Design hasn’t really been around for along time, at least not in how we view design today. One of the godfather’s of this modern design world-view is Milton Glaser. You’ve seen his work regardless of whether or not you’ve realized it. He has some of the most seminal pieces of design and illustration in the U.S., and he designed possibly one of the most iconic and recognizable logos ever: I♥NY.

Working in such a young profession—not only design but web and interactive design—is sometimes a difficult thing. Thankfully, designers love to write and design so there are plenty of books about design to be found about hundreds of topics, since they just write and design them themselves. The lack we have currently (in my opinion) in the profession of design is wisdom gained from a lifetime of being a professional. There are some amazing and brilliantly creative designers in the world, but there is nothing that can replace the knowledge gained doing something for a long time. Milton Glaser has been designing for a long time and has an encyclopedia of design knowledge and practice.

In 2001 at an AIGA talk in London and later in 2002 at the AIGA National Design Conference, Milton Glaser shared 10 things he has learned as a designer:

1. You can only work for people that you like.
2. If you have a choice never have a job.
3. Some people are toxic: avoid them.
4. Professionalism is not enough, or, the good is the enemy of the great.
5. Less is not necessarily more.
6. Style is not to be trusted.
7. How you live changes your brain.
8. Doubt is better than certainty.
9. Solving the problem is more important than being right.
10. Tell the truth.

While I disagree with some of the points in regard to daily life, his 50 years of design wisdom shows how relevant these 10 points are to the design industry. His essay, “Ten Things I Have Learned” is a fantastic read, and for a more intense read I suggest reading through his full AIGA speech “This is what I have learned.”