That’s a tough one. Would you share what you wrote back when you were �in school’ and �compare and contrast’ with what you’d write now?

> at Art Center, came back to mind in which we were asked to write our own eulogy.

Funny. I was asked this question by my shrink about 10 years ago when my parents didn't know what to do with my indifference and continually flunking prowess and made me go see one. (Too personal?). My anwer at the time, of course, Whatever, I don't care.

It's hard to answer this without waxing corniness, but what the heck…

I would like to be remembered as someone who had something to say and didn't mind saying it in public.

What would I like to be remembered for? For making a positive difference in this world.

If that is through design -- great! If it's through some other endeavor such as being a good parent or a volunteer to some area of need -- great! But to leave no positive legacy...well, that would be a shame.

And to borrow a phrase from a recent movie, if I screw up the parenting-thing, the other stuff doesn't mean much.

i wish i could claim the happy face in my eulogy. but, alas, my accomplishments as a designer fall far far short of that lofty goal.

ps - i'm not joking.

A year ago, I wrote my own eulogy as part of a writing exercise. But realistically, I'm not experienced enough to know what's worth being remembered for. (Although I foresee a tombstone that uses Gotham.)

In truth, it's noble to attain professional goals and receive recognition for the hard work. But when (and if) I start a family, I can easily say that being remembered as a good father is a priority.

"He always did the right thing."

There's nothing anyone could say about me that would be better than that.

I think Daniel said it best.

Sometimes it's hard to swallow that all the work I put into design, art, or whatever other pursuit I have will one day be remembered by no one.

Other days it's nice to know that I probably won't be remembered for letting the dishes "go" once in awhile.

Helps ya keep things in perspective.

I would want to be remembered for touching someone's heart with design. I don't care much right now about making a difference in the world.

Think: Sagmeister vs. Mau

I live around details, both in my work and my life.

That's how I feel today. Ask me tomorrow. There's a good chance you'll get a different answer.

I'd like to be remembered by people for what I did for each of them individually (whether directly or indirectly, through design or not), to have made an impact and for it to be worthy of rememberance. Frankly, the specifics aren't as important to me (well, naturally, I'd prefer to avoid anything horrible).

If I ever do anything worthy of a public eulogy, my only preference is that it isn't something along the lines of: "Remember that thing that looked good? Yeah, he did that. Then a bunch of other people did it too. Let's all remember him for that."

i'd want to be remembered as a fighter, a lover, a tireless child whose mantra is "you need a hand? i have two." i'd want to be remembered for things like shoveling out friends' cars before 7am on my birthday, buying hot chocolate for Good Samaritan Santas, and putting the free back in freelance for my church.

i don't think i'll be remembered as an adult, and really i kind of prefer it that way. i turned 24 two days ago, and still start my morning with cereal and cartoons.

Would you share what you wrote back when you were �in school’ and �compare and contrast’ with what you’d write now?

it has not changed much. if at all. i remember when writing mine it started about all these design accomplishments but then i edited and edited and in short, it came to something like. "Enjoyed life. Loved what he did. Appreciated his friends. A good guy to be around."

If recall correctly: design-related goals did not come up in one essay in the class, which i thought was pretty amazing. I think it helped everyone to put their ambition in perspective. and maybe even take a saturday off once in a while.

I was asked this question by my shrink about 10 years ago when my parents didn't know what to do with my indifference and continually flunking prowess and made me go see one. (Too personal?).

Too personal — absolutely not. I think that sharing that kind of information not only provides depth to your character, but helps to give hope to those who are in a similar situation.

As for my remembrance, I can remember my mother telling me at the Thanksgiving table (years ago), “You shouldn’t smile so much — people will think you’re retarded.” Ahh, said only the way a mother could. I guess that is one thing I would like people to remember. Not the quote, but the part about my smile. I think that being happy, productive, and an overall good influence are qualities that I would like to bring to my final portfolio review.

nice post!

