“If the first brick is laid crooked, the wall will remain crooked all the way to the sky.”

It’s a timeless truth — not just in construction, but in creative design. The very first decision sets the tone for everything that follows. One misaligned “brick,” and the whole project risks leaning off-course.

The First Brick in Creative Work

In design, that first brick isn’t literal — it’s a focus.

• If the focus is on pleasing stakeholders at the cost of user needs, the wall tilts.

• If the focus is on shortcuts instead of clarity, cracks appear.

• If the focus is on trends instead of purpose, the wall may look impressive, but it won’t stand the test of time.

The earliest moves carry the most weight, because once momentum builds, it’s harder to correct the course.

Integrity Over Approval

Here’s a rule I’ve learned the hard way: never present a design you don’t stand behind.

Stakeholders might request compromises, but if you knowingly push forward something that misrepresents your vision, you’re laying that first crooked brick. And from there, the project often unravels — sometimes subtly, sometimes disastrously.

Integrity is what keeps the wall straight. It’s not about rejecting collaboration, but about setting boundaries. Standing by designs you believe in ensures the final result serves both the user and the brand — not just the loudest voice in the room.

Building Walls That Last

Design isn’t just decoration — it’s architecture for experiences. And like any good architect, you have to think beyond the first layer. When the first brick is laid with integrity, every layer that follows aligns naturally.

So whether you’re sketching a logo, crafting an interface, or leading a campaign, ask yourself: Am I proud of this first brick?

Because from the very first move to the final delivery, what you build is only as straight as where you begin.

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