I was apprehensive when I heard our agency was getting a Mac (Macintosh) computer for the creative department! I had numerous sleepless nights filled with worry. There were so many unknowns: Is this thing going to take my place and flush my career down the toilet? Do I need to brush up on my broom skills again? How will I ever learn to operate such a complicated machine? When it came to computers, clueless was an understatement. A chipmunk probably knew more about them than I did! Besides, weren’t they meant for things like spreadsheets and bookkeeping? Operated by, well, you know those types with greasy hair, super-thick taped glasses, and pocket protectors. How could they possibly be creative and generate great marketing concepts, designs, or illustrations? They couldn't be! Could they?

Soon, the rumor became a reality. The Mac arrived and sat on an office desk in a long row of drawing desks at the far end of the creative department. It seemed as though it was taunting me, daring me to crank it up and take it for a spin. Up to this point in my career, everything was analog, and things were about to change.

And I wasn’t alone in my fear—many of us wondered if our skills would still be relevant in a world run by machines. I decided I had two choices: resist and risk becoming obsolete, or adapt and grow. So I conquered my fear and did what I knew I had to do. I squeezed in as much extra time as I possibly could on the computer each day, stayed late, and even went in on weekends. Learning multiple apps was challenging and overwhelming, but I had no choice; my job depended on it.

As I became more acquainted with it, I realized the computer wasn’t creating ideas; I was. Instead of replacing creativity, it elevated it, letting me execute ideas faster and more precisely than ever before.

Before long, I fell in love with this beautiful Mac machine and was enjoying every minute of my time on the keyboard. Soon I was thriving and became the go-to guy for help. The designer who once feared the Mac now can’t imagine working without it.

It's hard to believe this was ever a source of fear or a struggle. The Apple Macintosh is just another tool. Now, desktop computers are slowly becoming antiquated. Case in point: I built this website in the palm of my hand on my iPhone, even though I have an iMac on my desk at home that barely gets used. Technology keeps evolving. Who knows what’s next? But back then, the Mac felt like a revolution—and those who didn’t adapt risked being left behind. ❦

✽ COMPUTER TIP OF THE DAY ✽

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