When I first started designing my sole goal was to have a poster published in Graphis.

Now however, awards or publication in trade mags and journal don't interest me terribly. I do quite a bit of non-profit design, both pro-bono and paid -- as a designer I'd like to be remembered as someone who helped give voice (or a better looking voice at least) to those who need it most.

Like Daniel (and being a parent myself), I wouldn't mind being noted for being good parent, and a good spouse, and even throw in simply being a responsible person overall.

Kickin' ass and taking names!

Actually a family friend asked me this question last year and the answer I came up with was, I would like to be remember as someone who lived life fearlessly. But I think my answer has sinced changed or been added to, I was thinking about this the other day in class and I thought I would like to be a person that achieves some balance.

Honestly though, I don't know I think/ hope I have several more years to answer this question.

I hope that I'm remembered as a good friend to those that knew me and known to be able to finish the things that I started with passion.

+ nice topic peter

I don't want to be remembered by that time my track team was in the hallway and the coach was preparing us for a big meet and I accidentally farted!

No risk, no glory.

I'm not talking about foolhardy risks like bungee jumping and skydiving — I'm talking about bigger risks like starting a family, running a business, or committing to a profession or life that has no guarantees.

I'd like to be remembered as a man who never feared to step off the ledge of my own choosing.

It's a goofy movie, but Defending Your Life with Albert Brooks goes along the lines of what I'm talking about.

Within the very narrow spectrum of design, I guess I'd like to be remembered for my design theory, which has re-energized the way I view and practice my craft in manifold ways, and holds the promise of always growing and adapting.

On a personal level, when/if I have kids (the window is narrowing rapidly), like others, I'd like to be remembered as being a loving parent who helped his children along the pathway to becoming a happy, well-adjusted, self-fulfilled adult; and to paraphrase Kalil Gibran, I may shoot the arrow into the sky, but it is the arrow that chooses its course.

In a general way, I'd like to be remembered as I hope I am thought of now: as as a nice guy who cared immensely for the well-being of others; and like Zoelle, as someone with a smile on his face and laughter in his heart for the endless wonder and beauty of existence.

I feel a group midlife-crisis of contemplation coming on. Or maybe I'm just projecting insecurities about my lack of suitable retirement savings. It's hard not to be so living in this crazy nexus of politics, real estate craziness, and vegan food Bay Area. Warning: RANT CROSSING. Slow down to 15MPH.

Well, as the charlatan-inspirational speakers say, "No one ever had 'Should have spent more time at the office' carved on their gravestone," as they go on to tell you how to work your fingers to the bone above all else. We as designers certainly blur boundaries of work and play, life and work, day and night, by being so emotionally invested in what we do. I'm at that age where my once idealistic peers from design school and early jobs are splitting into two paths: they are going out on their own to forge their own design paths --OR-- design has become simply a "a job" and they are simply trying to pull down as many ducats as possible to enjoy life, family, German cars, and $3500 mortgage payments. Very few are occupying the middle ground in between.

This middle area seems the most appealing to me, but it might also explain why I have been struggling so much to maintain a semblance of a full life (granted San Francisco's cost of living doesn't help). It seems the black and white mentality of culture (well, probably American culture predominantly) extends even to this: pick one extreme and get on with it. This is what the "ownership"/"market rules" society has begat in the new century. Sometimes when I see what this competitive spirit breeds in people, I'm glad there are still some parts of society that are regulated by our government.

I've done a lot of design, worked for many people, won awards, met a lot interesting people at conferences and lectures, even made some halfway decent cash. Half of me is thrilled over this, half of me thinks it's complete empty bullshit and I should be spending more time with the wife and friends, doing more traveling, reading more, engaging in intellectual thought and dialogue. Then again, why can't these things co-exist? Lord knows they should. This is why I add to my already long list of thing and teach. And you know what? It's probably the one thing that really keeps me going.

