also entitled: things I wished they discussed about at IXDA… and, couldn’t afford to go

• Build a portfolio.
• if you have nothing to build a portfolio with: start making stuff (blogs, websites for other people, photography, music, food, articles, clothes, video capture, favorite films, stories, interviews, games)
• use any and everything you learn towards your degree
• Walk up to your classmates and say hi
• Build conversations with people you see every day in your classes, on the bus, anywhere on campus. You’re all (more or less) here because you have some same interests and want to learn the same thing.
• Get a part-time job.
• Learn by watching and interaction.
• Listen.
• You’re going to have to deal with a variety of clients who won’t understand what your degree means. Get to know what people really think who live in a world entirely different from your own.



• Build robots and monsters.
• Spend some time learning PHP, Drupal, CSS Zen Garden and Flash.
• Keep up with the design world. News is happening every single day.
• Market yourself. You are selling the best and unique thing in the world: you.
• Get an eye-checkup.
• Go to local conferences in your city. Not just the ones hosted by school. Get to know the people you’ll be working for someday.
• Beg, borrow, design, make business cards.
• Give one to everybody you don’t know (but save a few for those who already do!)
• Upgrade your laptop sleeve or bag. It can only endure for so long.
• Carry pencils, pens, pencil crayons and a notebook everywhere.
• You never know when an idea is about to hit you in the face.
• Watch birds.
• Build your online identity. Social websites? Full name? Tagging photos? Do them all.
• Save pennies and spare change in a piggybank.
• Be creative. Limit your time on the computer and bring other approaches to your projects.
• Take advantage of free software and free food at fairs, conferences and club day.
• Question why every single day. (a la rbo)



• Abuse your university transit pass & student discounts.
• Post your projects online. People want to know what makes you tick.
• Be prepared for all-nighters projects the day before they’re due. Always carry a comfortable backpack to sleep on.
• Apply for scholarships and bursaries. Free money!!
• Don’t have a digital camera? Use your cellphone.
• Read design magazines, retro design books from the 50′s, and international culture.
• Learn to cook. You’ll have a better idea of following directions and good coding instructions.
• Grab your dad’s old film camera and go for a shooting spree anywhere in the city.
• Use your creditcard sparingly (save half your paycheque in an account you won’t touch)
• Don’t put up with the boring stuff if you don’t have to. Life’s too short. (a la karen)
• Drink coffee slowly.
• Or drink tea. (personal preference: steeped tea mixed with hot chocolate)
• Find your heroes.
• Volunteer at conferences (Web Directions North & IXDA are super awesome!)
• Take an everyday object and come up with ideas to make it simpler, functionable, better.
• Practice public speaking at Toastmaster Clubs. Not only do you need a steady voice, you also need to convey the idea to your audience.
• Think. You’re the audience. What do you want to know? Ask questions

If you think you know everything, it only proves how little you actually know.

Remember: It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want To Be.