“It has to come out someplace.”
Every creative person worth their salt generates more ideas than clients and friends have need of, or use for.
The ideas that will not let you ignore them, that have a tenacious spirit for being expressed no matter how hard you try to pretend they are not really important, that surface in day dreams and idle doodles, and corrupt other “paying” processes, are design squirts.
Named after the “hot lead squirt” that results when casting hot type in a matrix that is not properly locked and sealed. If there's an opening, the molten lead will find daylight, and anyone who happens to be standing nearby.
It is best to respect the occasional design squirt. To anticipate it and give it room to express itself. I have grown fond of these inspired, unexpected squirts. They solve real needs, express important ideas, and usually inflict critical fun at uncertain times. The Unique Designs & By-products section includes samples of this delightful gift.