Music is deeply tied to my work. All day long, while I’m designing, I listen to what I consider to be the best music out there. And for the last few years I pick my Top 10 albums of the year for the KEXP countdown. This year was extra difficult.

I had a shortlist of about 30 albums. From some of my all-time favorite bands to other artists I heard for the first time this year. It was tough getting it down to only 10.

It’s also worth noting, given the state of America and our insistence on going backwards, the music was a counter. It pushed us forward. It kept us dreaming, hoping, wondering, working. It was full of beauty, hope, outrage, unity, solidarity, and, most of all, truth.

With that, these are the albums that spoke to me in the year 2017, in no particular order:

Run The Jewels, RTJ 3
Kendrick Lamar, DAMN
Hurray For The Riff Raff, The Navigator
Ibeyi, Ash
Ted Leo, The Hanged Man
LCD Soundsystem, american dream
SZA, Ctrl
Jay Som, Everybody Works
Vince Staples, Big Fish Theory
Beck, Colors

Also worth noting, the Arcade Fire Everything Now tour was absolutely incredible. While their album, which I liked very much, didn’t make my Top 10, their Seattle show was probably the best concert I’ve ever been to. And Valerie June on a freezing cold winter’s day in Omaha? I’m in love.

Apple Music

How do you get better at design?

July 28, 2017

Do a lot of design
Do more design
And then do some more design
Work with open-minded, thoughtful collaborators who have high standards and keep their word
Then make sure you still feel good about doing design
Find inspiring clients you want to help
Do more than just sell
Take feedback and criticism gracefully
Have your own very high standards
Never think you know everything
Be stubborn
Be brave
Be humble
Remember to also have a life
Keep a (public) journal
Add to it often [...]