“Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.”

Even when lacking in execution, design with a solid idea will be infinitely more memorable than a bland design that’s polished to perfection.

“Be on a horse when you go in search of a better one.”

If you’re in search of a better job, you’re more likely to find one when already in employment.

“A hasty man drinks his tea with a fork.”

Don’t rush through a project thinking the next one that comes along will be better. Every project you undertake can be your best yet. It’s up to you to make it so.

“A young doctor makes a full graveyard.”

Equally, a young designer will make more mistakes than an experienced one. It’s normal.

“A fall into a ditch makes you wiser.”

Olympic medalists don’t win every time, renowned authors rarely win the Booker Prize, and Oscar winners are unlikely to repeat the success. Similarly, designers can’t always produce award-winning work, and when the outcome isn’t as good as you hoped, there’ll still be important lessons learned along the way.

“A bad word whispered will echo a hundred miles.”

Rather than vent about a client, remember that you’re the expert, and the client is likely to be unaware of how the design process works. It’s up to you to keep the project running smoothly.

“Happy people never count hours as they pass.”

If you find yourself in design employment, counting down the hours until the end of the day, you’re either in the wrong profession, working for an idiot, or need to become self-employed.

“A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.”

Just as you must hear a song before making a judgment, don’t rule-out a design idea before it’s been fully explored. Express your ideas in a studio meeting or when brainstorming, even if you’re unsure about the effectiveness. It’s rare when anyone’s first thought is the idea that’s chosen.

“A book holds a house of gold.”

No matter how long you’ve been in the profession, there’s always something new to learn. Design books are an incredible source of knowledge.

“A day of sorrow is longer than a month of joy.”

That’s how it might seem on a day when things go wrong, but remember, you’re doing a job you love. The vast majority can’t say the same.

“A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion.”

If you’re asked to produce a design based upon current trends, explain to your client why trends should be left to the fashion industry, and why great design is timeless.

“Cheap things are not good, good things are not cheap.”

Designers have a tendency to undersell themselves. Value your skills. You’ve spent a great deal of time building them.

“Customers are jade; merchandise is grass.”

Without clients, we’re designing for ourselves. Treat your clients with respect, because they can be your best salespeople.

“Don’t build a new ship out of old wood.”

You might have a stockpile of unused design concepts, but every new client should be afforded the new ideas they’re paying for.

“Don’t stand by the water and long for fish; go home and weave a net.”

The ideal client won’t jump into your lap. Launch a blog. Freshen-up your portfolio. Get out there and market yourself.

“Everyone speaks well of the bridge which carries him over.”

Regardless of experience, if you’re asked for design advice, don’t ignore the question.

“Forget the favours you have given; remember those received.”

Don’t do it because you expect something in return. Do it because it’s who you want to be.

“Govern yourself and you can govern the world.”

No matter how busy you are with client work, leave some time for you. It won’t do anyone any good if you’re too burned-out for work. Reward yourself after a successful project.

“She who asks is a fool for five minutes, but she who does not remains a fool forever.”

It’s easy to spot designers with passion — they’re the ones asking questions.

“He who hurries cannot walk with dignity.”

Project deadlines (or live-lines) are good for motivation, but if the outcome isn’t right, don’t force it. Better to spend one more week on a design that will last a lifetime, than spend a week less and live with mediocrity.

“One step at a time is good walking.”

As tempting as it may be to jump straight onto your computer, don’t underestimate the value of research, brainstorming, and sketching, when it comes to a complete design process.

“Make happy those who are near, and those who are far will come.”

Concentrate on the clients you have, rather than those you wish to attract, because doing a good job for a good client will lead to more of the same.

I’ve always been a sucker for a good proverb. Remembering them for use in everyday situations is another thing entirely. Are there any additions that appeal to you?

——

Update:
Authentic and nicely-translated Chinese proverbs and philosophies (via @jzy).

——

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(Updated with reader favourites.)

View UK commerical printers in a larger map

Click the blue pins in the map above for company info, or read on and see who recommended who.

Recommendations from Helen Jones of The Partners.

Orchid Print
London — 020 8986 8969

Screaming Colour
London — 020 7549 3400

Beacon Press
Uckfield, East Sussex — 01825 768611

Recommendation from Katie Morgan of 300million.

