Advice from a 27 year old designer(d).

(This advice has been recorded as much for students of design as it has been to serve as a constant self-reminder.)

1. Organization. Set your goals. Make them specific. Hold yourself accountable. Track your time spent (it’s good practice for when you get into the working world). Remain flexible.

2. Study and Repeat. Learn the language of design (or whatever else it is you are interested in) so well, that it becomes a tool to be utilized for a greater purpose. Yes, you need to understand design theory, typography, color theory, how to use your software and the overall “creative process” of design, as well as customer service and general business practices... but most importantly you need to know how to utilize these skills to effectively communicate your thoughts and ultimately put them into action. Look at the habits of people you find to be successful. Stay curious. Innovate. Repeat. For as long as you shall live.

In the words of Petrula Vrontikis, “Listen. Think. Design. In that order.”

3. Guts. Everyone has got them, though not everyone can say that they trust their own. Trust your gut and most of all “believe.” You can only overcome obstacles by believing you can.

4. Persistence. Know as many of the WWWWWH as possible and take action rather than reacting. Talk to and (creatively if possible) keep in contact with people within your profession. Join peer groups, attend events sponsored by professional organizations, set up informational interviews, seek out mentors etc. Show your work and explain your thought process to anyone who is willing to look and listen. Keep moving... even when you don’t particularly feel like it.

5. Patience & Educating. Forgive yourself if things don’t work out exactly as you had planned and then move on. It’s a fact; You are not alone... there are countless numbers of “designers” (anyone with a computer and some software, right?) and as many people in the world who will not understand the value of what you do... How are you going to deal with these facts?

6. Play. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Take a deep breath. STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER! Tell stupid pirate jokes. Make time to explore, have fun and relax... take the focus off of “graphic design” every once in a while. Your experience will help inform how you see the world and how you will share your vision with others.

7. Genius. Everyone is a genius in some way. Recognizing the genius in others from all disciplines and walks of life is the best way I have found to discover the genius within myself and has helped me work as part of a team (Whether client / designer or designer / designer / art director or photographer / illustrator / designer or in personal relationships.) Let go of your ego, let go of being a “rock star,” let go of being cool. When you work only to impress others on this level, all you end up making is fluff.

8. Context and Authenticity. In design and life, how one thing relates to another is more important than the thing on its own. Make sure those things come from a place of authenticity and you will earn (and learn how to) trust... a crucial part of every positive relationship.

9. Growth. I think Bruce Mau said it best in his “Incomplete Manifesto for Growth.” Currently there are 43 rules to live by. I highly recommend checking it out. (It’s only a Google search away.)

10. Gratitude. Remain in a constant state of gratitude. Be sure to thank those who have helped you and beyond that be willing to help others.