Stefan Sagmeister, one of my favorite designers, inspired me a while back to start writing down “things I’ve learned in my life so far” after I saw the video he did for his book. What began as Sagmeister’s personal list in his diary evolved into a remarkable creative project where he transformed these maxims into typographic artworks displayed on billboards, inflatable monkeys, and public installations worldwide.
Almost every day since I started about 6 months ago, I’ve added at least a paragraph of tips. You start to see some very interesting trends over time, and some day I hope to share my learnings with you in one form or another. You hopefully also start to learn something about yourself. I’m writing this in hope you write down your life lessons, it is fascinating what you find.
Sagmeister’s Visual Wisdom
What makes Sagmeister’s approach so compelling is how he transforms personal insights into public art. His book “Things I Have Learned In My Life So Far” is itself a work of art—consisting of 15 separate booklets housed in a die-cut slipcase that forms his face when arranged properly. Each booklet documents a different life lesson, brought to life through ambitious typographic installations.
Among his memorable maxims:
- “Worrying solves nothing”
- “Trying to look good limits my life”
- “Keeping a diary supports personal development”
- “Low expectations are a good strategy”
These aren’t merely displayed as text—they’re realized as enormous inflatable monkeys on Scottish streets, carefully arranged coins on an Amsterdam plaza, or banana skins turned brown through careful exposure to create letterforms.
Self-Reflection
Taking time to document your insights creates a valuable personal archive of wisdom and growth.
Daily Practice
Consistency in recording thoughts reveals patterns and evolving perspectives over time.
Shared Wisdom
Personal insights, when shared, can inspire others to begin their own journey of reflection.
The Power of Creative Breaks
Sagmeister’s commitment to reflection extends beyond daily journaling. Every seven years, he closes his New York design studio for a yearlong sabbatical to rejuvenate his creative perspective. These intentional breaks from commercial work provide space for experimental projects—including the development of his life lessons into artistic expressions.
This practice reflects his philosophy that creativity requires both input and output—periods of active production balanced with time for absorption and reflection. His sabbaticals demonstrate that stepping away from routine work doesn’t diminish professional standing; rather, it can enhance it. As Sagmeister notes, his studio received “more press for not working than for working.”
The act of writing down what we’ve learned helps crystallize those lessons in our minds.
My Sagmeister-Inspired Practice
Following Sagmeister’s example, my own practice of recording life lessons has evolved over the past six months. While I haven’t yet displayed my insights on billboards or inflatable animals, the simple act of documentation has proven remarkably valuable.
The process has made me more attentive to the wisdom embedded in everyday experiences. I’ve noticed recurring themes and contradictions in my thinking that might have otherwise remained invisible. Even more valuable is how this practice has altered my perception—I move through life more aware of potential lessons, transforming ordinary moments into opportunities for insight.
While my collection may never achieve the artistic heights of Sagmeister’s work, it serves a similar purpose: creating a feedback loop between experience and understanding that continually refines my perspective on what matters most.