If I had a basket of kittens, I would name them Ajax, Java, Div, Cache, Flash, and Mouseover.
*************
Paying attention to feedback from “average customers” isn’t as valuable as listening to those who are truly passionate about your brand. Paying attention to feedback from those who dislike your brand and have had bad impressions and experiences can be the most valuable input of all.
*************
Being around competent, assured people is comfortable. I feel like I’m in good company with many of the professionals here at my job… but watching a person attempt to learn totally new skills, and fail, and try again, and just keep at it until they’re awesome, that’s exciting.
*************
You know you’re in Marketing when you’re attending a project-launch planning meeting for the Christmas Gift catalog… in July.
*************
Common. Community. Communication… Design is Communication. Those who relate to what’s presented have reactions in Common. So thereby a potential Community can be created.
*************
Perhaps to be a designer who is considered skilled and talented in part requires having a “good eye”. For color, balance of space, etc… I think that some design sense is innate, and some acquired, as a “good eye” and a creative brain learn new ways to see and interpret the world.
*************
Dreamt that I saw a billboard with text in bad need of kerning. Flew up there, adjusted the letter spacing, soared back down & went on my way.
*************
Being an expert in Quark Xpress is akin to being a really good VCR repairman.
*************
I’ll never be that designer who forgets to pick up a kid from school because they’re arguing with a co-worker over the perfect shade of blue.
*************
When I have a chance to use one of the intriguing ideas that’s been living in my mind, and when I’m then able to control the art from concept to final, that’s when I truly love being a designer.
*************
Steam rises from my morning coffee in wisps and clouds as the fog clears from my mind. The day begins to take shape; plans and ideas are formed.
*************
Subtly presenting new page layout concepts, while persuading managers that it’s hardly outlandish, but rather singular and classic, is an art in itself.
*************
Contributing to the well-being of valued individuals doesn’t go against my self-interest: We all grow together. Leadership. Mentoring. Pride.
*************
It strikes me as odd when people say they’re “proud” to be a woman, or to be born an American; or are proud of their natural good looks… I usually only think of “pride” in regard to accomplishing and creating: wise choices made, prevailing against odds, solving problems, learning.
*************
I think of myself as openminded and considerate, with a commitment to getting quality work done while maintaining a fun-loving outlook on life. As many’d describe themselves, yet their actual views and attitude can be so radically different. For instance, I’ve observed that many other members of “Generation X” are now moving up the corporate ladder in workplaces all over the world. Some of these so-called professionals don’t seem to have a code of honor or a need for integrity. It’s expediency, making do, “blowing smoke” and office politics games… Sad.
*************
What is most daunting about the prospect of not compromising on my professional standards? Well, getting a reputation for being a smug, inflexible goody-two-shoes, especially in the Marketing world, where “spin” is highly valued. But good days still outnumber the bad, and I’m always working to improve the mindset of those around me.
*************
Thinking about my heroes and mentors, and wishing that those I respect and emulate in general weren’t so obviously wrongheaded in a few particular ways… “Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it… unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.” – Gautama Buddha
*************
Observing Art Directors at workplaces over the years: sometimes it’s prioritizing projects and tactful teamwork more than determining design.
*************
If I hear the phrase “outside the box” one more time this week, I may hurl.
Leave a Reply