One of the challenges to our nation today is overcoming the notion that art is kind of a nice-to-have, when in reality art is a need-to-have.

Art shows us that human beings still matter in a world where money talks the loudest, where computers know everything about us, and where robots fabricate our next meal and also our ride there.

Our economy is built upon convergent thinkers, people that execute things, get them done. But artists and designers are divergent thinkers: they expand the horizon of possibilities.

Teaching is the rare profession where the customer isn't always right and needs to be told so appropriately.

Design is about crafting an experience that is unfamiliar enough to feel novel, yet familiar enough to instill confidence.

The best designers in the world all squint when they look at something. They squint to see the forest from the trees - to find the right balance. Squint at the world. You will see more, by seeing less.

The artist needs to understand the truth that lies at the bottom of an enigma.