What is simplicity? Is it a lack of detail? A withholding of information? Is it childish? Is it uncultured? Unintelligent? Unsophisticated? I suppose one might think so, but this is wholly inaccurate. Simplicity is perhaps best defined as the minimal amount of elements and information necessary to accomplish a goal or convey a message. [...]
Efficiency is at the heart of all proper design. Its full execution is both complex and simple, as it requires excellence and perfection in a variety of aspects to a design while retaining one single consistent message. Efficient design is accomplished through the maximum output and consideration of the many facets of a design, [...]
Color must be respected, but never feared. Surprisingly, many designers do in fact fear it. And why? Because color is bold, outlandish, and impossible to hide. It is a reflection of the insecurities of the designer himself. And because of this reality, many designers will escape to subtle hues, black and white vagueness, and non-declarative [...]
If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don’t deal in [...]
I wonder what it really means to be "presidential"? It seems like a vague term that is frequently invoked. Is 'presidential' one's ability to give a good speech? To walk straight, smile, and say "God bless America?" If so, every convention speech I've seen in my life has been presidential, including this year's speeches by [...]
I am proud to say that my new book, "On Design", has hit the shelves and can be found most notably on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and elsewhere. The book focuses on guiding principles and business aspects to graphic design. I have no doubt that the book is imperfect at times, but overall I am [...]
I spent a good chunk of the weekend in Lower Manhattan, which covers Wall Street, the Seaports, Ground Zero & The World Trade Center, and Battery Park. Here you will find the Staten Island Ferry, the bronze bull statue, and excellent views of The Statue of Liberty. Here you will also find the oldest parts [...]
Truly great design requires confidence. Why? Two reasons. First, because great design is design that has not been seen before, and therefore requires boldness and an ability to present new ideas onto a client and a population that are not typically welcome to new things. Second, because great design tends to be simple design. And simple [...]
We can meticulously plan and scrutinize every aspect of our lives. We can analyze our careers, our work, and our very souls. We can attempt to gain some modicum of control over our lives and the journey that awaits us. And yet, sometimes it just comes down to luck. Some of the greatest moments in [...]