Circles Quote by David Carson
“The dreaded phrase in design circles is 'show and tell.'”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Design Talk, David Carson, 2005
The term “show and tell” is overused, discouraging genuine visual communication and experimentation.
In simple terms: Avoid cliché terms that limit creativity.
Key Takeaway
Focus on visual storytelling, not jargon.
Themes
design
communication
creativity
innovation
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
design
inspirational
When to use this quote
- branding projects
- client presentations
- creative workshops
- portfolio reviews
Key Concepts
visual literacy
design process
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you convey ideas without relying on overused phrases?
- When is a clear explanation more valuable than visual intrigue?
A Different Perspective
Some audiences may still need explicit explanations for complex concepts.
![“[Wise men] have tried to understand our state of being, by grasping at its stars, or its arts, or its economics. But, if there is an underlying oneness of all things, it does not matter where we begin, whether with stars, or laws of supply and demand, or frogs, or Napoleon Bonaparte. One measures…” quote by Charles Fort](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1e7/charles-fort-11887_art_wise-men-have-tried-to-understand-our-st_19788.jpg)
![“Tell them you came, and saw, and looked into my eyes and saw the shadow of the guard receding. Thoughts in time and out of season, the hitchinker stood by the side of the road and levelled his thumb in the calm calculus of reason. [...] Why does my mind circle around you? Why do planets wonder…” quote by Jim Morrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9ae/jim-morrison-1692_bird_tell-them-you-came-and-saw-and-looked-in_18280.jpg)
