Michael Vanderbyl

Michael Vanderbyl was another designer at the AGI conference. He owns the design company Vanderbyl Design and is a pretty incredible designer. One thing I especially enjoyed was his design philosophy. He believes great design and great designers should remember the following ISMs and they will continue to be great!

1. Design is Hard (especially great design)

2. Design is Art

3. ALWAYS talk to an audience....meaning let the piece inspire the audience to talk to the audience

4. No one throws books away... so make they beautiful and timeless

5. SMALL moves can lead to BIG shifts

6. BIG always works... if its big and not working make it bigger

7. Doll House Model Train Syndrome... be able to communicate with your clients

8. No idea is too stupid... in fact most of the times the most insane, illogical ideas are the best

9. Find beauty in ugliness...this will keep you from trying to look to much like one desinger's beautiful work and will inspire you to make something wonderful of your own

10. The client IS your friend

11. Work with the negative...negative space...

12. Stripes are awesome

13. Let the problem solve its self

14. Boundaries--push them---FAR...we deal with communication and this can mean anything from print to motion to places spaces and people...get crazy

15. The work is what get work...doing good work will get you good work

16. Its ONLY graphic design=remember to go out and have fun...but remember we give the gift of communication to people

17. Robin Hood Theory of design: volunteer...always help when you can...give the gift of great design

18. NEVER get comfortable...always challenge yourself by switching up your style!

19. There are no answers

20. Whats IN will be OUT and whats OUT will be in...don't get stuck in the mud!

21. ALWAYS ALWAYS make time to reinvent yourself!