We’ve all heard the statement “quality over quantity”, which usually rings true in most cases. But quantifying has its advantages, too. Take a look at these two statements below and determine which one stands out more:

“That was a good conference.”

versus

“I was blown away by some dynamic speakers who helped me craft five creative action steps to book my next six-figure deal!”

The second description sounds a lot more appealing, right? That’s because the second statement quantified the type of action steps needed to produce specific results. …

It all started with a voicemail notification. I had just woken up from a nap on a Friday evening. I checked the voicemail to hear my recruiter on the other end: “Shannel, I regret to inform you that you have been released from your position, effective today. Let me know a good time to meet up if you want to get your stuff.” Groggy and confused, I played the message over again to make sure I heard it correctly. I was being laid off from a contract design job at a major corporation that I was doing well at, so I thought. My manager and I had just talked about a new initiative she wanted me to help her with. I never received any complaints — in fact, it was quite the opposite. I had only been on the job for three months. And earlier that same year, just four months prior, I had been laid off from another job where I served as a graphic designer for almost 4 years. Well, I was pissed off, to say the least. The year was 2010. …

Ever sent a quote or proposal to a potential client, immediately followed by worry that you priced it too high? (even though you probably didn’t — you actually might’ve undercut yourself a bit). A day or two goes by and you don’t hear back, so now you start to get nervous…

The first thing you consider is following up with a lower price. But here’s a tactic to consider—STAND FIRM.

If it hasn’t been a considerably long wait, the client could be getting approvals from team members, rallying the troops on your behalf, or drafting up an agreement for you. But imagine making the assumption that their brief silence is about price, so you lower your standards and resend a quote that you think will appease them. …

Design is a unique mix of visual problem solving, art, and communication. When we design freely, it’s common to infuse our unique style, personality, and passion into our work. Creating can be an emotional and personal experience. How we channel these emotions can either elevate that experience or lead to a project’s detriment, depending on how we control these emotions.

Excitement

It’s always a great feeling to look forward to a creative project. You’re blooming with ideas, you feel confident about your abilities to execute and you’re hopeful for a good outcome. Maybe you’re excited to work on something you really believe in, work with a particular client, collaborate with a talented team, tackle something new and challenging, or look forward to an outcome with high visibility (and pay). Excitement is a good driver for energy, fresh ideas, and initiative. …

A few months ago, the George Floyd killing awakened a sleeping giant called corporate America to step up, speak out and acknowledge the racial divide and social injustices this country has endeavored (I say this with a mix of hope and skepticism). For many, it came with shock and unbelief, and for others, like me, it was just another grim reminder of an ever-present divide not nationally realized until a pandemic and a knee on a neck opened people’s eyes. With boldness (and reluctance for some) companies declared that Black lives mattered and pledged to do better to acknowledge social injustice, fill the gaps of ignorance, and work toward shifting the lack of “diversity and inclusion” within the workplace. …

Potential Client: “I need X, Y, and Z done in two weeks, but I can only afford [insert unfavorable amount here]”

Designer: “Well, I usually charge X-amount for a project like that, and it usually takes 3–4 weeks…”

Potential Client: “So can you do it or not?”

Designer: “Um, yeah sure— I think we can make that work” (while screaming obscenities on the inside)

I think most of us designers have had at least one experience where we’ve accepted a job or client out of desperation. It’s inevitable that life will throw curveballs that push us to do what we need to do (versus what we might actually want to do) to survive. This includes bidding lower than usual on a project, quoting lower than you usually do, giving unwarranted discounts, accepting and/or maintaining unhealthy client relationships, or compromising your work by bending to a lower standard. All of these actions are usually done reluctantly, and at the mercy of circumstance. If we were all rolling in dough, then surely there would be less of a need to say “yes” to the endeavors that really don’t help us grow. …

If you’ve ever created a website, made web content updates, done maintenance, or managed web projects, you already know that it’s not for the faint of heart. Aside from the overall technical skills, some understanding of design principles, and the overall competence that you’ll need to execute a website project, you’ll also need to continually practice these six principles for successful execution:

I’ve always respected and in some ways admired those who consider themselves an open book. Conversely, I’ve always been more discreet. I’m definitely learning more about the power of vulnerability and I’m totally open to sharing when I think it will be helpful. But I’ve never been one to volunteer all of my business to any and everyone (and especially not without a good cause).

When it comes to new beginnings, endings, plans, successes, failures, uncertainties, and everything in between, it seems commonplace to openly share these life events on social media, in social gatherings, over the phone, in the break room. But it is not anyone’s obligation or duty to be an open book at all times. As a matter of fact, I believe there can often be wisdom in silence. …