Things I have learned in my life so far

I've admired Stefan's work since my first days in design school. The first time I had Made you look in my hands, I was shocked and deeply impressed to feel, really feel something while reading about and looking at someone's work.

Now, almost five years after that experience I finally got my copy of Things I have learned in my life so far (I live in Mexico) and I just felt thrilled like a teenager while reading it (even while opening the box).

This is not a book for designers, its more an inspiring piece that really makes you think about your life and how you reflect what you believe in in your work and personal relations. (and for designers, your jaw will fall at the sight of every poster, installation and spread included in it)

Visually amusing, beautifully designed, touching and really really inspiring. Get it before it reaches $195, just like Made You Look.

When I was younger and before I knew I was going to be a designer, I was into basketball. In the afternoons, before going to the courts to play for a few hours, I would watch "NBA Action" on TV, which would get me "pumped" and full of anticipation/inspiration. Many times I felt that my good playing of a particular day was greatly influenced by the positive vibes I got from watching NBA superstars at their best.

Now, it is design books that I think cause the same feeling on me. They obviously don't guarantee great designing, but they are tremendously inspiring and definitely contribute to predisposing me to aim higher.

I typically devour these publications, like a music fan would do with a latest release. It seems like the most logical and fan-like thing to do, doesn't it?

Well, this time I'm trying something different.

In the case of Stefan's new book, I've decided to administer its contents in small dosages, so as to enjoy its great effects for a longer period of time. Being that the book comes in unbound signatures, this method becomes easier for me, because I can just pick one and read it slowly when I need a fix the most.

What I experienced with "Made you Look" (Stefan's previous title) is something I continue to experience with "Things I Have Learned in My Life so Far," and that is not just the elation from looking at the images and solutions to design problems; I feel it's the way of his thinking and the honesty with which the stories are written, that I find the most contagious in terms of inspiration, optimism and hope.

I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Sagmeister speak in person. He's very accessible and funny - it was a great talk. Even though most of his talk was covered by the book, I love having the content for reference. There's a lot of dedication in this book, and the level of commitment and thought represents the kind of work I think we all should aspire to.

I read a lot of design books and Stefan's books never cease to entertain and inspire. This book is no exception.

Although we have already seen many different pieces that are in this book, it is great to see and read about the entire project. It is fascinating to have all the work in one place, see the process it took to make these creations and discover the meaning behind it all. What has always struck me about Stefan's work is the complete originality behind it and the guts that it takes to produce work like his own.

What impacts me even more than the work, is the message behind the work. We (consumer minded designers) tend to lose site of what really matters in life. So many of the messages in Stefan's work are great reminders, and it takes somebody rendering these ideas in such painstaking ways, to make us take a second look at our priorities in life.

One of my favorites pieces of design, not is a book, is a masterpiece.
I love the concept, the little booklets let play with each one of them during hours over Sagmeister's face. The works really awesome. The texts, I would like have more to read.
Thanks Stefan to sharing your work.