A former student was nice enough to send me an issue of CA in which her place of employment was featured, with a nice note that said, "I was excited about the article and wanted to share the news with someone that was influential on how I got here." It's moments like these that make life rich and worth living. Sure, it's nice to create some great work, but it pales to you as a PERSON (rather than as a designer) being acknowledged as an inspiration for someone that goes on to do better than you. Imagine if we all tried to engage the world in such a way what a better more interesting place it would be?

(Good thing that teachers are paid what they deserve, too.)

My epitaph: A wonderfully cyncial optimist.

(Ah, that felt good. And still so much to say, but I will spare you.)

I've been thinking a lot about my aging pal, Pete the Westie. Although difficult at times and incredibly stubborn, he has been a constant in my life for a long time. If I'm lucky, we'll have another couple of good years together. I'd like my eulogy to be the same as his:

Best squirrel chaser in Seattle, able to bring smiles to strangers faces when I do "the growlies", can scratch any spot with a good stiff carpet, love to go for car rides with my head out the window, equally tormented by the vacuum and flies buzzing about, can lick clean any plate in 6 seconds or less, enjoys a good nap in the sun, and can walk on a leash but would prefer not.

It wasn't until I saw the blank fields at the bottom of the window that I remembered to ask myself the question. Though some answers are heavy on the cheese, some are thought provoking and sincere. If my time were cut short, my eulogy would probably just include my name and date of birth ... I'd like to be remembered for something, anything positive.

here lies heather.

she made things look nice.

Many years ago Eric Braeden (Victor Newman on “the Young and the Restless”) delivered a eulogy for Rudy Vejas (who directed several soaps.) The main statement was “Rudy was a mensch.” I remember thinking that “mensch” might be the best way to be remembered. (BTW, Rudy really was a mensch.)

I wouldn’t want people to remember me only in terms of graphic design. If decency and rigor come out in my design and/or writing, that’s great. Those traits in all aspects of life are what’s important. Ultimately, graphic design is a means to ends, not something to be considered by itself.

"Ultimately, graphic design is a means to ends, not something to be considered by itself."

I completely agree.

As an aside: it'd be interesting to see how designers of different age/professional stages would respond to that statement.

Short of just being remembered in a positive light, I was humbled recently as local students produced a City Arts and Culture guidebook and credited me as a source for the creative direction of the piece. I casually met with students a few times early on in the project and then hadn’t heard anything about it for what seems like at least a year - until a printed copy and thank you note arrived in the mail.

I guess it’s a bit like the Butterfly Effect - you don’t often realize how a simple action sets other things in motion, as simple things often do.

If I had to answer this relative to a career in design - as well as life - I hope to go down savoring every minute I am given:

Here lies Don Julio. He never gave up.

today's my 33rd birthday...this question seems extra poignant somehow...

i know i'll be remembered for my effusiveness, my loud laugh, and my loyalty.

But at this point in my career, I think I'll be remembered for my consistency. I know that doesn't seem very sexy...but there's something to be said about consistency and reliability.

I would like to be remembered for all the intangible things e.g. sense of humor, compassion, etc. but also, really, for something tangible. Something a future generation could look back on and say "He was good. This is unique." Bonus points if my creation starts a little cult that wears costumes and attends conventions.

for being real in a world that is so fake. for being an individual, true to oneself and others as well. for following my heart, dreams, love and passions and making some sort of difference in the process. Be that to a single individual or the world over.

god bless.

For being the best dad I could possibly be

a loving husband

for making people laugh

and not anything as ephemeral as a book or a poster.

Good God. I read some of these, and feel a song coming on. They're hilarious, and oddly poignant and personal at the same time.

>Ultimately, graphic design is a means to ends, not something to be considered by itself.

I third that Gunnar. I love design, I really do. But I don't think passion for the work should define you—you should define the work. If my life was consumed with defining an epitaph through design, I don't really think any amount of achievement would really be sufficient — even if I became the second coming of Milton Glaser.

