From Art to Apple: My 40-Year Journey Embracing Creativity, Design and Tech
Let me tell you a story. A love story, but a different one.
It’s not one of grand achievements or adventures, but it’s mine! And it’s about how Apple products became a part of my life.
My Early Days: Art, Bullying, and Family Dynamics
I was born 40 years ago and ever since I was young, I’ve been drawn to all things art and design. Drawing and crafting were my favorites (I can still remember how I spent countless hours with my making crafty things for our home), and I just loved art in general. In school, we had art classes, which were mandatory and which I was really good at, much to the surprise of my classmates. But because it seemed so easy for me, I ended up being teased and made fun of by others. It got to the point where I didn’t even wanted to go to art class anymore. And over the years the bullying was getting worse by the day.
Things at home were tough too. My mom was always there for me, but my dad, who was a hard worker with a regular 9 to 5 job and his own successful business, just couldn’t get why I was so into art. As a teenager, my interests started to change, especially when I discovered a CD-ROM game called “The 7th Guest” in the early 90s. That game was a real eye-opener for me. The way it was designed, the graphics, the colors — it was all amazing (although it was pre-rendered). That’s when I got into computers and video games. My dad was happy when I decided to build my own gaming computer, thinking I was into electronics. And I was, but mostly because it let me play aweseome games and even create my own games. So, even with all that, my love for art and design never faded.
Fast forward to the late 90s. I was bullied so much at school that I decided to leave. My parents were heartbroken and didn’t really understand why I made that choice and frankly I never really told them. Thankfully, they were supportive enough to help me find a different path. Despite my dad’s reservations, I was determined to go back to school if I could follow what I loved most: design. Fortunately, by then, there were school programs that offered professional job training along with a traditional education. So, I enrolled in one of these programs and after three years of formal training, I became a graphic artist and web designer.
My First Love: Power Mac G4
I fell in love with Apple just before I started school. In 1998, the iMac G3 was released — and I still think it’s the most beautiful iMac Apple has ever made. The design and colors were like art to me, and I always wanted one, but I never got the chance to own one.
At school, we used Macs because of the software available and the fact that most agencies at the time preferred Macs. The first Mac I ever used was the Power Mac G4. Although its design can’t be compared to the iMac G3, it holds a special place in my heart. By the way I became a web design / graphics artist with a focus and advertising and communication. I love the title, but never used to work in that field. But that’s another story.
I absolutely loved the operating system — its ease of use, speed, and how fun it was to work with Photoshop or code websites. Back at home, I still had my old self-built desktop computer for playing games and going to LAN parties (if you’re old enough, you know how cool that was) though.
Music, Music, Music
It was another five years after finishing school before I got my first Mac computer at home. However, I did get a 3rd generation iPod, and it was a game-changer for me. Not just because getting music digitally was fun and easier (though I must admit, I was never a fan of the iTunes software and store), but the touch-sensitive click wheel, the clean design, and the user-friendly interface were all incredible. It was one revelation after another, and from that moment, I knew I’d never want to go back to using anything else.
The Phone That Changed Everything
I kept an eye on Apple news, and the first keynote I watched was when Apple introduced the iPhone. It blew me away. The moment Steve Jobs pulled the iPhone out of his pocket, I knew I had to have one. At that time, I was working part-time while studying, and even though it was expensive with a 24-month contract, I just couldn’t resist.
I was one of the few who went to the midnight release sale in my hometown, and I even got featured on TV. Some people might say that Apple fans are overly devoted, but I see it differently. To me, Apple creates a sense of community, and every product release is an opportunity to connect with like-minded people. It’s always fun to chat with others who share the same passion.
At work, owning the iPhone made me quite popular (to put it plainly). Everyone wanted to see it, touch it, and use it. I can’t even count how many people decided to get an iPhone after trying out my first-gen model.
Following the iPhone, I got my first MacBook, which remains the most beautiful one I’ve ever owned. It was one of the all-white MacBooks. Soon after, I got an Apple TV, though in hindsight, I could have skipped that. But now, the Apple TV has improved so much that I can’t imagine living without it, even for a day.
More Phones, Bigger Phones, The First iPad and Bigger Computers
Even though I had an iPhone (and almost every year I upgraded to the new model), I couldn’t help but buy some iPod nanos and shuffles simply for their design. I rarely used them, except maybe for working out.
When the first iPad was introduced, I was certain it would be a huge success. Some critics dismissed it as just a larger iPhone, and in a way, they were right. But what they missed was the potential impact it would have. I knew right away that Apple had hit another home run, so I got one on the first day it was available.
With each iPhone upgrade, every new iPad, and every new Mac (whether it was an iMac or MacBook Pro), I found myself getting more and more invested in the Apple ecosystem of hardware and services. Sure, there were a few missteps along the way, like the disappointing MobileMe, which was thankfully replaced by iCloud. But being in this “walled garden” never bothered me. The ease of use, which I’ve always loved about Apple, just kept getting better. To this day, I can’t imagine a day without my iPhone, various Apple gadgets, and Macs.
Yes, it’s true, and I get why people say that once you’re in a walled garden, it’s hard to leave (though not impossible). But what Apple was doing 10 years ago, others are only starting to do now. And the critics who used to point fingers at Apple often don’t realize they’re slowly getting drawn into their own walled gardens, sometimes with even fewer options to leave.
Among my friends and at work, I’m known as an Apple advocate. To this day, I haven’t met anyone in my personal life (and I’m not talking about social media) who doesn’t see the value in what Apple offers in terms of design and ease of use. The main hurdle is always the cost, which I completely understand. Yes, Apple products are pricey, and when I think about all the items I’ve bought over the years, I’ve definitely spent a lot. But for me, it’s worth it. The joy and convenience I get from their design and user experience are invaluable. For instance, I never had to reinstall MacOS on my MacBook Pro, which lasted me 9 years, but I found myself reinstalling Windows on my gaming computers almost every month or two.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on my journey, from a young kid who loved art to a dedicated Apple enthusiast, I realize it’s been about so much more than just gadgets. It’s a tale of finding my own way, tackling obstacles, and joining a community that gets my love for design, simplicity, and innovation. Apple’s products haven’t just altered how I use technology; they’ve reshaped my creative connections and my interactions with the world. Yes, these devices come with a hefty price tag, but the immense value they bring to my life is beyond measure. They’re not just tools; they’re an integral part of my life.
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