Don't Worry, Be Happy!

Another semester comes to a close. I won't be able to say that very many more times. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter. The things that I have learned over the course of my time in college have been uplifting and inspirational. In this Spring 2013 semester, we have created a campaign for the graphic design show, a letter press event poster, an alphabet book, creative layout versions of a classic novel, and a two page magazine layout.

Don't wait until you know who you are to get started.
Step away from the screen. Use your hands.
Keep a morgue file.
Side projects and hobbies are important.
The work you do while you procrastinate is probably the work you should be doing the rest of your life.
Make friends, Ignore enemies.
Garbage in, Garbage out.
Stand next to the talent.
Keep a praise file.
Keep a log file.
Keep everything.

These are just a few of the great phrases that Austin Kleon, the author of "Steal Like an Artist" presents in his book. The book is small in physical dimensions but huge in inspiration and motivation. I love the way the cover feels in my hands and it is a great book to just thumb through from time to time. I have spent time practicing numerous pieces of advise in the book. The morgue file, and using my hands are probably my favorite right now. I have actually spent much more time in the library reading books than ever before. There is a quote in the book about spending time in the library. It's not the book you start with, it's the book that book leads you to. That is where the magic is.

There is a lot of magic in the book. A sudden epiphany when you realize the truth in one of the many statements. In my daily life, my work, my education, my experience; These quotes and phrases and bits of advise are invaluable. The book was a requirement of my Graphic Design III class blogging assignment, and I don't know that I would have found the book otherwise. "Steal Like and Artist" is fantastic to read and even more wonderful to live. The book reminds me of a song that came out in 1988 by Bobby McFerrin called "Don't Worry, Be Happy"