Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Debbie Millman, one of the biggest names in branding and design. Here is my two cents on why she is so successful and a few questions that I got the chance to ask.

Debbie Millman is an author, a creative director, an educator, a speaker—the list goes on and on. She is a woman who wears many hats and who cultivates many passions. What she pursues, she pursues genuinely. She doesn’t do what she does to simply fill time, and that shows. Below are two of her books: How to Think Like a Graphic Designer and Look Both Ways.

I should probably back up and explain why Debbie was in our humble town of Oklahoma City. Serving as the AIGA national president, she has the task of speaking to chapters across the nation. Thursday night was our lucky day to experience such an intelligent lady.

Debbie’s presentation was more than a “feel good” design talk. It wasn’t targeted for designers alone; I honestly believe that someone who knew nothing about design would have found the evening enthralling. Debbie spoke of branding as avenues that we humans use to connect with each other. She traced the origins of current branding back to when pre-historic humans developed the desire to mark things. Carrying the theme throughout the years, she discussed five evolutions—or waves—of branding.

Wave 1 – brands as a consistency of product

Wave 2 – brands as a guarantee of quality

Wave 3 – brands as an expressive statement

Wave 4 – brands as an experience

Wave 5 – limbic brands (brands that connect us to each other)

She explained that each wave has brought new perspectives on how we view brands in our society and, consequently, how they shape the way we interact with each other. The final piece of the presentation included a peek into so-called Augmented Reality as a continuation of this shift in human communication and community. Soon our reality will include small devices that can project a phone number pad onto a hand, or a three-dimensional rendering of a person into a space. With that bit of futuristic insight—and the notion that may not be too far away—she concluded her talk and left us captivated.

Had this been it for the evening, I would have been satisfied, but Debbie graciously sat down with me to answer a couple questions just for you all, the readers of okiecreative.

Sans or Serif?
Serif

Favorite Typeface?
Peignot

Favorite Design Program?
Quark Express

What do you think of the “new designer” connotation? Is it a good thing?

Designers really must be more than just designers. They must be anthropologists, sociologists, etc. They must have an umbrella overall. Be well rounded. Why do we design, if we are not all these things?

How do you stay fresh, avoid getting burnt out?

I really love what I do, however I covet days I get to spend in my pajamas—and I love my dogs. I venture outside to walk the dogs. (Here she pulled out her iPhone and showed me two adorable dogs and one very regal cat). These little guys keep me sane.

How are you inspired? Do you search for inspiration?

Inspiration comes when you least expect it. It can come from anywhere. There are many different types of inspiration: sad, happy, warm… most of all I am inspired by people. I am enraptured by people.

Debbie was extremely warm and friendly. She instantly made me feel comfortable. I look forward to seeing what she has up her sleeve next and I hope that you get to experience this design maven sometime very soon. For the latest on what Ms. Millman is up to, follower her on twitter.