Sometimes it can be inspiring—even eye opening—to hear what you already know. I’ve been in the business of advertising and design for 25 years now and I’ve heard it all when it comes to how to do our work, sell our work, and do what is right for our clients rather than just serving our creative aspirations. I practice many of the things I’ve learned over the years. Much of it is common sense. But in the day-to-day activity of designing and running a studio I sometimes don’t focus on those ideals. My eyes were opened again last Saturday at AIGA Orlando’s day-long conference, Re:solutions.

Wright Massey, of Brand Architecture, presented the impressive depth and breadth of his approach to building brands. Some of the components of his methods I am familiar with but the totally immersive tactics and multidisciplinary team approach was fascinating.

John Deeb demonstrated photographic principals about depth of field, balancing foreground and background light, and lens focal lengths. Having been on plenty of photo shoots and shooting a picture myself now and then, I have a pretty good understanding of these things. Still, I found it interesting and informative hearing it explained so succinctly.

Dan Rubin dispelled some myths that keep some print designers from getting involved in website design. Being a print designer dealing with this paradigm shift on a daily basis, I could totally relate.

It was the first speaker of the day that really inspired me with concepts I felt like I already understood. Debbie Millman’s simple and direct presentation of ten resolutions for designers were familiar, but so cleanly written and brilliantly presented that it was like hearing these ideas for the first time. Her resolutions included commentary on “Know what you are talking about,”  “Be prepared for every possible scenario,” “Speak their language” and “Learn how to present your work” to the resolution we have been repeating all week in our own studio, “good design equals operational excellence,” there was plenty of great advice.

I’m certainly not suggesting I didn’t learn anything new at Re:solutions. I did. There is always something new to learn at these events. But hearing some things I already knew, elequently worded and passionately presented was re:assuring.