Re: lists

My personal list (as pertaining to design):

1. Make a task list, first thing every day.
2. Don't put off bigger tasks for things that can be knocked off more quickly.
3. Devote lots of time to concept development. After you come up with an idea, even if you think it's great, wipe it from your mind and try to think of something completely different.
4. NEVER miss a deadline, no matter what. If you're not sure a deadline is realistic, don't commit to it. If a client endangers a deadline with his/her action, communicate that immediately.
5. The client isn't always right, but he/she has the last say. You are a professional and you should be able to articulate the reasons for the design decisions you've made. Make your arguments as persuasively as you can, but be prepared to give in if and when the appropriate when the time comes.
6. Create a design brief for every substantial project, and have the client approve it in writing.
7. Don't panic in problematic situations; maybe it's a little trite, but I always try to remember a few lines from Kipling: "IF you can keep your head when all about you/
   Are losing theirs and blaming it on you... If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster/ And treat those two impostors just the same"
8. Love your concept and make it as strong as you can right up until you present it; at that point listen to feedback and try to judge it again more dispassionately. Don't get too emotionally involved with your work.
9. Unless you're an illustrator, don't get locked into a specific style.
10. Collaborate as much as possible; your work will be stronger as a result.