Gavin Martin Associates
London — 020 7729 0091
“Not only do they provide an excellent, consultative service, but they also have a great resource called the ‘Print Lounge’ where you can go and browse through all the print they have done — a fantastic source of inspiration.”

Recommendations from Steven Willis, creative director at B&W Studio.

Harrogate Print
Harrogate, North Yorkshire — 01423 523449

Teamprint
Littleborough, Lancashire — 01706 370092
“Simon at Team helped us out when we first established B&W Studio nearly six years ago. We still enjoy a great relationship with them today and they’re always up to the task whatever ridiculous specification or timeframe we throw at them. Their quality and attention to detail is exceptional.”

Recommendations from Blair Thomson, creative director at Believe In.

Generation Press
Brighton — 01273 857449
“Proper printers who understand print and know no boundaries. Attention to detail at every level. The designer’s printer. Tip-top environmental credentials.”

Kingfisher Print
Totnes, Devon — 01803 867087
“Local printers with great value and a high-quality service. These guys know their stuff and print some great work.”

Recommendation from Paul Ellerker, director at Branch.

Wellington Press
London — 020 8558 9290
“They’re really responsive, competitively priced, and generally very nice people.”

Recommendations from David Hyde of Studio Hyde.

Dayfold Print
Verwood, Dorset — 01202 812203
“For high-quality printing from a company that specialises in working with and for designers.”

Chromatec
Fleet, Hampshire — 01252 851911
“For good, general commercial print.”

Park lane Press
Corsham, Wiltshire — 01225 815010
“For high-quality environmental (waterless) printing.”

Indigo Press
Southampton, Hampshire — 0800 652 7299
“For ‘package price’ print (good for stationery).”

Imagewise
Eastleigh, Hampshire — 02380 650151
“For digital printing.”

Recommendation from Tom Lancaster, creative director at Stylo Design.

Dayfold Print
Verwood, Dorset — 01202 812203
“They’ve been super reliable and produce quality results.”

A second thumbs-up for Dayfold.

Recommendations from Lee Newham of Good People.

Beacon Press
Uckfield, East Sussex — 01825 768611
“They are eco-friendly, recycle the water they use, are FSC certified and are brilliant digital printers. A very high quality of print and they are carbon neutral. Highly recommended.”

A second thumbs-up for Beacon Press.

Hot Metal Press
Barnsley, South Yorkshire — 01226 740498
“They print hot metal as the name suggests, they are incredibly helpful and good at what they do. They are also very reasonable.”

Recommendations from Jamie Wieck of Airside.

Principal Colour
Paddock Wood, Kent — 01892 835005
“I can’t recommend them highly enough. They are competitive, inventive, and above all recognise that what they produce ultimately impacts the environment.”

Calverts Co-operative
London — 020 7739 1474
“The quality of their work is legendary, so they tend to be a tad more expensive than other printers — but remember — you get what you pay for.”

Jigsaw Colour Printers
London — 020 7394 2799
“Jigsaw are excellent at handling massive quantities of print work and are set up to take on your biggest projects without batting an eye lid.”

Updates from the comment thread

Recommendation from Alan Anderson of Blue Tube Design.

Minprint Ltd
Belfast, Northern Ireland — 028 90705205
“Always a high standard of work, accurate and competitively priced.”

Recommendation from Simon Hutchings of Visualise Graphics.

Wincanton Print
Wincanton, Somerset — 01963 33643
“They’re a wealth of knowledge, great value and offer a superb service — highly recommended.”

Recommendation from James Greenfield of Proud Creative.

Push Print
London — 020 7231 1166
“Great print and quality service.”

Generation Press
Brighton — 01273 857449

A second vouch for Generation Press.

Recommendation from Steve Bell of Zavial Design.

Remous
Sherborne, Dorset — 01963 250920
“We’ve been using Remous for seven years. High quality and reliable.”

Recommendation from Andrew Kelsall.

RCS
Retford, Notts — 0800 328 5064
“Not only do they have all the latest printing technology, they also have a smashing print catalogue that is reprinted and updated every year. If you go to their site, you can get a free copy if you’re in the design trade.”

Recommendations from Ebi Atawodi.

ist printing
Beith, Ayrshire — 01505 500 000
“I’ve just done some foil blocking with Ian. Very cheerful/friendly and a great quality printer.”

Copytech Digital Print Solutions
Tunbridge Wells, Kent — 01892 538280
“Highly recommended, especially for short run bespoke work.”

