A bit more philosophical than my previous list, but hopefully more pithy, and not in any particular order:
- Do not fear the blank sheet of paper or the empty document window in front of you. Think of them as the start of a great adventure.
- Let the work of others inspire you, but don’t copy.
- Along those lines, don’t try to be cool. Instead, put in the effort required to be good.
- Style is not substance. Don’t confuse the two.
- When starting a design project, first, define your terms. You can’t communicate something if your idea of it is vague.
- When struggling, change your environment. Get off the computer and get out pencil, pens, paint, paper, glue and go at it from a different direction.
- Every project you take on is an opportunity to learn. Accept the challenge. Nothing is too difficult to accomplish.
- We cannot design out of nothing. We always begin with something in mind. It may not be the right thing, but it’s always a start.
- Design is a service. It helps people, businesses and organizations prosper.
- Develop a point of view. You are unique. Don’t be ordinary. Be extraordinarily you. You bring things to the table that no one else does.
- You’ll get different points of view from different teachers. This input helps you develop your own.
- Read and write. Read fiction and non-fiction. Read blogs, magazines and books. Write about what you read and about what you design.
- Graphic design is words and images combined for a specific purpose. Design is a medium, not a message.
- No one can motivate you but you. You can be mediocre or excellent. It’s your choice.
- Design is work. It produces things. It’s both a process and a result.
- The real value of design is the thinking that goes into it.
- Know the difference between copyright and Creative Commons.