For the first time, I'm still in Savannah for the Savannah College of Art & Design graduation and the Graphic Design Department's "Secession" awards ceremony last week. 

I was thrilled to be asked to contribute a message to the graduates, so here is mine, in good company:

• Zac Petit, Content Strategist, HOW+PRINT & Editor-in-Chief, PRINT
• James Sommerville, VP of Global Design, The Coca Cola Company
• Mike Rohde, author of The Sketchnote Handbook & The Sketchnote Workbook
• Mona Patel, author of ReFrame: Shift the Way You Work, Innovate & Think

They all joined me in Savannah this year for HOW Design Live @ SCAD Season 2. (You can watch the videos of Season 1 and 2 here.)

In the meantime, here's how our messages were displayed for the students -- so lovely! -- then scroll down to read the inspiring introduction to the Secession booklet, written by Jason Fox, Chair, Graphic Design and Visual Experience.

Enjoy!

From the introduction to the Secession book 

Preparation, it’s a funny thing. The more you commit yourself to it, the more confidence and predictability reveals itself in the result. Some may believe that success is a result of luck. But for those who know, it is, in fact, a predictable result of preparation. Making yourself lucky may be a stretch, but knowing that the rigor of a four-year journey of preparation is behind you, and that you are indeed fortified for what comes next is not rhetoric. It’s the simple truth. This year’s graduating class reveals the result of its journey throughout these pages and luck was not part of the equation.

Rest assured that the graduating class of 2017 is ready. Ready to hit the ground running, ready to meet user needs and innovate in our media-driven world. Through the pages of this catalog, you will find work that is immersive, conceptually relevant, and filled with voice. The ideas are nurtured with process and the style thoroughly explored through thoughtfully executed technique.

As you begin your career, be confident in the knowledge you’ve gained, the skills you’ve honed and the relationships you’ve built. Focus your efforts on the journey, work hard and don’t worry about the destination. Be confident in yourself, tenacious in your effort and prepared to pivot. The results will be predictable, no luck required.

Jason Fox
Chair, Graphic Design and Visual Experience
http://www.scad.edu/