There are so many other milestones in life that can really just fuck things up, wonderfully as well as sadly. One is having a child — see if your world, passion, and priorities doesn't get completely remade. Forever. The other is losing a parent — which is when you start to discover where your parent's expectations in you end, and you begin. It happens to everyone eventually, yet nothing can prepare you for it.

Again, I love design. But man, there's just so many other ways to think bigger.

>I feel a group midlife-crisis of contemplation coming on.

Eric, we have completely parallel lives. Word for word. Except I stopped teaching about a year ago cause I got too busy. I miss it. Thanks for sharing.

Honesty. I want to remember for being honest with the people that are in my life (directly or indirectly)… for saying the things I believe should be said, for doing the things I believe in, for not hiding behind the what others wish to hear, for being truthful about people., etc.

"Ultimately, graphic design is a means to ends, not something to be considered by itself."

absolutely

There are so many other milestones in life that can really just fuck things up, wonderfully as well as sadly. One is having a child — see if your world, passion, and priorities doesn't get completely remade. Forever. The other is losing a parent

And a third, loosing a sibling.

But why at all do we need to be remembered?.

I perhaps do not wish that someone would remember me..

I sympathise with KittyCreation.

Some who were close to me will remember me — others won't. Some may remember my work — but they won't recall that I was involved.

I'm confident that I've changed the world for the better in a myriad of small ways. I hope I can continue to do so for some time yet.

I perhaps do not wish that someone would remember me

I don't think the choice is ours if we are remembered or not. It may not be on a global, regional or even local level. But our friends, families and colleagues will remember us.

Perhaps you may not care to be remembered, but my hunch is those close to you will, by choice or not, remember you simply by being involved in your life.

As long as I am as influential as, say, The Beatles or Billy Graham I don't really care what it is that I'm remember for.

I think so long as I have my name next to something I designed in some book somewhere, I'd be happy. It'd be even better if it wasn't just me who thought it was good.

Maybe that's shallow. Sure, I want to be remembered for being a great husband/[eventual] father/all-around nice guy, but for someone to say "hey, he was good at what he chose to do with his life," that seems, I dunno, I guess I good way to put it is a "bonus."

I guess I just want a shot at inspiring someone else.

For all the deep thinkers of posterity out there - a poem by Zhu Xiang from China, 1925.

Bury me in a lily pond,

Where I'll hear worms crawling by.

On the lanterns of green leaves,

Fireflies switch off and on.

Bury me under the lantana blossoms,

Where I'll dream an eternal sweet dresm.

Bury me on top of Mount Tai,

Where the wind sobs in a lone pine.

Or burn me to ashes

And throw me into a churning spring river,

I'll flow with the fallen petals

To a place no one knows.

oh sh*t. For all the deep spellers, the word is dream not dresm..LOL

That guy was good looking. LOL

Seriously though, I would like to be remembered as someone who gave other people chances.

as much as i hate to use a movie quote here, notice that does not stop me from doing so:

"Well, all I'm saying is that I want to look back and say that I did I the best I could while I was stuck in this place. Had as much fun as I could while I was stuck in this place. Played as hard as I could while I was stuck in this place."

-Dawson, "Dazed And Confused"

i think that sums it up right there.

I think so long as I have my name next to something I designed in some book somewhere, I'd be happy.

As someone who has that a hundred times over, I think I can speak for the various contributors to Speak Up who have many more than I do: That won’t do it. It may bring you some small satisfaction but unless it’s a book the likes of which I haven’t seen, I’d suggest setting your ’sights a bit higher.

I wouldn’t want people to remember me only in terms of graphic design. If decency and rigor come out in my design and/or writing, that’s great. Those traits in all aspects of life are what’s important. Ultimately, graphic design is a means to ends, not something to be considered by itself.

I don't think passion for the work should define you—you should define the work.

Design, to me, is simply a way to use a talent we have. We take pride in our talent, especially when it's recognized, as we rightfully should. But if it becomes something we define ourselves by or a measurement of our life's success, then that pride has gone too far.

