One of Stefan Sagmeister’s whimsical installations at Deitch Projects — tiled bananas that ripen and darken throughout the week.

There’s much to learn from Stefan Sagmeister’s recent book and exhibition at Deitch Projects, and you can be sure that Mr. Sagmeister will have just as many universal truths to impart at his upcoming presentation for AIGA/NY next Tuesday evening.

I’ve caught up with the busy designer, teacher, and artist to tease a few more bits of things he’s learned, out of him.

What was your very first job?

I was starting to write for a left leaning youth culture magazine named Alphorn and quickly discovered that I liked doing the headlines (from donated old Letraset sheets) and layout (IBM electric typewriter) better than the writing part itself.

The magazine also organized all sorts of concerts so there was an opportunity to design small posters, bring them to he printer and put them up all over the city.

And the most poignant lesson you learned from it?

When all the lower case e’s are missing from a Letraset sheet, it’s easier to draw the entire headline by hand than trying to remake them out of the few remaining letters.

You’ve shown an affinity for sharing your found knowledge about working with graphic design — through teaching and lecturing, extensive Q & A on your website, and your book, Things I Have Learned In My Life So Far. How has this sharing helped you form as a designer? As a person?

When answering questions I am forced to think about a subject properly, so it often comes into focus.

In the foreword for Adrian Shaugnessy’s book, How To Be A Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul, you mention taking time between clients to pause for some self-reflection. Are there any specific exercises you can think of and recommend to young designers to aid this kind of self-reflection?

Yes, easy: Go on a trip to a place you have never been before. By yourself.

Finally, is there one question you’d like to ask young designers?

What touched you in design lately?