2010 was the busiest year of my life — and at 29, maybe that’s fitting. Starting last December I took my first job as a creative director. Leading a redesign of a small magazine was daunting but thrilling. Not since college had I worked so many 24-hour days, let alone 40- to 50-hour days. I learned a lot about photo directing, creating (and re-creating) templates, and working with other designers (I say “maybe” a lot!). I also learned to work fast and trust myself.

Having returned to freelance in November, the past two months have been filled with anxiety and development. I’ve had time to learn more about web design and experiment with calligraphy, and I’ve been able to meet a number of talented people in person and online. (If you didn’t know, letterpals are the new penpals and are totally in.) I’m most excited for 2011 because I have no idea what I’ll be doing.

With that I’ll move into The Six. An ordered list bound by no single genre — to me, these are the things that defined 2010. Enjoy. •

2010: The Six contents

• Introduction (you're here)
• #6: Visual
• #5: Print
• #4: Tech
• #3: Entertainment
• #2: Idea
• #1: Thing
• Plus 3