I have been a collector of design books for more than fifteen years. I don’t ‘collect’ many things—as a matter of fact, I consider myself a minimalist in terms of ‘stuff’ and like to edit and keep it simple and not cluttered. Those qualities go out the window though when it comes to design books… I just love them. They’re artful, beautiful vessels of thought, intention, story, and history. I have been teaching design history this semester and have had the pleasure to re-discover some of my favorites that I’ve collected over the years. I’ve had several students ask “Where should I start my design book collection?” Well, you really can’t go wrong and my advice is to simply start with what you enjoy. Is it a designer? A career help book? A style? Or perhaps a way of thinking? So, instead of recommending anything specific, here are some of my favorites to potentially get the book collection started—each with a brief writeup so you can choose what speaks to you.

It’s been a few months since I took on the 100 day project, but I wanted to write about it and share my thoughts on Artificial Intelligence. AI is a hot (and touchy) topic. I have many mixed emotions and questions to further try to understand, and decided to share my top 5 thoughts related to 100 days of experimentation with the tool Midjourney.

I took on the 100 Day Project during a very busy time — working full time, selling a home, buying a home, training for a marathon, getting married, working on several freelance design projects, and making the best of a long distance relationship with monthly trips to Philadelphia.

There is hope. But rather than longing for the future, I propose that we frame things differently — I’ve been a little less anxious for doing this. Regardless of the pile of things to do — or the anxieties provoked by our individual and unique situations, let’s take into account all the things that we can appreciate.

Sometimes we inadvertently, or unknowingly put our lives in the hands of someone or something else. Maybe it’s occurred at work, in relationships, or with life circumstances that have pushed us down a path. We flounder. We blame. We begin to *wish* and *hope* that we could have someone else’s life. Or look like someone else. Or be as successful as someone else. Why?

If this journal entry encourages even one of you re-connect with yourself and disconnect with your screen for a little bit. more, I’ve done my job here.

Next time you find yourself saying “I like that”… take a step back and ask yourself why. Consider the opposite perspective too. Don’t be afraid to have a different opinion than someone else if you can find reason for it. It’s okay (dare I say awesome) to think differently and question things.

To truly understand someone or something is to ask the questions. You need to take in your surroundings, look, listen, and feel.