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Paul Elite
Paul Elite

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Dear Designer, You Can’t Rush Greatness

The average time for a tree to grow to maturity is approximately 30–50 years, depending on a combination of fast, moderate, and slow-growing species. This timeline begins when the seed is planted and relies on the tree’s access to essential resources for growth. Among these, water is arguably the most critical resource, especially during key stages such as establishment, growth, and reproduction.

A tree typically requires around 10 gallons of water per day to thrive, ensuring that it has enough moisture to fuel photosynthesis and support cellular processes. However, overwatering—a common misconception—does not accelerate growth. Instead, it can cause issues such as root rot and nutrient leaching, which ultimately hinder development. In design terms, think of overwatering like trying to consume too many resources or practicing for ridiculously lengthy stretches of time—This may lead to a burn out.

Design and Growth: A Parallel

This concept of growth applies to design as well. We often believe that investing more time or resources in a project, or chasing unrealistic timelines, will lead to faster mastery or better results. However, true growth—whether for a tree or a designer—requires consistent, deliberate effort over time. As with a tree, our craft thrives on iterative refinement, balancing inputs like inspiration, research, and practice.

In design, visual literacy plays a pivotal role. It’s not just about creating; it’s about seeing, analyzing, and learning from exceptional design work. The brain processes visual input over time, embedding insights into a permanent, reusable skill set. In this sense, taste and quality emerge not from quantity but from sustained, focused exposure to excellence.

Embrace the Process

Finally, give yourself grace. Like a tree growing steadily, mastery in design takes time. Practice, iterate, and refine, but don’t lose heart if progress feels slower than expected. In the end, great outcomes are the result of a disciplined process, not shortcuts.

Good things indeed take time.

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