Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
In the office at work. Good example of contrast. The new employee is bright red and of an unusual shape.
Tips for Long-Term, Continuous Improvement
Personal kaizen is a long-term pursuit of education and growth. Key concepts include
awareness, mindfulness, and a willingness to change and make small improvements
virtually every day to your own knowledge base and abilities. There are many small
things you can do to increase your design mindfulness and skills over time. The following
are just a few:
• Keep an analog scrapbook of examples of good and bad designs. This includes
anything from napkins and paper cups to business cards and brochures, flyers, and
posters—whatever you find remarkable that fits inside a folder, box, or scrapbook.
From time to time, review your analog examples and reflect on what works, what
doesn't, and why. This activity is even better in a group where people come together
and share their scrapbook contents in a design show-and-tell session.
• Keep a digital scrapbook in the form of an online photo blog—either private or
open to anyone—where you store interesting examples of design. Usually, you can
take a snapshot and then upload it to your blog right from your phone. (Of course,
be careful of people's right to privacy when taking snapshots outside.)
• Record your observations digitally. When an idea snaps into your head or you
notice something that stimulates your imagination, use a voice recorder to record
the idea (your phone may have one). It may seem odd, but I often even go jogging
with my iPhone just in case I need to take a picture of something remarkable or an
idea comes to mind that I need to record instantly.
• Keep stimulating the right side of your brain by learning a musical instrument or
rediscovering an instrument you used to play. Playing music is one of those creative
“whole brain” activities that enriches your life (and your work). You are never too old
to learn to play an instrument.
• Get completely unplugged and off the grid—no iPhones or BlackBerrys, and the
like. Go for a walk, a hike, a bike ride, or whatever it is that allows you to slow your
busy mind. What if a brilliant idea hits you and you can't record it? What if you see a
remarkable example and can't take a picture of it? Don't worry about it. Getting off
the grid and freeing up your mind (and pockets) is necessary for the flow of ideas,
too.
