Design is the courage and brilliance to cover an original and make it different.

In this quote, John Hockenberry, a journalist and commentator, describes design as the combination of courage and brilliance required to take something original and transform it into something unique and different. Hockenberry highlights that effective design is not simply about creating something from scratch, but rather about taking existing ideas and giving them a fresh perspective or innovative twist. This involves both creativity and daring, as designers must be willing to challenge conventional ideas and make bold decisions to reshape the original.

The concept of covering something original refers to the idea of reinterpreting or reimagining an existing form, giving it new layers or dimensions that make it stand out. Rather than merely replicating an original concept, a designer's role is to make it distinct and innovative, allowing it to evolve into something that feels new and relevant. This process requires a balance of technical skill and a deep understanding of the aesthetic or functional needs of the design.

Hockenberry’s quote also suggests that innovation in design is rooted in the ability to see potential in existing things and approach them with a fresh mindset. The act of making something different involves both an understanding of the past and the courage to push boundaries, explore new directions, and find ways to improve upon what already exists. It’s a mindset of transformation rather than just creation.

Ultimately, Hockenberry’s words remind us that design is not just about novelty, but about reinvention. The real challenge and brilliance of design come from having the courage to take something already known and make it better, different, or more impactful. The designer’s ability to imagine and reshape the familiar is what drives the creative process forward and gives it lasting value.