Ten Year Tenure: Things I’ve Learned During a Decade at R&R
In February of 2015, I walked into Rhyme & Reason a week before my 25th birthday, still trying to figure out where to find good tacos in Atlanta (to my surprise and delight, they were conveniently located right next door to our office). Ten years later, and I’m still here—now much more comfortable navigating both the city and the design world. It’s wild to think about all the memories and milestones that have filled the last decade.
From decorating office spaces (who knew desk plants could bring such joy?) to surviving pandemic Zoom calls, from celebrating team birthdays and baby showers to waving goodbye to colleagues off on their next big adventure, the journey’s been packed with moments I’ll hold onto forever. Conferences, client visits, photoshoots, and everything in between—it’s truly amazing how much life fits into a day, a week, a month, and a year.
But ten years? That’s definitely a milestone worth pausing for. A moment to reflect—and maybe toss a little confetti while we’re at it. So, to celebrate, I’m sharing some of the lessons I’ve picked up along the way— “the wisdom I’d pass on to my younger self,” if you’re up for a little reflection with me.
1. It’s Okay to Be a “Design Generalist”
Back in school, I thought I had to pick a design “lane” and stay in it. I kept hearing “jack of all trades, master of none,” and felt like I had to choose between being an illustrator, letterer, web designer, or whatever else the cool kids were doing. It seemed like the only way to succeed was to specialize. But honestly, that’s a load of nonsense. I think it’s 1000% okay to be a jack of all trades. Why limit yourself to one style or niche when you’ve got a whole toolbox of skills? I love (like, really love) doing brand identities, but let’s be real—I’d be burned out if that’s all I did every single day. Switching gears and dabbling in different design areas not only keeps things fresh but also fuels your growth and keeps you from falling into a creative rut.
2. Do Seriously Good Work, But Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously
Always strive to produce work you’re proud of, but remember—your job is what you do, not who you are. Mistakes and criticism are part of the process, and they’re not personal, nor do they define you. It’s perfectly fine not to know everything (tech changes faster than you can say “new update”) or to make everyone happy. Stay curious, ask good questions, and keep an open mind. After all, graphic design isn’t brain surgery. Embrace the learning opportunities that pop up, and don’t forget—if you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re missing the fun part.
3. Treat Yo’self
No, I’m not suggesting you buy yourself a pastry every day (though, I’m not not suggesting it). I’m talking about actual rest. Take your PTO, even if you’re not jetting off anywhere. Time off is essential for recharging—after all, you can’t pour from an empty cup. As creatives, we’re often expected to produce award-worthy designs at the speed of light. But guess what? That’s not always realistic. Some days, your creativity’s on a coffee break, and life loves throwing curveballs—whether it’s a sick day or just the general chaos of existing. Don’t feel guilty or like you have to be a superhero. We’re all human, and the best part about being on a team is that support is there when you need it. Ask for help when needed (but don’t abuse it) and communicate openly—no one’s a mind reader. You’re the only one living your life, so set boundaries, advocate for yourself, and work with people who see you as a human, not just a design machine.
4. Clear is Kind
Overcommunication isn’t just helpful—it’s a game changer. Clear expectations and honest feedback make everything run smoother, dodging those awkward “Wait, what did you mean?” moments. Vague directions are like handing someone a map with half the landmarks erased—confusing, unhelpful, and a surefire way to waste time. Of course sugar coating might feel nice in the moment, but it often leaves people spinning their wheels and can create a culture of confusion and distrust. Taking a minute to offer straightforward, thoughtful feedback can turn missteps into opportunities and spark some real collaboration. Trust grows when people know you’ve got their back, but also when they know you can be honest (even if it’s uncomfortable) together.
5. Lead with Authenticity
Be unapologetically you—quirks, flaws, values, and all. Let’s be honest, people would much rather hear your truth than watch you fake it ‘til you make it. Life is tough, messy, and sometimes hilarious, and we can all relate to that. So, be real, be kind, and don’t be afraid to stand your ground when it matters. Show up for others and actually follow through on your word (wild concept, right?). Impact over intention—what counts is how your actions land, not what you meant. And trust? It’s built on giving others the benefit of the doubt. A little belief can go a long way.
6. Cringe Happens
Design is subjective. It’s playful, ever-changing, and involves experimentation. Like fashion, it has seasons and trends. Also like fashion, things can go out of style in the blink of an eye. If you don’t look back at pictures of some of your past designs and cringe, you’re doing it wrong. You either didn’t grow, didn’t experiment, or not enough time has passed for the trend cycle to change. Growth begets cringe. Learn to laugh at it and be humbled by where you started. And who knows, maybe in a few years that cringe design will be “vintage” and therefore cool again! Looking at you, brat album cover.
7. Build Communities, Not Networks
Let’s be real, relationships are everything. Some of my best friends have come from “work” connections, proving that you never know when a colleague might turn into a lifelong pal. The truth is, everyone craves connection—whether it’s a client, a mentee, or that person you immediately bonded with at a conference. Word of mouth is powerful, and people definitely remember how you made them feel. So, be kind, take people up on coffee chats, and avoid burning bridges—you never know when those relationships may come full circle. Once I started looking at networking opportunities as new friend opportunities, life got exponentially more fun. Poof, pressure gone!
8. Back That Stuff Up
Always back up your work—because “oops” doesn’t cut it, and we all know things can go sideways. Whether it’s packaging design files, printing things in advance, or having a charger on hand, these little habits can save you from major headaches. Do your research, read the fine print, and be ready to stand by your choices— because sometimes, you need to defend your genius (or just explain why your design looks that way).
9. Work with People You Actually Like
You’re spending a lot of time with them, so you might as well enjoy it, right? If you can share a laugh, your work day will be infinitely more enjoyable. This goes for everyone in your orbit: co-workers, clients, vendors—basically, anyone who gets a piece of your time and energy. Make it count, because time is one thing you can’t get back.
10. Make Your Own Magic
I fully believe that attitude and perspective can make all the difference in the world, and the mindset you bring to your day can either make it or break it. If you walk into a project expecting it to be as exciting as watching paint dry, surprise, it’s probably going to be just that. But if you can find the fun in the boring bits or add a pinch of sparkle to the mundane, suddenly that “meh” project may not feel so dreadful. Joy is contagious, so spread it like confetti. Celebrate even the tiniest wins, and remember that sometimes a setback can be framed as a plot twist in your main character moment. Life isn’t always rainbows and unicorns (I wish!), but there are silver linings twinkling in the most unexpected places, waiting to be discovered. Joyous moments can be uncovered and shared, and new memories and traditions can be made. Sometimes it’s as simple as adding a little creative sparkle to transform a not-so-fun into something unforgettable.
Looking back at my dazzling decade with Rhyme & Reason, I’m overflowing with gratitude for the lessons, growth, and unforgettable memories I’ve gathered along the way. Each year has shaped me into a better designer, teammate, and person. Here’s to the next ten—may they sparkle just as brightly, filled with endless learning, laughter, and an abundance of reasons to celebrate! ✨