It's hard to believe a year has past since I joined the Matchstic team.

If you know me, you know I'm a big fan of learning, sharing, and growing. And since it's my day to blog, I figured what better way to celebrate my first year at Matchstic than share a few things I learned. Here's a few highlights from the last 12 months…

Design won't save you.
Design is a demonstration of quality. It identifies a company's individuality and professionalism. It enhances the perception of a product or service. It doesn't turn bad companies into a good ones. The most successful projects I saw this year weren't successful just because of our work, they were successful because the business was. Design for a company that does bad business is the equivalent of clothing a wolf in sheepskin. In the end, people will eventually find out it's still a wolf.

Relationships matter.
I like to work very honestly. I like to think through as many outcomes as possible, and be confident in the one I believe works best. This year I learned you can have the greatest of ideas, execute the craftiest solution, give the most flawless presentation, but it won't matter unless your client trusts you. As their partner in business, it's your job to listen, involve them in the process, and arrive at a solution you both believe in.

Surround yourself with people who are better than you.
I'm so fortunate to get to work with such a talented team every day. I know that sounds cliché, but let's be real here – If you're not working in an environment where you are challenged, critiqued and made better every day, then either create a place where that can happen or get out and find it, because without it you will never grow. These places really do exist, and I'm a better designer than I was a year ago because of it.

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