7 in 7

Jason VanLue discusses seven things he's learned, and is learning, in seven years of design.

1. 7 in 7 Seven things I’ve learned in seven years designing... I’m learning
2. Don’t Give Up 1
3. “Perseverance isn't always just a strong will…it's also a strong won't.”
4. “Slow and Steady”
5. Out-perfect. Out-work.
6. Be A Professional 2
7. “It's your responsibility to demonstrate your competence and professionalism to your clients before you ever start designing for them. Otherwise you'll seldom be allowed to give them your best work.” — Andy Rutledge
8. Perfect your cra!t. Be honest, trustworthy, dependable. Be responsible. Do your best. Demand respect.
9. Solve Real Problems 3
10. We are problem solvers. We design for people.
11. Find a Problem. Design a Solution.
12. “People who really want to make a di!ference in the world aren't determined to revolutionize the world all at once; they're satis!ied with small changes.” — Beth Clark
13. “They don't do anything to call attention to themselves, they simply pay attention to the everyday needs of others…” — Beth Clark
14. DO.
15. Study Outside Your Sphere 4
16. When was the last time you studied something outside of the web?
17. “He approaches every problem with a willingness to do painstaking study and research and to perform exhaustive experimentation. He is equipped to work intelligently with the engineer, the architect, the physicist, the interior decorator, the colorist, and the doctor.” — Henry Dreyfuss
18. “He must be part engineer, part businessman, part salesman, part public-relations man, artist, and anything else his client needs...” — Henry Dreyfuss
19. Psychology Architecture Engineering Industrial Design Art Civil Planning
22. Write 5
23. I have nothing to say. First Misconception:
24. Everything I have to say has already been said. Second Misconception:
25. Design, Not Decorate 6
26. Design is not veneer.
27. Simplify 7
28. The problem with “noise” is it deadens your sense of hearing. When the noise is deafening, I become deaf to more important things.
29. “Never too much...hardly enough” — Frederick Law Olmstead