Back in July, I posted a Ted Talk from Ken Robinson about how School Kills Creativity. A friend of mine recently shared this animation adapted from a talk given by Robinson at the RSA. I think Robinson’s dead on, and it’s essential we redefine our educational paradigm.

There’s a point where we just don’t know where this is going. Instead of caving into fear and anxiety, I think it’s important to recognize letting go as part of the design process- a part that’s just as important as all the research and strategy. Letting go allows creative potential to emerge that might not have otherwise.

His quaint office is situated in Upcountry Maui, giving it a retreat-like feel. He asked me to fill out some paperwork and included in the list of allergies was the question, “Have you been alien abducted?” I knew we were off to a good start.

In the chair he has a large monitor set up to show the patient what’s going on in their mouth. All along the way he educated me about what he was doing and even apologized several times about what I was going through. Empathy at the dentist? I’d never experienced it until now.

Dr. Wallach shows that even dreaded experiences can be turned into something new and unexpected. I love being inspired and surprised by what people are capable of. I’d fly back to Maui just to get work done with Dr. Wallach- right after I spent the day at the beach, of course.

I also love his list of the fundamental changes that should be made to news design including informative and powerful headlines, rational navigation and filters, and subscription only quality news. Check out his redesign below, and be sure to read the article:

This quick read is filled with the process and lessons learned along this business journey. C.D. Baby became a household name to independent musicians and fans, and I’d bet that their remarkable methods had a lot to do with it. When musicians wanted to change an album cover, for example, the C.D. Baby team had to to work, which costs the business money. And since Sivers didn’t want to have to charge the struggling artists straight out, he decided to do “anything for a pizza.” Artists would simply call in an order to C.D. Baby’s local pizza shop, and the team would make any changes they requested. Needless to say, musicians were happy to do so and told their friends how cool C.D. Baby was.

While this book is filled with great ideas and examples, Sivers repeatedly mentions that the only reason we choose to do things in life is to make ourselves happy, and I have to disagree. I would argue that happiness should be the result of doing what we love- not the reason we do things. There are far more important reasons to do things than for our own personal satisfaction. Still, Sivers depicts inspiring determination, humility, and creativity that makes this book well worth reading, and I’d love to hear what you think of it.

Looking back at the projects I should have said no to, I recognize that they tend to be highly stressful, low paying, and/or require a compromise of values. It may seem like it’s worth it or necessary in the moment. But, working when we’re afraid to say no is an unstable business method teetering on the whim of client demands. Yet, you are the business owner, and you choose the way you want to work and who you want to work with. That means that not everyone who comes to you will be the right fit. And that also means it’s ok to say no to working with them. This tends to be taken with resentment by the rejected party because, as most of us have experienced, no one likes being told no.

Often times it feels foolish, or even unfathomable, to turn down business as a start up- especially when the money is needed. However, I’ve come to the realization that it’s better to say no than to put yourself in a situation that ends up being more trouble than it’s worth. The reality is that never compromising your values will lead to a stronger business model with loyal customers who value your service. Saying no can be the best way to build a sustainable business.

There are two games featured on the iPhone app. The first is the Font Game which displays a typeface and allows you to choose the answer in multiple choice format. But, the clock’s ticking along the way, and your score is calculated at the end.

The second game is the Terminology Game which also asks 30 timed multiple choice questions on vocabulary like hook, loop, en dash, outstroke, and more.

Once the quiz is complete the score is shown along with the time and can be tweeted to your followers. You can also take a review to learn the correct answers to those that you got wrong.

This is the perfect way to brush up on your type knowledge, and it’s fun! Check it out, and let me know what you think.

Check out a rendition of Alfred Hitchcock’s Cookbook by a group of students for a class project. The style, voice over, music, and design are on point.

Thanks to Kristin Williams for sending it my way.