A Dear John Letter ...

Dear John,
Thank-you so much for your lovely email which arrived today. Your warm invitation "Let's meet in Person!" made my heart leap: but fall again quickly on realising there is no earthly way in which I can leave my life here and fly to be with you in San Francisco. I'd love to spend time with you - alas, it is not going to be possible. But this comes with every good wish as you speak at the Print and ePublishing Conference, and I am sad not to be there ... In the meantime, I am consoling myself with the 'sneak peek' of your presentation on design which you kindly sent me us and will, as ever, be hanging on your words and absorbing what you teach ...

Keep it simple: less is almost always more
Have a focal point: every page needs an anchor
Get unblocked: design isn't arranging boxes!
Get extreme: the bigger or smaller the better!
Think negative: how to make white space work for you
Work center out: your page doesn't start in the corner
This vs. that: contrasts are how we see
Set type boldly: essential tricks for setting great type
Color magic: how to get great colors fast

And as I zigzag across the hills and past this stretch of water during the next few days, I will be mindful of your mantra ...


With very best wishes, John, for your continued success,
one of your many (slightly-too-old-to-be-adoring-but-appreciative-nonetheless) fans,
alexa :)

 

Comments

[kate Adderley]

Hi Alexa, what a beautiful post, l love reading your blog, you write so well, it is such a gift, l also wanted to say thanks for the comment you left on my PL, and thought in the next couple of days l will post better pics of what hangs above my bed, since you were so interested, so look out for that....hugs ....kate

[Amy]

Your post is a great reminder Alexa, a beautiful photo also helps to solidify the message!

[Julie Jeavons]

Very true. I knew there was a reason I seem to gravitate to the cleaner uncluttered styles (even if I can't pull it off myself). And I had to click on that link to find out who John was. Does Himself know about this LOL?

[Paul B]

Another brilliant post Alexa. You've highlighted some very worthy ideas when it comes to design. Hopefully, one day, you'll be able to attend one of his presentations. Pxx

[Jimjams]

Thank you Alexa (and John) for summarising it all so beautifully, simply and clearly!

[furrypig]

that is a stunning photo how lovely to pass by there regularly! I love the mantra too, hope all is well xxx

[Karen Walker]

What a beautiful photograph! And thanks for the distillation of John's lecture. I printed it out and am planning on putting it up on my bulletin board. Such good advice and beautifully presented.

[Alison]

I had to click the link for John too..he sounds as though he knows what he's talking about! Lovely pic
Alison xx

[Marcie]

Such wonderful and inspiring design advice. Thank-you!