we’ve all been there – down, questioning ourselves, directionless – wondering if this is the right path. put that in the context that exists today that (in the words of a long time visual media industry veteran in the bay area i recently spoke with put our industry around a 4 out of 10) + things can seem rough.

regardless, though, of how crazy things may appear i doubt any of us are anywhere near making the $75 million commitment that clifbar founder + owner gary erickson has. believe in yourself, hold fast to what’s important, maintain your integrity + in the words of seth godin be a laser.

great quick read as frog design‘s director of product strategy, adam richardson interviews erickson on maintaining vision + values. use your strengths to turn the tables. don’t feel like you need to give in to the the rules of a larger field. more on this via innovator malcolm gladwell in the new yorker. together these two pieces provide a great picture of what it takes to not only stay in business but keep your creativity alive.