Make sure that whatever you design is fitting a need in the world and has a purpose

“Differentiate yourself by fully understanding the problem before you attempt to solve it… Don’t just fall in love with a solution and go full-force on making it look great, but really make sure that whatever you design is fitting a need in the world and has a purpose.” – Whitney Hess

Whitney’s quote is from the School of Visual Arts’ article “Video Notes from the Field” in which designers gave video advice for students thinking of becomming designers. View Whitney’s blog post about the video here.

1. Have undying, unending passion for design
2. The true mark of an effective designer is the ability to answer “why?”
3. Think of your work not as a job, but as a calling
4. Beyond performing a purpose in a good way, the purpose itself has to be good
5. Scientists identify components of existing structures, designers shape components of new structures