Recommendation from Chris Skelton of What Creative.

Team Impression
Leeds — 0113 272 4800
“Amazing service. Top quality.”

Recommendation from Simon C Page.

Ripe Digital
Corsham, Wiltshire — 01225 815033
“Highly recommended.”

Recommendations from Morag Malloy of Fission Creative.

CCB
Glasgow — 0141 891 4700

Hay Nisbet Press
Glasgow — 0141 959 3325

J Thompson Colour Printers
Glasgow — 0141 429 1094

Recommendations from Rebecca Owen of Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners.

Face Creative Services
London — 020 7713 9797

Pearl Print Management
London — 020 8875 9160

Additional print resources

Here’s a print resource I’ve featured before, Lovely as a Tree. Worth a second mention.

“It’s a fantastic resource that collects together the finest printers and paper in one place, but it’s killer application is that it rates everything by how environmentally friendly it is. Airside is committed to creating eco-friendly design and this website plays a significant role in allowing the studio to achieve this.”
— JAMIE WIECK, AIRSIDE

And here are a few money-saving questions to ask your printer.

Your help

If you have any additional UK printer recommendations, or if you can endorse the printers above, please leave details in the comment thread or send me an email. It’d be great to get some recommendations for companies in Scotland, Wales, and across the Irish Sea.

Post image credit.

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1. Good design is innovative.
2. Good design makes a product useful.
3. Good design is aesthetic.
4. Good design makes a product understandable.
5. Good design is unobtrusive.
6. Good design is honest.
7. Good design is long-lasting.
8. Good design is thorough down to the last detail.
9. Good design is environmentally friendly.
10. Good design is as little design as possible.

— Dieter Rams (1985)

Read a ten-part series based on Dieter Rams’ ten principles for good design. The Inksie brand asked writers and illustrators to contribute to the project. Each writer wrote on one of Rams’ principles; each illustrator reacted to a writer’s essay.

— Interview with Dieter Rams on designboom.
— Dieter Rams on Wikipedia.
— Dieter Rams on the Design Museum.

Published on David Airey, graphic designer

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The survey results are available to the public, along with an interactive salary calculator tool, and can be accessed online at www.designsalaries.org.

“The AIGA|Aquent Survey of Design Salaries 2010 includes a summary of job types by region to give users an idea of the salaries at various job levels. In addition, this year’s survey provides insights and advice from prominent design professionals on remaining competitive and successful in today’s economy.”

Split into a wide range of design roles — from entry-level designer to partner/principal — the survey results are solely from the United States, but it’s an interesting read regardless of your location.

As well as the salaries, this year’s survey provides insights and advice from respected design professionals on remaining competitive in today’s economy. Here’s one of Debbie Millman‘s five tips to living a remarkable life:

“Consider what you would do if you knew you would never fail, and pursue that as if your life depended on it — because it does! Only you can create a remarkable life for yourself. Only you.”
— DEBBIE MILLMAN

On a somewhat related note, you can take a look inside Debbie’s gorgeous Manhattan home over on Apartment Therapy.

Is there a similar survey for us in the UK? I’d like to see that.

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I’m back from a week in southern Spain, successfully dodging the ash cloud, and although I couldn’t justify reading all of my back-logged feed subscriptions, here are a few notable mentions.

Greenpeace launched a behind the logo initiative, calling for the public to design oil giant BP a new logo.

For football-lovers, Nike released a superb ad-spot for the World Cup (on Creative Review).

On a similar note, Michael Johnson spoke of the travesties that are World Cup logos.

The 2012 Olympic mascots were launched (and nicely compared to Britain’s new Government).

Gorgeous examples of tilt shift photography — something I plan on experimenting with.

Hardly worth the effort. A few well-chosen words from Seth Godin.

Lastly, davidthedesigner offered proof that not everything improves with age.

In other news, it turns out Catherine takes a half-decent photo (above).

I hope you’ve all been having a great week.

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“Local construction codes of Mar Azul, Beunos Aires, Argentina actually restrict the removal of trees. Instead of relocating the house the architects, Martín Fernández de Lema and Nicolás F. Moreno Deutsch, decided to build the house around them.”
— SHELBY on ISO50

More photos on ArchDaily.

