Watch the full TED Talk here: David Carson - Design and Discovery

“Design and Discovery.” TED2003. Feb. 2003. Conference Presentation.