Burn: Pages 1-20
I was surprised how down to earth and straightforward the author is. Janda rarely talks about the work within a person's skill set, but rather focuses on the outward difficulties of being a designer. His story starts off like many young people's: fresh out of college, ready to take on the world, and quickly finding out that it's not the breeze he expected it to be. The "be nice to everyone" resonated with me, because I try to be as nice as possible, though it can be difficult at times. He gave me the encouragement to keep on keepin' on!
Burn: Pages 21 - 41
This section of the book hit home for me. Through recent changes in employment, and the uncertainty that brings, I've found my attitude slowly changing from ever-positive, to realist, to near-pessimist. The "Gripes go up," "Stress Bucket," and "Two types of Grandpas" chapters reminded me that this is probably just a valley in life's ever-changing sway from peak to valley. Attitude really is everything, or at least a large portion of it. The chapters in this section highlight that, and will be a good reminder going forward that life can't always be perfect.
Burn: Pages 42 - 60
To me, this section is about using the valuable resources that you have at your disposal. Whether that be people, technology, knowledge, whatever, there's always something around you that will help you grow. Your work will reflect these extra contributions. Janda is inspiring the reader to be accountable for their time and work ethic, and do what they must to be the best that they possibly can. Because there really will always be someone better than you at something.
Burn: Pages 61 - 80
Work ethic. It cannot be replaced, faked, or "short cutted." In design, there is a clear connection between the amount of effort you put into a project, and the outcome. Usually, this equates to time as well. There's a quote floating around out there that basically says this: "The details aren't the details, they make the design." This could not be more true. The second you start cutting corners, that's the same second that you will lose respect from your client and other designers. You build your design reputation through the details. Without hard work, there would be no good design.
Burn: Pages 81 - 101
One quote that I've been thinking on since I read it in the book - "The faster you work, the more you make." When considering taking a short break to surf the web, get a snack, anything, I can head Janda's voice in my head. I have a big problem with procrastination, and it usually blows up in my face if I don't constantly keep it under control. I have t remind myself, to the point of annoyance, that the work has to get done; so, it might as well get done now. This section of the book is a continuation of "best practices" in the design working phase. Little tips and tricks to help you be more efficient, faster, and of higher quality.
Burn: Pages 102 - 123
This section delves deeper into Janda's tips for design success. It is clear that organization is key, as well as consistency. If I don't start now, when my project flow is generally pretty light, when will I have time to organize once I become more established? Never. Now is the time for this type of management.
Burn: Pages 124 -150
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