My earliest memory of an object that impacted my ideas of design would probably be computer discs. Way back before ipods accomplished world domination, CD's were used, not only to hold music and images, but also as elements of design. Growing up, I expressed my creativity by using my immense amount of energy and hyperactivity to create the different projects that would randomly pop into my head. One of these projects that became one of my favorite designs was a mural of different colored discs nailed in rows onto my wall, so that they combined to take the place of a poster. Not only do they serve a functional purpose, but they can also have an aesthetic appeal. Their covers can also be used as carriers of visual art: http://www.mrmalique.com/index.php/compact-disc-art/

I also remember sorting through my moms collection of CD's and being fascinated by the graphic designs of the covers for bands like Cake, Metallica, and Rage Against the Machine. This cover art definitely was an inspiration that would influence my later studies. My main focus and inspiration is for graphic design and I believe that objects like compact discs were key elements in igniting my desire to pursue this specific concept.