Bite-sized lessons learned by decades of swinging through the marketing jungle.

We've been in the game for 30 years, and we've picked up a ton of wisdom along the way. Now, it's time to share the wealth! Whether you're a seasoned marketer, a creative graphic designer, or a savvy client, you're bound to discover some golden nuggets that will enhance your understanding of the industry's life, processes, and challenges.

Take a tongue-in-cheek journey with us as we reveal our Rules of Thumb.

Rule #50
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #50

There is always someone who is better at what you do than you.

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Rule #49
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #49

A good designer is thinking at least five steps ahead of the step he’s currently working.

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Rule #48
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #48

Never accept less for a job than you believe your time and effort is worth … and get it in writing.

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Rule #47
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #47

Never be afraid to push the limits of good taste.

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Rule #46
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #46

Changing the keyboard layout on your fellow designer’s computer is a terrific way to break up the monotony of a stressful workday.

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Rule #45
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #45

The key to defending yourself against backseat designers: Back up your chair suddenly.

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Rule #44
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #44

If in doubt, talk to the printer.

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Rule #43
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #43

That which doesn’t kill you will only try harder the next time.

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Rule #42
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #42

Get the client to sign off on everything before doing any printing or production.

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Rule #41
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #41

More often than not, you can’t fix it in post.

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Rule #40
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #40

Take whatever steps are necessary to get the creative juices flowing.

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Rule #39
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #39

You don’t have to have formal training in graphic design to be successful, but it sure does help.

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Rule #38
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #38

Keep the Bevel and Emboss layer effects in Photoshop to a minimum.

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Rule #37
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #37

The bigger the physical size of the project, the less it should say.

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Rule #36
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #36

The creative mind works best when it works uninterrupted.

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Rule #35
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #35

Always keep a good digital camera handy. You never know when you’ll need to stage an impromptu photo shoot.

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Rule #34
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #34

A good designer needs to know how to fix his own computer.

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Rule #33
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #33

Never underestimate the importance of being able bullshit.

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Rule #32
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #32

No matter how many hours you work, make sure you set aside enough time to let your creative mind and mental health recharge.

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Rule #31
Matt Schroeder Matt Schroeder

Rule #31

Only production artists and bosses have 9-5 workdays.

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