When I'm working in Illustrator I often have layers and layers of elements that I've played with stored around the page. Sometimes I zoom in on a section to discover beautiful yet unintentional design.
It's like throwing bits of paint in a corner then going over to see what lovely things happened... (or some other analogy that you could possibly relate to, like, umm, nup, got nothing.)

Here are a couple examples of what I find...

The design process for me always involves a degree of 'chance'. I have to surprise myself somewhat because only then do I look at it objectively - it didn't quite come from me so I can see how good it is!

I will set out with a plan and then play with the tools to see what emerges. The playing around can confuse you because every turn of the effects filter can send you into joyous new rapture. So I have to be careful that I don't spiral into play-land and lose my sense of direction. The "oooh!" factor has to be given time to settle to see if it has 'stick'.

This is a recent design of a website for a poet which I love love! (24 hours and still loving). It combines some experimental play with the planned concept of using a book spine and the mirroring of elements. Her writing is described as "feelings are seen as capable of deception and, like reflections in a mirror, they are reversed and distorted".

Nothing like taking a form of art and making another form of art represent it. And through the use of a review, another form of art!

woah...

[current mood] Joyous Gulping Tears in The Ocean & Bacon (sorry but I am craving meat!)