20 good design rules

In (almost) the year I have been working in Savannah, I have seen a lot of people come and go. One of the first major departures was a fellow designer, who was really great at illustration. I only worked with him for a few months, but he taught me a lot in those months. Namely not to be afraid of Illustrator.

After he left and someone else was hired in his stead, I took over his desk, and I decided to keep something he had tacked on the wall. It's a handwritten note listing "20 good design rules," and I find it inspirational. So, without further ado ...

1. Have a concept
2. Communicate, don't decorate
3. Speak with one visual voice
4. Use two typeface families -- maybe three
5. Use the one-two punch
6. Pick colors on purpose
7. If you can do it with less, do it
8. Negative space is magical -- create it, don't just fill it up
9. Treat the type as an image
10. Type is only type when it's friendly
11. Be universal -- it's not about you
12. Squish and separate -- create rhythmic contrast
13. Concentrate areas of light and dark in separate places
14. Be decisive -- do it on purpose
15. Measure with your eyes
16. Create your own images
17. Ignore fashion
18. Move it. Static = dull
19. Look to history, but don't copy
20. Symmetry is the ultimate evil

At the very end of the note, in bolder letters, he advises me to "now try and break them." So that's what I suggest to everyone out there.