Raise the bar, push the limits.

Well folks, as you can tell I am in this contest to win it.  I hope to win for numerous reasons...Mainly it's to actually raise the bar of what is considered inventive, functional design, while entertaining everyone in the process.  I am aware that my ideas might not be for everyone, but change in the norm is inevitable and progressive design is my passion.  Through out the series (Design Star) I have been pushing the limits of creativity while staying true to myself.  In most of the challenges, as you can tell it really has not just been about designing a functional space for one to exist in.  There have been certain rules, regulations, boundaries, budget constraints, team influence and time crunches.  These restrictions were the most critical part in the competitions, another way I'd have to find to put myself in the lead and to stay there. 
Most people don't skate..most may not skate after dinner or during dinner for that matter.  Some of us would not be able to relax on a couch while in a six foot barrel of water, or would want to spin their entire room to watch the kids play outside, then turn to face the fire seconds later. 
Yet for a select few, these moments, creative ideas and options have been a dream for some time for some people.  I could have played it safe, yet I am not here to play it safe...we as a design community must and constantly raise the bar of design and be willing to crash in the attempt, or remain mired in mediocrity.  I have and always will push the envelope, while stretching the rules to there limits to bring the client, viewer and judges into a territory they are unfamiliar with.  It would be easy to stay classic, combine styles and fly under the radar, yet to me what is truly fine design is pushing ones limits, taking the viewers/clients dreams and making them better...We need to anticipate taking risks' and constantly trying to develop the next best thing...

Good solid design for everyday comes easy to me, but if the client wants monumental, this is where it starts to get challenging.  I thrive on such challenge and can't wait for those opportunities.  Stay tuned folks.  This is a competition, not your everyday reality show and the one to be your next Design Star should entertain you with good design, as well as show you what can you do to stay on the leading edge of Epic design.

All of the other contestants are very good at what they do and genuinely wonderful people.  The ones that were voted off, took chances.  Like we all should.  They will all be back, somewhere, sometime soon...

Many thrive on what is next, new and smart.  I want to make things better for all of us...  It will only get better folks, just be willing to take some chances out there.  Most importantly..have some fun!

Stay tuned and vote for who is going to bring you Epic, functional, interactive ideas.  He or she will deserve it.

Comments

[Coolguy]

Hey man,

All those people are jealous of you! I think you rock and are a great designer!

Its also cool that you are able to rock with a bang those leather pants in almost every show! I hope you win! :)

[Marti]

Hey Todd -- Man, this shows how real you are to post a comment like that from Kelli. Too bad she doesn't get it. I think she needs to be watching less TV and taking more time to get a life.

Keep it up. You have our vote all the way Todd!

It's been fun watching you and you got us watching HGTV for the first time ever.

Guess Kelli will just need to "turn the channel" when you are on. Hopefully, she is capable of doing that.

[Patrick L]

Hi Todd_

"FULL THROTTLE" Man! You can do this. As I said to you before just stay true to your self.
I justed posted this comment on the HGTV Design Star Blog...

"I agree with most that it was difficult at the begining of the show. This season's pick of designers was hard to get excited about. But as the show went on it became obvious who had the passion, creative talent, personality, integrity, character and ambition. TODD. I took the time to check out Todd's website and really get to know him. What a guy! So diverse in everything he does. I think most are indimadated by his genuine flair for life and his God given talents. I would give anything to spend time with him in hopes that even half of who he is would rub off on me. I don't believe Todd is in this for the competition as much as he is there to take the opportunity to succeed. Todd will succeed even if he does not win. He goes after everything life has to offer him and certainly does not need a TV show to be a "Design Star." I believe the judges see this too."

Best of luck to you Todd. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

God Speed.

[Patrick L]

Oh...and one more thing to add!

There are always going to be Kelli's in the world who want to drag you down to their level. They lack genuine care for others and life.

Stay surrounded by those who have your best interest at heart.