I really like this question. I was part of a design roundtable recently led by this guy and these folks where this question kicked things off. Both parts, taken together, for maximum impact. But I like this so much I think I’m going to start asking it to myself in everything that I show up to. Simply showing up being a good portion of any work you do, knowing who you are and why you’re there, that’s the rest of the equation.
On Ideas
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
