Ideas worth spreading

3,653,152 views | Stefan Sagmeister • TEDGlobal 2009

The power of time off

Every seven years, designer Stefan Sagmeister closes his New York studio for a yearlong sabbatical to rejuvenate and refresh their creative outlook. He explains the often overlooked value of time off and shows the innovative projects inspired by his time in Bali.

Become a TED Member

Want to hear more great ideas like this one? Sign up for TED Membership to get exclusive access to captivating conversations, engaging events, and more!

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Every seven years, designer Stefan Sagmeister closes his New York studio for a yearlong sabbatical to rejuvenate and refresh their creative outlook. He explains the often overlooked value of time off and shows the innovative projects inspired by his time in Bali.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Stefan Sagmeister

Graphic designer

See speaker profile

Renowned for album covers, posters and his recent book of life lessons, designer Stefan Sagmeister invariably has a slightly different way of looking at things.

Stefan Sagmeister | Abrams Books, 2013 | Book

Things I Have Learned in My Life So Far

Everything that I know to be true. This series of typographic works came out of a list I found in my diary under the same title.

Jonathan Haidt | Basic Books, 2006 | Book

The Happiness Hypothesis

If you are interested in the subject of happiness, this is the best book I've come across. Haidt manages to write in a way that's encompassing yet precise, scientific yet personal. A wonderful survey of many strategies that might improve your well-being.

Daniel Gilbert | Vintage, 2007 | Book

Stumbling on Happiness

A fantastic explanation of why we are so bad at planning what will be good for us.

Curt Nickish | NPR, May 20, 2013 | Listen

Seeing The (Northern) Light: A Temporary Arctic Retirement

A Canadian man took his family on a sabbatical after seeing my TED Talk.

Learn more