Dyslexic students! – Have you ever considered a career in design?
All our brains are wired differently. No one perceives the world in quite the same way, and that is wonderful– this week celebrates learning differences, specifically, dyslexia. Dyslexia embraces a complete spectrum – there are varying shades, and no dyslexic has quite the same skillset as the next.
Although we are now in 2020, dyslexia remains hugely misunderstood and continues to be stigmatised both in education, and in the working world at large. However, at Echo, we believe that the differences that are displayed by dyslexics are a major asset to the creative industries. Doctor Helen Taylor is an affiliated researcher of Cambridge University, and in “The Evolution of Complementary Cognition”, she highlights how different ways of processing information are being misconstrued as disorders. These modes of cognition are crucial to group productivity; if you disregard these individuals, then teams will be far less able to successfully innovate and adapt. Indeed, these differences evolved in the context of past climate change, and were critical in enabling our species to adapt and survive.
In supporting “Learning Disability Week”, we at Echo are extending a friendly hand to dyslexic students, highlighting the many positive attributes dyslexics have to offer, should they wish to pursue a career in Brand Design.
So, what positive values do dyslexics bring to the creative industries?
Visual thinking
65% of the population are visual thinkers. This is even more prevalent in those with dyslexia. Visually absorbing complex experiences and disseminating them in a concise fashion is the realm of the dyslexic. Furthermore, dyslexics have good spatial awareness and are able to mentally manipulate objects in 3D – this is ideal for any 3D packaging team!
Problem solvers
Dyslexics are often dismissed as overcomplicating a simple task. In reality, they are just imagining every possible scenario and the routes they could take to resolve problems. It is true that dyslexics may require coping strategies with respect to organisation, however this is more than compensated for by their outstanding creativity.
As a Brand Agency, Echo are approached by clients with many knotty problems to solve, and the unique skills that dyslexics present are particularly useful when considering brand future visioning.
Empathy
Good branding directly connects with consumer needs. As abstract thinkers, dyslexics make good philosophers! They have a firm grasp of that which is not considered tangible by others – those intrinsic qualities of human nature that drive behaviour; the need to belong! To stand for something! Creative agencies actively seek individuals who can empathise with the brand demographic.
As a renowned dyslexic, Albert Einstein, wrote: “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” However, as with anybody who has original learning gifts, if dyslexics engage in an environment that embraces their unique perception of the world, they are likely to paint the world in an entirely original colour palette.
Celebrated creatives with dyslexia:
· Andy Warhol (Artist)
· Steven Spielberg (Film Director)
· Guy Ritchie (Film director)
· Henry Franks (New Designer of the Year, 2013)
· Pablo Picasso (Artist)
· Tommy Hilfiger (Designer)
· John Lennon (Musician)
· Leonardo da Vinci (Artist)
· Alexander McQueen (Designer)
· Jony Ive (Designer)
· Walt Disney (Creative Entrepreneur)
· Albert Einstein (Physicist)
This list is ever-growing with more and more dyslexic visionaries. They overcame adversity through perseverance. As academics like Helen Taylor continue their research, we can hope to develop an increased understanding of dyslexia, so that the workplace and educational establishments can adapt positively to the benefits. The journey to success need not be an uphill struggle.
If you are a dyslexic student, Echo’s door is open, (metaphorically!), for advice and guidance. As a dyslexic myself, I find that I thrive in the creative environment of Branding and Design.
For further information on the work of Doctor Helen Taylor, you can visit her website at:
Or connect with her on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drhelentaylor/
