As we mentioned before, myself (Martha) and Brian of Fission Strategy recently went to CIRCLES Conference 2014. CIRCLES is a creative conference held annually in a small town called Grapevine, located outside Dallas, Texas. Lasting 2 days, the conference consists of a series of lecture sessions and panel discussions.

We’ve compiled a slideshare of the top 10 lessons we learned from the speakers at the conference. Take a look and please share!

In case you can’t view the slideshare, we’ve also typed them below:

1. Make plans and be specific and you can accomplish more (Session: Kathleen Shannon)

2. Do what you can to not get fried. Happy designers make better work. (Sessions: Kathleen Shannon, Matt Lehman, Lee Steffen)

3. Define your process, then refine your process. (Session: Jessica Hische)

4. Do a personal project. Passion always works in your favor. (Sessions: Heads of State, Matt Legman, Josh Higgins )

5. If you’re willing to work and put in the time, you can learn anything.  (Session: Lee Steffen)

6. Take time to do research. Inspiration is all around you, and sometimes even in the past. (Session: Heads of State)

7. To create a successful team you have to be a family (Session: Josh Brewer)

8. Use social tools to give voice to social causes. (Session: Doug Bowman)

9. Take a class. Do what you can to always be learning.  (Session: Matt Lehman)

10. Write down what your ideal day looks like and take small steps to make it a reality. (Session: Kathleen Shannon)