The brief story behind M.-L. Stranger and Human in Design
Hey there, fellow Oddballs! M-L. Stranger here. Before we dive into this wild journey I call life, let me clarify something. Despite my last name, I'm only strange in society’s totally outlandish definition of the word ‘normal.’ I am just a regular German gal turned digital collage artist living on top of a gorgeous mountain somewhere in the USA. Oh, and let's not forget about my little zoo of pets!
Growing up in the beer and bratwurst land, I was your classic square peg in a world of round holes, whatever Americans mean by that. For a long time, I tried to squeeze into the mold to fit into the standard version of ‘normal.' But you know what? It just didn't cut it. I was different, but not the 'check-out-my-neon-hair-and-weird-boots' different, even though I started rebelling against the mold by joining the goths of Berlin. However, as the years passed, I found that being different was something deeper, something inherently me that wasn’t happy in a gothic box either.
So, one day, I decided to toss that round-hole notion out the window. I stopped trying to conform to society's or a subculture’s expectations and instead embraced the unique mess of a human I am. The ultimate result? The idea to create my own world. Fast forward about a decade and another brush with some mental health challenges, 'Human in Design’ was born. And no, it's not just a brand - it's a manifesto, a rebellion, an anthem for all my fellow oddballs out there.
'Human in Design' is my way of saying, "Hey, it's okay to be who you want to be, and who you want to be can change." We're all beautifully complex, and it's fine to be messy, to be confusing, and heck, to be a walking contradiction. That's the beauty of life's design, after all. This whole concept translates into the belief that we're all the architects, the creators, and the weavers of our own existence. No one else's blueprint should define our life unless we infringe on someone else’s existence, and by that, I don’t necessarily mean their feelings. I believe with freedom comes responsibility, and that involves taking responsibility for how we react to others and our feelings toward them.
Now, if you're picturing me living in a claustrophobic artist's loft in a concrete jungle, you couldn't be further off the mark. I live in a peaceful abode on a mountainside in the US of A, sharing the spectacular view with my significant other and our collection of adorable, crazy critters.
My story, it's more than just about me. It's a beacon, a call to arms for every single one of you out there who's felt left out or different. Remember, the world doesn't have to understand you for you to be real, to be valid. You, my friend, are a Human in Design of your own worlds.
So here's to all the round pegs, square pegs, and star-shaped pegs. Heck, even if you're a peg without a shape, this is for you. I see you. I value you. You're a Human in Design. So, let's confuse the world with our splendid messiness. After all, it's your design, your life. Embrace it. Live it.