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When it comes to client presentations, contextual imagery is key. The use of digital mock-ups allows your clients to visualize how their new brand identity will tie-in with the products they produce, the premises they occupy, the vehicles they drive, the clothes they wear.

Here are three resources for downloading contextual image templates.

PrestoVisual

The new kid on the block, PrestoVisual was launched in 2010. I asked the site owner what prompted the development.

“I guess it’s obvious that everyone uses the internet these days to source images for projects. The last few years has seen the rise of stock photography sites that cater for almost any situation — up to a point. I think that as budgets and deadlines have become tighter the stock image site has come into its own. My experience in the packaging design industry has shown me that there’s a fairly continuous need for imagery based on every-day objects, especially in the drinks sector. I’ve sold nearly 1,000 wine bottle renders on istockphoto over the past three years, which showed me there was a demand for these kind of images, and I thought ‘why not do my own site?’

“I had the dream of creating a virtual supermarket full of blank pack visuals that designers could call upon as and when projects demanded. I’ve launched the site with nearly 600 visuals — all created in my spare time, and I intend to keep adding more images when time allows.”

LiveSurface

The LiveSurface image template library was created by designer and entrepreneur Joshua Distler.

Flickr

It’s much more difficult to find the “right” image on Flickr, and you’ll need to be sure the photographer grants permission for use, but if you have the time, searching through the Flickr archives is another option.

I recommend using the advanced image search, and checking the box to find all photos tagged with the “creative commons” license.

Where do you find your contextual image templates?

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Press play, then HD, go full-screen, and marvel at the wonders of The Known Universe.

For those reading via email subscription, watch in HD here.

Developed by the American Museum of Natural History, this six minute video zooms out from the Himalayas of Tibet, pulling farther and farther from earth to the limit of the observable universe — the afterglow of the Big Bang.

“I liken the Digital Universe to the invention of the globe,” says Curator Ben R. Oppenheimer, an astrophysicist at the museum. “When Mercator invented the globe, everyone wanted one. He had back-orders for years. It gave everyone a new perspective on where they live in relation to others, and we hope that the Digital Universe does the same on a grander, cosmic scale.”

More info on the AMNH website. Via Jason Kottke.

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The taping of the pilot TV program “Design Matters” is next Friday (11th) in New York. Debbie Millman is host, with Hillman Curtis as director. The show is conceived as a design version of “Inside the Actor’s Studio,” and Millman’s first two interview subjects are none other than Milton Glaser and Stefan Sagmeister.

The pilot taping is free and open to the public—seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis—and an audience Q&A will take place after each interview. So if you’re in New York on Friday, get over to:

The School of Visual Arts Theater
333 West 23rd Street
New York City

The interviews will likely happen between 2-6pm—probably best to check with the venue beforehand.

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How will design shape our future? How are we, as designers, taking responsibility for the products we help put to market?

The following TED talk by architect and designer William McDonough was filmed in 2005, and posted to the TED website in 2007, so there’s a fair chance you might’ve seen it. But if you haven’t, and if there’s just one thing you watch today, spend 20 minutes listening to what McDonough has to say about design and the world in which we all live.

(There’s a full-screen icon in the top-right of the video panel you should see below — it’s not high quality, but it’s good enough.)

Watch on TED if you can’t see the video above.

A few points from the talk include how design is the first signal of human intention, and we’re asked to consider our intentions are as the dominant species on earth. McDonough talks about design humility, and how it took us 5000 years to put wheels on our luggage. He asks when will we see the end of the age of oil? And mentions how the stone age didn’t end because we ran out of stones.

McDonough expands on these issues in his book Cradle to Cradle — another for the to-read list.

You might be wondering how this translates to your day job. Jennifer Seeley helps explain in a comment she left on a previous post of mine:

Our goal is to make people aware to the point they will always check where the products were made and if there are any warnings on them. I came upon that issue years ago with Gold Paint on mugs. I was designing mugs for some corporate branding. The decision — have shiny gold that looks impressive yet causes cancer (through the materials used), or be morally just and pick the next best option.

Obviously, I chose the safer color.

And here’s a particularly telling quote from McDonough’s talk:

What we need is “…something that makes oxygen, sequesters carbon, fixes nitrogen, distills water, accrues solar energy as fuel, makes complex sugars into food, creates micro climates, changes colors with the seasons and self replicates,” said McDonough.

“Why don’t we knock that down and write on it.”

Are you taking design responsibility at work?

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