What are we waiting for?

Being impulsive all the time just isn’t practical. Sometimes you can’t do something because there are too many things standing in the way—time, commitments, money, etc. But lately I’ve been asking myself more and more What are we waiting for? When it comes to the things we really want to do and we’re saying to ourselves we’ll do them someday, why is that? There may be good reasons, but there may also be made up reasons. Ones that are needlessly holding us back.

I wanted for so long to work as an independent designer. It took me seven years of working professionally before I finally did it. Maybe the timing was just right, but maybe it could’ve happened sooner. I remember lots of barriers I put up around the decision that stood in the way that were just made up reasons not to do it. When it came down to it I was afraid. Of that thing I really wanted not being something I would be able to do. And now it’s five years later. Looking at the next five, what else am I waiting for? We don’t have all the time in the world. The years seem to only be speeding up and if we want to make something happen, to really get after it, then we better get to it.

How do you make any money?

Went to the bank the other day to make some deposits. The teller asked me what I did. I said design. He asked who for. I said a lot of non-profits. He asked how I make any money. I said good question. Everybody has a budget. And to make that budget possible, how I approach potential work includes this very important point: Most of my projects exist within the delicate balance between professional rates and nonprofit budgets. I do what I can to make the process as efficient as possible to ensure expert design is accessible to clients with limited resources. I don’t do things for free but I am accommodating. The work I want to do requires that. But it also needs clients who don’t act like they’re operating with endless funds. It may seem like it would be limiting to function in that type of relationship but honestly, it’s quite liberating. It leads to good work for people who appreciate the end result. And I can still make the money needed to run an independent design business.

Oh what a year so far

A few weeks back there was a surprise visit from one of my dearest friends back in town from San Francisco. An epic pop-in to Round and Round to be sure. And that same day I had one of the best client calls about a new brand ever. They were so into the ideas and very excited to move forward. Those are two things that a person needs to stop and take note of. Looking back at this year so far, there has been so much really great stuff that’s happened it’s hard not to be excited about what’s to come. But there has also been intense challenges, frustrating projects, and a general amount of shittines. You know, duality. The older you get I think that’s just how it is. Life offering up great and lousy things all at once. It can be exhausting but as you move through it, the good will usually win the day, you just gotta keep on keepin’ on.

A Big Reset

Twelve days and no work. It’s been so long since I’ve had that much time off. It was amazing to get to an end point on several big projects, wrap things up, and head out the door. No emails, no deadlines, no conference calls, etc. Now back in office, getting caught up on things, I feel a huge sense of reset. The potential of what’s to come is what I love most about being an independent designer, and there’s a lot of that looking out over the horizon. New clients and collaborations to work with, new issues to take on, and new skills to learn. Rested and refreshed, a big reset makes all the newness that much more exciting. So much new energy, so many possibilities. Let’s get to it.

How do you manifest justice in your community?

What is the most important thing a single individual can do? Understand that the forces of the status quo will fight you at every turn. Do not be deterred. Do not be discouraged. Know that the status quo wants to keep things just the way they are. And for things to change, it will take your resolve, persistence, and an infinite supply of stubbornness in the face of indifference, hatred, and sometimes violence. Be stubborn and stand with those already fighting every day for change.

Oh burnout, there you are!

When I decided to keep a regular blog on design and collaboration about a year ago, I told myself I’d be honest. Honest about the good and honest about the bad. One of those bad things that comes with a job in the creative industry is burnout. It is very real and very cruel. It can take what you love and want to do most and turn it into work you just HAVE to do. You can end up going through the motions pushing buttons or rolling over to get something done. What used to come with passion and drive can even be cringed at. It’s not the work. It’s just that you’ve gone too long without a good, healthy break. It happens. When you love what you do it’s easy to overlook the need for leisure, hobbies, and impulsive day trips. Right now I am approaching burnout. And it’s a beast. But fear not, a long vacation is just about here. Excellent timing for sure. I’m really looking forward to it. And after, I'm really looking forward to getting back to it. Designing good work and having a grand time doing it.

Make Time to Think

Before I set out on my own, I had all this thinking built up. Like an insane amount. I was at a cushy agency job sitting on all these ideas, theories, priorities, etc. Just waiting for the perfect time to unleash them. Almost 5 years later, having spent most of my time doing design work guided by this thinking, and staying current with the design industry, responsive web design, infographics, type, software, and on and on, I’d say I’m philosophically low. When you are focused on the doing, purely thinking unrelated to a specific project or task can take a back seat. I have a vacation coming up and a big priority when I get back in office is to make time to just think. In my experience, doing so makes you less reactive, more thoughtful, more patient, and better equipped to deal with the bumps in the road. There’s power in thinking. Just like standing on a street corner with nowhere specific to go.