- Make it a habit to browse existing maps on a weekly basis. Jot down any and all ideas that come to you as a result of seeing what others are up to in the field. To start browsing, check out the Esri Map Book Gallery, the CartoTalk Map Gallery (you have to sign up to see the maps, but it’s worth it), and see what others are linking to on twitter for the most currently buzzed-about maps (if you haven’t seen this map on Slate this week, you haven’t been keeping up with twitter!).
- Figure out what the top three things are that your clients, boss, customers (whomever you design for) want. Be brutally honest. Do they want the cheapest product and are willing to sacrifice excellent design or even basic design (i.e., legibility)? Are you not putting in enough time to get the quality they need? Whatever they are, write those things down in a place that you’ll see them all year. Either start producing in the way that is needed or find different clientele, or a different job.
- Don’t let 2012 pass by without entering in a map design contest. There’s nothing like some competitive adrenaline to give yourself a kick-in-the-pants to get you to that next level.
- Think of something you can do to contribute to the profession and do it. Whether it’s a paper in a refereed journal, a blog post for an online geo magazine, a presentation at GIS Day, or time spent on VGI, make it a priority to not just give back but to advance the field.
- Think of one doable thing that will make your work-life better and do it. Maybe you need to give a standing desk a try, add a new photo to your cube wall, buy the 100″ wide Giclée printer (no such thing but it would be cool), or get another hard drive. Whatever makes you happy, get that done.
#1 by @redgeographics on January 6, 2012 - 8:37 am
I like it! RT @PetersonGIS: A mapper’s to do list for 2012: http://t.co/fsOTAiGk #cartography #maps
#2 by @kg_geomapper on January 10, 2012 - 3:53 pm
Agreed! @redgeographics | I like it! RT @PetersonGIS: A mapper’s to do list for 2012: http://t.co/KAOR0mCw #cartography #maps