"My position has recently evaporated, but for six years I worked with a staff of very smart, talented people, whom I nonetheless harassed with trite truisms. This seems like the perfect time to dust-off a few and bore a new generation. So...

> Good clear communication (and design is communication) is good clear thinking.
> Don't show the client anything you don't want approved.
> First, determine the parameters.
> You're young, and you're a designer--one more strike and you're out.
> Know the elements and principles (of art and design).
> Do things for a reason.
> A few great ideas beat the hell out of a ton of filler.
> Your client doesn't know the item above.
> Go North.
> Drawing is seeing. Learn to draw, learn to see.
> The good projects are the ones you're not working on.
> At least you're not a copywriter.
> Digital design: things look finished before they look good
> Get samples.
> Account people are not rodents; rodents have spines
> Use fewer elements, make better choices.
> Nothing is original; everything is synthesis.
> Craft counts.
> Pull, don't push.
> If your looking for self-expression, knit on the weekends.
> Do simple things well.

...and the class favorite

> Not everything you do won't suck.

If I were any more sage, you'd find me in the self-help section of Books-a-Million."

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