Sorry, friend. You know who you are.

There’s a fine line between critiquing, criticizing, and insulting. Constantly being in a school and work environment where design is discussed and dissected, I think it’s fair to say that I’ve become a bit calloused when participating in the dialogue of design. To me, it’s about improving the work, helping it reach its potential. I like to think that my peers come to me for my opinion because I’m honest in my assessment about their work.

I’m what some may call picky (for lack of better words, although I imagine my friends can think of better adjectives for me) when it comes to grammar and design. In a strange sort of way I relish the title. Is it a gift to spot a typographical error? Should I take joy in finding flaws? Am I hurting them by staying quiet? My ego thinks so. But I should be honest with myself when I see the opportunity to blurt out my opinion, especially when it’s not invited.

And yet I can remember times when I’ve produced a piece and wished someone would have pointed out a mistake or misjudgment in the work before I declared it complete. But there’s a right way and wrong way of giving feedback.

• Right way: privately, sincerely, and with the ol’ sandwich method (compliment, criticism, compliment).


• Wrong way: publicly, dismissive, and followed by (choose of the following: sneers, insults, punches, scissor kicks, leg drops, or anything else that could potentially leave a scar).

I usually show my drafts to a handful of people whose opinions I respect when it comes to these matters. And they’ve been a big help. But I realize that if someone outside of my inner circle has something critical to say about the piece, it’s much easier to brush it off or take offense. So I think I’ve learned a lesson…

Nobody wants to hear your lousy opinion. And if they do, they’ll ask for it.

Financial freedom is one of my goals for the summer, and by that I mean getting rid of all my debts. Mind you, I don’t have much but there’s enough to make me uneasy. I was a mere $200 from paying off my credit cards and then I had to pay for a root canal and a filling which put me back another few hundred bucks.

I’m also slowly paying back a hospital bill for my minor shoulder injury a few months back. MRIs are not cheap, so avoid any muscular damage at all costs. In fact, if you’re going to spend any kind of money consider investing in a large bubble to live in. That way you’ll avoid most injuries and you’ll be the most popular kid on the block. Oh, and you can race hamsters who roam in plastic bubbles and brag that you beat that guy fair and square.

I like to think that once I’m done paying off that credit card I’ll shred it to tiny specs and then never put anything on credit ever again. And then when I’m all grown up and ready to buy a new house or car I’ll be able to pay with a suitcase full of money attached to some bodyguard’s wrist. Strangers like that sort of thing.

I’ve made a list called Things to Worry About which highlights all the deadlines and obligations haunting me right now. It’s actually quite therapeutic for me to face all these demons in a single text file. Now the strategy calls for addressing each one. I’m attempting to find a place for each task in my calendar so I can eventually get rid of them. Next thing I need to do is turn down every other offer* that comes my way. I’ve committed to too many things now and it’s finally come back bite me in the foot. Well no more, I say! I’ll be politely declining invitations to work on projects until I can get things under control again. Just thinking about it makes me more anxious. I’d better go to sleep before this monitor feels the wrath of my jab. Good night.

*If you want to buy me lunch, that’s cool. I’ll try not to turn that down. ;]

Halloween Horror Nights was pretty cool. For some reason I didn’t expect to stand in 95-minute lines for mediocre haunted houses. That part was a bummer. Hanging out with my classmates was a plus, though.

The Helvetica screening was amazing. Hats off to Gary Hustwit for such a powerful and simple documentary. All the designers in the theater swooned with love for it.

I totally missed all the performances I mentioned in my last entry. Actually, I attempted to see Musiq Soulchild with my brother, but when we arrived we were told the show was canceled. I wish the venue website would have mentioned something. So instead of moping around in pity as we were beginning to do, Tony and I decided to visit the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. I went up to a slot machine, played $5 and won $15 more. We used the money to buy some burgers, shakes, and chili cheese fries. Not too bad of an evening after all.

I’m glad tomorrow is Friday. I need to rest and work some more. Deadlines are approaching.