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Away Quote by Tom Waits

“I'm usually more concerned with how things sound than how they look on the page. Some people write for the page, and that's a whole other thing. I'm going for what it sounds like right away, so it may not even look good on the page.” quote by Tom Waits
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“I'm usually more concerned with how things sound than how they look on the page. Some people write for the page, and that's a whole other thing. I'm going for what it sounds like right away, so it may not even look good on the page.”

Tom Waits

About This Quote

Source Interview: “The Late Show with David Letterman”, 1995

Sound quality often matters more than visual layout; auditory impact can outweigh appearance.

In simple terms: He values how things sound over how they look.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize auditory experience in creation.

Themes

artistry perception design

Mood

reflective creative

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • music production
  • advertising
  • theatre set design

Key Concepts

audio engineering visual design creative process

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does sound influence your perception?
  • When should visual design take precedence?
A Different Perspective

Visuals can still dominate audience attention.

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