---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In the late 70's I started to make…"
description: "\"In the late 70's I started to make drawings of the ordinary objects I had been using in my work. Initially I wanted them to be ready-made drawings of t..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a9/michael-craig-martin-9157_common_in-the-late-70-s-i-started-to-make-drawi_1367832.jpg"
---

#  In the late 70's I started to make drawings of the…

![“In the late 70's I started to make drawings of the ordinary objects I had been using in my work. Initially I wanted them to be ready-made drawings of the kind of common objects I had always used in my work. I was surprised to discover I couldn't find the simple, neutral drawings I had assumed…” quote by Michael Craig-Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a9/michael-craig-martin-9157_common_in-the-late-70-s-i-started-to-make-drawi_1367832.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a9/michael-craig-martin-9157_common_in-the-late-70-s-i-started-to-make-drawi_1367832.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a9/michael-craig-martin-9157_common_in-the-late-70-s-i-started-to-make-drawi_1367832.jpg)

> “In the late 70's I started to make drawings of the ordinary objects I had been using in my work. Initially I wanted them to be ready-made drawings of the kind of common objects I had always used in my work. I was surprised to discover I couldn't find the simple, neutral drawings I had assumed existed, so I started to make them myself.”

[Michael Craig-Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-craig-martin/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The artist realized that standard, neutral depictions of common tools were unavailable, prompting him to create his own precise drawings.

**In simple terms:** He couldn't find simple drawings of everyday items, so he made them himself.

Key Takeaway

Create your own visual references when none exist.

Themes

creativity observation design self-reliance

Mood

reflective inspired

Type

instructional artistic

When to use this quote

- studio practice
- educational material
- product design
- archival documentation

Key Concepts

visual art representation process

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you identify gaps in visual resources?
- What benefits arise from producing personal reference material?

A Different Perspective

His approach may overlook existing niche resources, limiting broader applicability.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Artist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/artist/)

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