AD100

Words of Wisdom Every Design Beginner Should Hear

AD100 honorees reveal the advice they wish they’d been given when they began their careers

December 11, 2015

Earning a spot on the prestigious AD100 takes more than talent; it requires passion, dedication, and years of hard work, a daunting reality for those just starting out in the design world. If that’s you, however, you’re in luck. We had the opportunity to ask nine of the 2016 AD100 honorees the advice they would give their younger selves if they could turn back time. Their words of wisdom—which range from short and sweet to reflective and profound—are surprising, inspiring, and certainly worth taking note.

Scott Frances

1/9

Alexa Hampton

“I would tell myself that having fun at my job is not frivolity. Don’t fight fun!”
Courtesy of Jan Showers & Assoc. Inc.

2/9

Jan Showers

“Always trust your instincts—don’t overthink.”
Courtesy of Timothy Corrigan Inc.

3/9

Timothy Corrigan

“Leave your ego at the door. Design is all about trust between you and your clients. You must establish and reinforce it all along the way.”
Erica George Dines

4/9

Greg Tankersley, McAlpine

“Listen more. Talk less.”

Brigitte Lacombe

5/9

David Rockwell, Rockwell Group

“Enjoy every single moment of the process and pay attention to what you’re passionate about.”
Courtesy of Vicente Wolf Assoc. Inc.

6/9

Vicente Wolf

“My advice to my younger self would be to stay ahead of technology and social media and to be more social and public.”
Courtesy of Bunny Williams Inc.

7/9

Bunny Williams

“Surround yourself with people who do things you don’t do—business, organization. It allows you to do the things you’re better at doing.”