Veteran Graphic Designer Aaron James Draplin recently shared 50 things in 50 minutes that he lives by. The video is not only funny and inspiring but also contains some excellent advise. Although aimed at graphic designers a lot of what he says can equally be applied to photographers and artists in general. It is worth watching (below) but as usual I have included my notes; his 50 points, if you don't have time to watch below that.
Aaron Draplin's 50 Points
- Enjoy the moment
- Love where you are from
- Move somewhere wild
- Frequent Eateries that use decimal points in their menus
- Know your fucking condiments (keep it simple)
- Get out there and get dirty (go explore and find things)
- And then, share what you find
- Work with your friends
- Know your tools, and be thankful they exist
- Go wherever they'll send you
- Shed any goddamned sense of entitlement
- Provide proof of bonifide graphic art existence (using multimedia)
- Fight for the long dogs [All dogs are descended from dachshunds]
- Lose the crutch [there is no excuse for creative block, if you are on the clock make it happen, don't find excuses]
- Exhibit a little humility
- Quit spending yer money on bullshit
- Be wary of certain business professionals (In order: Telemarkers, TSA Agents (transport security in US), Pickpockets, DMV Employees (US Dept. Motor Vehicles), Horse Thieves, Tax Collectors & Web Developers)
- Pay off those fucking school loans now
- Laugh at stuff
- Turn yer back on organised sports
- Dream up a plan (Then figure our how to pull it off)
- Get cosmic (Put things into perspective, we are tiny in the universe)
- Take colour theory very seriously (Nothing says I don't quite get it like the colour purple - don't use it)
- Make room for some magic [See John Cleese interview last week & be prepared for when it comes]
- Say what you mean
- Get it on vinyl (Records rock)
- Be ready for when they call you up to the big league
- Learn an instrument
- Be the client (invent something)
- Go by car (take it slow and see the country)
- Know what really matters in the end (help your friends and family)
- Buy things made in America England [Sorry Aaron]
- Question stuff constantly
- Know who's got the power
- Collect cool shit
- Grab yer social media by the throat (Make your posts count)
- Savour the little stuff
- Support yer local rock bands
- Know all the shades of being professional (prove yourself by being professional but keep it fun)
- Don't worry about awards (but if you are invited to go judge, bite their hand off; take the hotel and abuse expense account)
- Quite saying the word "dude" (THis isn't the 90s anymore, let that be reserved for your uncle and your dentist)
- Make big ass posters (Then sell a shitwack of 'em)
- Go pantless
- Get free (have an exit plan)
- Treat the UPS guy, mail lady and printing pressman like they are gold. (Treat the people you rely on well)
- Know what you love
- Don't forget about the things you hate
- Learn to roll with the good, the bad and the ugly
- Work hard and love this shit
- Be thankful for everything
You can find more about Aaron Draplin and his company here View more inspirational videos here
(via 37 Signals)