10 Things Designers Can be Thankful for

It's Thanksgiving tomorrow here in the U.S.. I really like this holiday because it is one of the few times in the year where most people stop to focus on enjoying what they have, instead of complaining about what they don't have.

Designers tend to want a lot of things, and it's good to stop and be thankful once in a while. And what better time than now? Here's a list I know I'm thankful for. Hope you find agreement:

1. Sight — I don't take this lightly, since my father was legally blind. I would not be designing very long without the gift of sight.

2. Computers — It's helpful being able to realize designs quicker and more efficiently. And we can undo mistakes and refine designs easier.

3. The internet — The internet makes research a whole lot easier. Useful in hunting down inspiration quickly, without visiting the local library or traveling. There is new media, other than print, to express visual design such as video, websites, and emails. And we can collaborate and connect with other designers around the world. How cool is that?

4. Adobe software — Designers enjoy an integrated way to work on most projects. Their software sports a well-designed interface. And the company is design-centric.

5. Other designers — I learn from designers all the time. I am so thankful for the relationships I have with different designers and the open and sharing hearts of so many.

6. The Pantone system — Color matching seems a lot easier these days. But it's not without the efforts of the Pantone corporation. Their match books and color forecasts are legendary.

7. Apple Corporation — No corporation has pushed so many industries to consider design more seriously than Apple. But Google and Pinterest have also influenced design in many ways.

8. Online learning like Lynda.com — They made learning on the fly possible. And it has been very helpful for me in the age of constantly changing applications.

9. Being able to think — Much like sight, I don't take this lightly. I'm not sure I will be able to do what I love without it.

10. Stock photography sites like Shutterstock — Stock has gotten a whole lot better over time. It's hard to call it stock anymore.

Well, that's my design-centric thank you list. What's yours?

And, no. I didn't receive a dime from anybody. I just like what I like.