Bite-sized lessons learned by decades of swinging through the marketing jungle.
We've been in the game for 30 years, and we've picked up a ton of wisdom along the way. Now, it's time to share the wealth! Whether you're a seasoned marketer, a creative graphic designer, or a savvy client, you're bound to discover some golden nuggets that will enhance your understanding of the industry's life, processes, and challenges.
Take a tongue-in-cheek journey with us as we reveal our Rules of Thumb.
Rule #50
There is always someone who is better at what you do than you.
Rule #49
A good designer is thinking at least five steps ahead of the step he’s currently working.
Rule #48
Never accept less for a job than you believe your time and effort is worth … and get it in writing.
Rule #47
Never be afraid to push the limits of good taste.
Rule #46
Changing the keyboard layout on your fellow designer’s computer is a terrific way to break up the monotony of a stressful workday.
Rule #45
The key to defending yourself against backseat designers: Back up your chair suddenly.
Rule #44
If in doubt, talk to the printer.
Rule #43
That which doesn’t kill you will only try harder the next time.
Rule #42
Get the client to sign off on everything before doing any printing or production.
Rule #41
More often than not, you can’t fix it in post.
Rule #40
Take whatever steps are necessary to get the creative juices flowing.
Rule #39
You don’t have to have formal training in graphic design to be successful, but it sure does help.
Rule #38
Keep the Bevel and Emboss layer effects in Photoshop to a minimum.
Rule #37
The bigger the physical size of the project, the less it should say.
Rule #36
The creative mind works best when it works uninterrupted.
Rule #35
Always keep a good digital camera handy. You never know when you’ll need to stage an impromptu photo shoot.
Rule #34
A good designer needs to know how to fix his own computer.
Rule #33
Never underestimate the importance of being able bullshit.
Rule #32
No matter how many hours you work, make sure you set aside enough time to let your creative mind and mental health recharge.
Rule #31
Only production artists and bosses have 9-5 workdays.

