I was in fourth grade when I designed my first piece. I got the job because of my penmanship and drawing skills. I remember gathering with building excitement all of the necessary materials: pencils, markers, rulers, glue, and glitter. After settling myself on the floor I wondered to myself, "How in the world am I supposed to start?"
After staring for some time at the large poster board lying before me, I felt a warm touch on my shoulder. Mrs. Williams, my art teacher, leaned over and said, "Just remember to make sure the parents will be able to read this from far away. Other than that, make a poster that will make them want to attend." After two hours of outlining my headline and artwork, I began the painstaking task of coloring my design in with markers. When the poster went up the next day I was elated and had a great sense of accomplishment and pride . . . I still get those same feelings today.
Many more lessons would follow which carried me down a path toward becoming a graphic designer. Now, even after so many years, I always go back to my first lesson which taught me that design, even the simplest hand drawn "Back to School Night" poster, is all about communication.