Life is so much more than "making things look pretty". In fact, I don't think a single person who wrote a eulogy for me would mention a word about design, well, except something like "she saved us from the evil of comic sans". There were many professions I considered in high school, but I chose this one because it was something I loved to do. What I would want one to remember is "she did what she loved to do and she gave it her best effort."

Everyone wants to make a difference in the world somehow, to be known for doing something positive, altruistic -- even if they don't know a good way to do it. The times I have had the clearest focus and meaningful purpose in life was when I put spiritual things (especially my ministry) ahead of design, really. And when I'm feeling off-center, I just go back and read Luke 12 about how a person's life doesn't result from what he possesses and how a life of diligent secular work + seeking "treasure" doesn't matter once you're gone.

So, I guess mine would have something like: "She always happily lived for others, she did the best she could at what she loved to do, and she saved us from the evil that is comic sans."

...ps: thanks for the subject. this helps :)

Gregor hit on a great point: the choice is not ours. If one thinks it is, the endeavor seems like something with a little too much self attached.

I clearly remember offhand things my dad said to me when I was young and he had no intention or inkling that I'd remember them decades later. Likewise, you just don't know what you're going to say or do or make that some soul is gonna' carry with 'em into the future.

This is definitely one of the best entries I’ve ever seen in speak up. In regards to the subject, “what I would like to be remembered by.” I would have to say the little things I’ve done for the people around me. From helping someone in need or giving someone a compliment. It’s these things that make life worth living.

So for my epitaph, “Here lies Raymond Werner, a spiritual and loving individual who was a great father, a great husband and a hard worker.”

> >Ultimately, graphic design is a means to ends, not something to be considered by itself.

I agree as well but, to consider the context, this is a design blog after all, so it's no surprise that people here have thought about how they would want to be remembered in regards to their profession… a profession we discuss here every now and then. Now, if this was, I don't know, Diaper Up, then the design eulogies would be weird.

With that said, I want to thank all for being so honest, candid and open. Nice.

As someone who has [been published] a hundred times over... I’d suggest setting your ’sights a bit higher.

I'm not saying that's all I want from life. The question was "how do you want to be remembered" not "what will your professional heights be." I'm also not writing my eulogy here, since, as Armin has stated this is a design blog. I want, when the shiny silver cloud that seems to hover around anyone who has recently passed away settles, to have at least that one small chance for some design student, or veteran, in the back of some library or bookstore somewhere to see something I did and be inspired for that brief moment. Maybe to someone who's had that "a hundred times over" that seems small. Maybe I'll feel that same way if I find myself in your position. But I assure you, and my future self, it was and is a worthwhile sight to set.

I want to be remembered as being a great father. I chose a creative field because creativity is something I have to do, If I were a truck driver I'd still be creating. If I could make it my job, then all the better. But make no mistake, I design for a living, to provide for my family. Above all the hard work, software, inspiration, awards, clients, and artful hardware from Apple, I do it for my family.

I'm so glad to see this type of honest and open discussion in the design community. I just ran across Milton Glaser's response to this very question in a new online video interview that Hillman Curtis shot for Adobe. You can see the interview here>>

This thread is not mirroring the AGI (too bad the deceased members are not linked to pages of their works) website design at all. Given they have a somewhat international roster of members for which they want to show a �single’ work sample, in parallel, the possibility for this thread to do the same in a bloggy way is here. But no one is describing, in words, a graphic solution they created which they thought was in some way remarkable. Partly because the premise is you are dead -what do you think should be the text of a eulogy a friend or loved one would present at your memorial (actually, you are writing it). All are modest in the presence of mortality and also fearful the goals set out may never be achieved. Should it be asked of friends and loved ones of Speak-up’s bloggers what they think is a single piece of work their designer friend-lover-partner should be remembered by?

Armin and Bryony, first. (one answer would definitely be: Speak-Up)

Or Peter, what were the design-related ambitions that you edited.

