Catherine Leigh Byers White

Design is a response to a specific problem. You are given a problem to solve, and then you let the problem itself tell you what the solution is.
Chip Kidd reminds us that in order to create a successful solution, you must continually refer back to the problem. 

Take risks.
Strive to push your designs further than you think they should go. When you think you’ve gone too far, pull it back a little. You might surprise yourself…

Don’t disregard your successes.
Just because you’ve already done something doesn’t mean you have to recreate the wheel every time, use what you already have. 

Don’t rely on technology.
It is important to have your own style and technique, everyone has access to the same software you do...

Never be caught without your sketchbook.
Ideas, problems, and solutions can come to you at any time, any place. Always be able to jot down a sketch or note to come back to later.

Embrace mistakes.
Just because it wasn’t intended or didn’t work this time, doesn’t mean that it didn’t send you in the right direction.

Be a leader and a follower.
Be confident in your ideas, but acknowledge that other people have ideas too.

Get away.
Don’t trap yourself in front of your computer or at your desk. Take breaks, get away from it, and come back with a fresh look.

Learn all of the rules.
Once you know all of them, you can break them.

Never stop.
Remember, you are constantly growing and learning. Surround yourself with examples of design and a network of individuals that you can count on and gain from.

Have a cheerleader.
Whether it is your mom, your dog or your best friend, have some one you can count on to listen, be supportive, and cheer you up.

Do the unthinkable.
Sometimes, trying something outside of your comfort zone and totally bizarre can be the answer.

Forget the grid.
Balance and symmetry are good things. But too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.

Thrive on criticism.
Seek out advice and opinions from both fellow designers and non-designers. A successful design is important, but communicating the intended message is infinitely more so.

Use your resources.
You don't have to create everything yourself. Having people in your network with different talents, such as programmers and photographers, can save you a lot of headaches!

Stretch time.
Always allow time for corrections, reprinting, last minute changes, etc... A deadline is a deadline.

Enjoy the scenery.
Make sure to stay up to date with current trends and the design around you.

Take it with a grain of salt.
Just because someone offers you their opinion, doesn’t mean you have to take it.

Be active.
Find a group of artists or designers, like an AIGA chapter, in your area and participate. Network, grow, and gain from like minded individuals. 

Get inspired.
Inspiration comes in many forms and places. Make sure to keep an open mind and don’t discount the ordinary.

Stay up late.
Strange things happen when you work too hard or are too stress and are too sleep deprived. It might just be the change of perspective you needed.