Working on it has been an extremely rewarding experience. It began with the vague plan of simply documenting my life and work over 2010, and it has since slowly expanded into something richer and more diverse. Over just the last few weeks, I’ve met some incredible people, discovered some amazing design artifacts, and I’ve started to think more deeply about the aesthetic and cultural value of design.

In order to keep things growing, and to provide content that is interesting and relevant, I’m going to modify things ever so slightly. So far I’ve structured my blog so that I update daily, and that each day has its own category. I’m going to continue to try and update daily, but the daily category will be based on what content I have available, and what I’m feeling particularly passionate about at the time. Some weeks will see multiple entries in the same category, other weeks will see certain categories entirely omitted. The only exception to this will be Monday’s Roundup and this Wednesday’s Discography entry. Beyond that— anything goes.

I’m also introducing a couple of new categories, which are Ephemera and Things. Ephemera will contain found design objects, scanned or photographed, and presented here for your viewing pleasure. Things will be similar although it will have a broader focus, incorporating industrial design, signage and architecture. Ultimately it’s all about helping to preserve our design heritage, and contributing content to the infinite archives of the internet. I will also aim to provide as much historical information and critical analysis as I can.

As much as I enjoy writing and researching, I am extremely motivated to get stuck into new, commissioned graphic design work. I’ve experienced a bit of a lull in this area over the last few months, and so I am now actively seeking new clients, collaborators and studios. I am particularly interested in meeting those who are open to new ideas and experimental processes, and who appreciate the value of honest design.

This blog has helped me to reconsider how I approach the act of design. In the past few years I’ve been focused on being prolific, pumping out large volumes of work at great speed. Now I’m far more interested in slowing things down, and producing more thoughtful work, with a strong emphasis on craft and cultural relevance. It’s about quality not quantity. If this sounds like something you can get on board with, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

I’d also like to extend a huge, warm and genuine Thank You to everyone who has visited, looked, read, browsed, clicked, downloaded, commented, tweeted and/or subscribed.

Have a fantastic week.

The following video was recorded for TED Talks in July of last year and was released online in October, although I hadn’t gotten around to watching it until this morning. The video looks at how taking time out is essential for getting the most from of your work and personal life. I highly recommend both designers and non-designers check it out— particularly if you find yourself getting creatively stifled or unhappy and unfulfilled by your work. It’s fairly short, and worth it for the closing clip alone.

You can find Sagmeister’s earlier TED videos here. His two books are also essential.

Additionally there’s a great interview with Paul Fuog of Co-öp in Melbourne at The Design Files. Paul joined Sagmeister for part of his sabbatical, and here he provides a bit of show and tell from the experience. Make sure you browse through the rest of the site too, there’s a whole lot of interior & graphic design goodness in there.

Following the video are just a few of my favourite pieces of Sagmesiter design. Enjoy—