Photo by jenny_steeves

Rarely do I find these “rules for life” type things that I think are actually worthy of following. But design blogger Edwin Negado asked the reposted these 10 lessons for young designers from executive creative director of ad agency Weiden+Kennedy, John C. Jay, and I think he’s onto something. And I think they apply not only to photographers, but life in general.

1: Be authentic. The most powerful asset you have is your individuality, what makes you unique. It’s time to stop listening to others on what you should do.
2: Work harder than anyone else and you will always benefit from the effort.
3: Get off the computer and connect with real people and culture. Life is visceral.
4: Constantly improve your craft. Make things with your hands. Innovation in thinking is not enough.
5: Travel as much as you can. It is a humbling and inspiring experience to learn just how much you don’t know.
6: Being original is still king, especially in this tech-driven, group-grope world.
7: Try not to work for stupid people or you’ll soon become one of them.
8: Instinct and intuition are all-powerful. Learn to trust them.
9: The Golden Rule actually works. Do good.
10: If all else fails, No. 2 is the greatest competitive advantage of any career.

Source: Edwin Himself