Or Peter, what were the design-related ambitions that you edited.

my post was not about design-related ambitions -- a different topic in itself. maybe we'll go there another time.

I want to be remembered for being a father who not only loved his children, and a husband who loved his wife, but a man who kept his word. A man who gave back to the communities he cherished and were a part of his life. Someone who always tried to help others learn and grow. If that were to be my legacy, one would know that I lived life nobly.

Peter's right, that would be another thread/exercies altogether. And a good one actually.

Again, great post!

This is an interesting one for me, as this last monday, I was at a conference for design students in London, with Harriet Devoy of The Chase, and Dominic Lippa of LippaPeirce (both highly respected on this side of the Atlantic, at least) as speakers, and what struck me most about the event was the massive contrast between the two speakers in terms of their personal intentions as graphic designers. Dominic Lippa spoke first (it was a pretty standard 'show some of your work and talk about it' kind of thing) and the overwhelming impression i got was that, like Designers Republic, LippaPeirce have a pretty set 'house style', and they are commissioned for work that is in line with this.

This was propounded by the fact that Mr Lippa seemed to insinuate that he did work for corporate clients purely to fund his self-initiated and pro bono work, which was the part of the job he enjoyed doing. He seemed very aware of his own status as the 'author' of a particular piece of work, and doing a good job for his client somehow seemed to be secondary to this.

By contrast, Harriett Devoy's approach was to tike pride and enjoyment from any and every brief, using this enthusiasm to fuel a more effective end product, and a more dynamic creative process. Authorship didn't matter as much as producing a great graphic solution to any given brief.

Therefore... does it really matter what we are remembered for, or even if we are remembered at all? (I'm speaking in terms of widespread fame - obviously it would be horrific to not be remembered at all .) I personally would like to be remembered as someone who did their job well, and consistently produced good work, that effectively filled the function it was intended to do, rather than as some design auteur who's own reputation and personal stylistic preferences were tantamount to their approach to their work.

It reminds me of a joke or a saying: When I'm on my death-bed, being remembered for what I did for a living won't be first on my mind. A good dad would be a primary.

I think there's more to us than just graphic design. Graphic Design is something we happen to be doing and are good at [or not]...but as people we're more than creatives...all i'm trying to say is that we're cool. And I'm saying that because one of my prospective clients the other day said to me "you people are quiet and don't mix much." ~~ yeah he said "you people"....that was the end of it.

o yea and on my stone i'd like it read:

"just do it"...yea the nike one. it shouldn't have to pay anything...free advertising you know.

as a young adult, one of my goals was pretty simple...to have a poster or design hanging in the 'cool' record shop of my hometown...it was a rather funky place, original posters and the like from all the most famous bands, Pink Floyd, Zepplin...that sort of thing...place had that aroma of weed and incense you get in old established cool record stores...i accomplished that goal years ago by designing cd covers and posters for some canadian bands...they're still hanging up there along side the more famous ones...i'm rather proud of that..........years later, i did a logo design for online broadcaster 'virtuecast' that showed concerts online...when 9 million people tuned in for the madonna concert or the radiohead concert, the first thing they saw was my logo....that was a huge thrill as well.....as far as being remembered...i suppose it would be nice to design something as memorable as the 1984 commercial for apple, or the 'darkside of the moon' album cover...but that's neither here nor there...the best thing to be remembered for (now that i'm older and see things a little clearer) is for being a great husband and father..someone that was happy with his work, helpful to his friends, and satisfied with life...

if you truly enjoy what you do (which i do) success will come. it's the by-product of hardwork , a bit of luck and just good old fashioned perservearance (prolly spelled that wrong)

as for my epitaph, i'd love something like 'here lies one whose name was writ in water'

thats the other great thing about being a designer, nicking really cool ideas :)

Mine:

He who aspired and was inspired,

he who gained and he who lost,

but at the end it was he who sought.

my pics

my pics