As someone who works with new ideas every day, both from clients and my own, I’ve solidified some opinions on the topic. First off, what I consider to be fact is that there is no shortage of ideas. I’d even say there is an abundance of great ideas out there. Second, what makes it possible for ideas to become reality is actually doing the work. You know, executing that idea to its fullest potential. Sweating, failing, tweaking, trying, changing, sweating more, and ultimately, hopefully, succeeding. That’s what makes ideas happen. What has become my least favorite place to be in the ideation process is a conference room full of people talking about ideas. I think you could even scratch this conference room of people talking out of the equation altogether. In my experience, ideas becoming reality always happens after that anyway, so let’s just get to it.
How likely is it that you will take on this ridiculously urgent project?
I’m thinking about a widget for independent folks that answers that question clearly and honestly. I mean, I do like my fast and furious projects as much as the next guy, but sometimes, it’s just not possible given the current workload. This widget would take into account what’s in the queue, self-confidence level, amount of active creative juices, and how well the last urgent project went:
- Fuck-yeah-let’s-do-it!
- It’ll cost a shit ton, but we can make it happen!
- Okay, but we gotta focus this fucker.
- Oi vey, maybe if it was for the President.
- Seriously, no fucking way.
And there you have it. Simple and easy. The answer to one of life’s most pressing questions. Will iron out the kinks and let you know when it’s ready for primetime.
Fast-Cheap-Bad, Slow-Expensive-Great
How do you want your design? In reference to the infamous venn diagram and first thing I ever put on Pinterest, it’s an honest question. One that I think cuts right to the chase. In my design practice, at it now for 12+ years, I prefer to have nothing to do with the fast, cheap, or bad. On the other hand, I’m not all that interested in slow, expensive, or great. I do really want the steady, the appropriate, and the good. I suppose I’ve never been all that into extremes. Design in the middle of everything is what I’m after. So no, I cannot get you your urgent request for awesome next week. I’m also not gonna go slow, won’t overcharge, and will deliver something that’s meaningful. You want great, go here. Glad we got that out of the way.
Saying No Still Stings
O, what might have been. O, what could have been. O, what magic could’ve been made. In retrospect, taking on a particular project I said no to would’ve probably been great, it would’ve probably given me a heart attack from the constant working. I know it was best I declined, but it does still sting. I just don’t like saying no. I want all the awesome projects with awesome people always. But that doesn’t always work out because of timing and current commitments. Comes with the territory of independence I guess. Chalk it up and move on to the next.
Feeling like you just can’t take your eye off it
Because if you do, it could all crumble. If you don’t send the follow up email, no work comes in. If you don’t stay up to all hours until the concept is nailed, you’ll never get it done. If you don’t update your portfolio, people will think you’re a one trick pony. If you don’t watch those latest Creative Cloud tutorials, don’t learn Sketch, you’re going to fall behind. Don’t learn to code, become obsolete. Don’t push the envelope, you’re going to hate yourself.
If you forget to track your mileage, you won’t get that deduction. Miss the latest networking event, you’ll drop off people’s radar. Not always checking email? Well then the next big thing is going to pass you by. And if you aren’t keeping yourself up at night, you just aren’t letting the work become all-consuming enough.
If you don’t take this low paying project for this interesting thing, you’ll never work on anything interesting ever again. Don’t say yes to everything, the requests will start to dry up. Don’t get more work, gonna have to find a real job. Don’t watch anymore independent films, become boring and drab. Don’t subscribe to this podcast, become stuck in your ways. Don’t listen to that latest vinyl album that’s all the rage, well then you just aren’t hip. And if you forget to watch the new Daily Show, you won’t be on the pulse.
And on and on. Even though all of this is exaggerated, for the most part, there’s a bit of truth there. Which is why trying to disconnect can be such a challenge, especially when life can blend so easily into work. The one thing that is fact, and something you should keep in mind regardless: If you don’t start somewhere, you’ll never finish anywhere.
WIP: My Introduction
Goodness, my personal introduction at networking events is weak! Like weak-weak. Weak ass weak. I tell you what, the timid utterance of “um, I’m a designer” bores me to tears every time I hear myself utter it. That’s typically the reason I go running off, away from large crowds, crying as I go. I bore, uninspire, and leave a person with no reason whatsoever to want to continue to learn about what it is that I do. No wonder I still have all my business cards from 2010. Who wants the contact info from the boring, weepy guy running out the door. Such a drag. Well I'm going to work on that.
My introduction from now on is going to magnificent. Extravagant. Impressive. Striking. I know, I know. I’ve said this before. But this time is going to be different. I’m really going to do it. The next time you spot me in the crowd, looking eager and fidgety, what appears to be the precursor to yet another cry baby runway show, I’m going to surprise everyone with an introduction so grand, it will shake the foundation of all commonly held etiquette at such gatherings. For the text time you see me in such a networking setting and ask who I am and what I do, I'm going to meet the challenge head on with a profound, “Hi, I’m Justin and I de
Selling It
This is something I definitely struggle with. By nature, I do not have the qualities that make a good salesman. I just don’t have what it takes to really sell. I’ve been around people who can, and it is quite something to behold, both the good and the bad. But in order to be a successful independent designer, you have to get your ideas out into the world somehow.
I’ve settled into what works for me. I’m probably not as reassuring as I could be in the beginning. And I don’t comfort as much as I could along the way. But having been on the side of being “sold to,” I try to stay away from wowing and zowing right off the bat. I prefer to underwhelm and over deliver, not the other way around. It amazes me the times the other way around works out for people. Sometimes I feel like that’s just the way of the world. That in order to get the “big fish” I need to focus more on the hot buttons, the buzz words, and the whatever else. Instead of the actual work, because who really cares about that anyway, right?
I digress. I actually don’t really feel resolved on this. More conflicted. Because I don’t think design is like plumbing. I think it’s more like a relay race. It’s a process that should be participated in by everyone. And everyone should know the discomfort that can come with it.
I don’t want to sell a song and dance. I don’t want to present this as easy, magnificent, and the answer to all your fears. I want to tell you what I know it is and what it can do. That’s it. My hope is that’s enough. And I hope that helps lead to those special relationships that are hard to come by. Grounded in honesty, with a good BS meter, and accompanied by a celebratory nature that only comes from being comfortable enough along the way to let everyone just do what it is they do.
