Debbie Millman

Debbie Millman must have more than 24 hours in her days. When you realize her myriad accomplishments as a designer and writer, that seems like the only plausible explanation. She’s a partner and serves as president of the design division at Sterling Brands, one of the leading brand identity firms in the country. Debbie is also president of AIGA, and chair of the School of Visual Arts’ master’s program in Branding. She is even a contributing editor to Print magazine and hosts the podcasts “Design Matters.” And on top of that, Debbie is the author of How To Think Like A Great Graphic Designer, The Essential Principles of Graphic Design and Look Both Ways: Illustrated Essays on the Intersection of Life and Design. See what keeps this immensely talented and accomplished designer moving in today’s 10 ANSWERS. And if you’re lucky enough to snag a ticket, you can hear her speak at tomorrow’s NYC/CreativeMornings, hosted by swissmiss.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Work is life.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Marian Bantjes.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Work (see question #1).

4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
My home. It is my favorite—and most joyful—place in the world.

5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
An astronaut. On an outer-space mission to better understand the universe.

6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
It is a tie between brownies or a mix-tape.

7. What is your favorite object in your home?
My dogs.

8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Avoid compulsively making things worse.

9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
Brand New, Design Observer, Swiss Miss, Dooce, Imprint, Dieline, Daily Heller, Mrs. O, Kottke, Core 77.

10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
When I am proud of it.