FEB. 22, 2026
My week began with a sharp chill across St. Louis area, as temperatures dipped to 29°F accompanied by a biting wind. This bracing weather serves as a classic herald for a new chapter: the beginning of the Year of the Horse. Happy new year!
While driving recently, I found myself deeply moved by a Chinese song “Childhood”, despite having a vastly different background from its creators. This ‘echo’ highlights a compelling parallel between music and visual art: both rely on the relationship between the signifier (the form) and the signified (the concept). In design, as in music, mastering the signifier is the key to creating a universal language that resonates with an audience, regardless of their individual social environment. This sounds like an interesting topic about communication.
A recent article (https://www.canva.com/newsroom/news/design-trends-2026/ from Canva discusses the growing trend of ‘imperfect by design,’ which clearly reflects our current cultural response to the rise of AI. While perfection may be unattainable in the human experience, I find the deliberate pursuit of imperfection in design to be unnecessary. Our true value as designers lies in our dedication to a balanced mindset—one that harmonizes various competing factors, and also the balance in between marketing needs and technologies. Introducing intentional flaws risks undermining a designer’s reputation for precision and craft.
Keep growing and stay strong, happy new year!
Peifolio 